Doctor Panic (2016) Board Game

Doctor Panic is a real-time cooperative board game designed by Éric Azagury and released in in 2016. It is a party game that involves players working together as a team of doctors to save a patient. The game is known for its fast-paced gameplay and humorous medical theme.

Game Components of Doctor Panic

An application or soundtrack (available for free on iOS and Android)

Tweezers

Hair nets

Whoopie cushion

Numbered cards

Event cards

Various surgical tools and components for tasks like suturing and drug preparation

Body scanner setup pieces

How To Setup Doctor Panic

To set up Doctor Panic, players first download the free application or prepare the soundtrack. The game area is organized with the various surgical tools and components. Each player is given a role, and the team must work together to save the patient. The setup includes preparing the body scanner by making a house of cards, laying out the surgical tools, and distributing the necessary cards and equipment among the players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-time Cooperative Gameplay: Players work in teams to complete tasks within a 12-minute time frame.

Task Completion: Teams must perform eight different tasks, such as examining the patient, preparing drugs for injection, and suturing wounds.

Soundtrack/App Integration: The game uses a soundtrack or app that simulates the patient’s heartbeat, flat-lines, and telephone interruptions.

Event Cards: These cards introduce unexpected challenges, such as oxygen leaks or knock-on-the-door scenarios, which players must respond to immediately.

Objective: Save the patient by completing all tasks before the time runs out.

Player Experience

Playing Doctor Panic is a frenzied and hilarious experience. Players must keep their cool while performing precise surgeries, managing cardiac arrests, and dealing with complex sutures. The game is highly modular, allowing players to remove or add certain event cards to tailor the experience. The real-time nature and cooperative mechanics make communication and teamwork crucial, adding a layer of excitement and chaos to the gameplay.

Pros

Interactive and Engaging: The use of tweezers, whoopie cushions, and other props makes the game highly interactive.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for both children and adults, promoting teamwork and cooperation.

Modular Design: Allows players to customize the game experience by adding or removing event cards.

Real-Time Excitement: The time pressure and unexpected events create a thrilling atmosphere.

Cons

Complexity: The variety of tasks and the need to remember them can be overwhelming, especially for younger players.

Rule Enforcement: The fast-paced nature of the game makes it difficult to enforce rules strictly, which can lead to variations in gameplay.

Potential for Frustration: Some tasks, like setting up the body scanner, can be frustrating to accomplish under time pressure.

Personal Thoughts on Doctor Panic

Doctor Panic is ideal for families and groups looking for a fun, cooperative game that combines physical dexterity with teamwork. While it may be too complex for very young children, it is a great option for families with older children and for adult groups seeking a light-hearted, entertaining game. The game’s unique blend of real-time challenges and humorous interruptions makes it a standout in the world of cooperative board games. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a more relaxed or strategically deep gaming experience.

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