Holding On: The Troubled Life of Billy Kerr (2018) Board Game

Holding On: The Troubled Life of Billy Kerr is a unique board game that was released in 2018 by Hub Games. Designed by Michael Fox and Rory O’Connor, the game revolves around the story of Billy Kerr, a dying man who has a troubled past. Players must work together as a team of nurses to uncover Billy’s life story and help him find peace before he passes away.

Game Components of Holding On: The Troubled Life of Billy Kerr

Board: Represents the hospital setting.

Patient Cards: Show Billy’s current medical condition.

Memory Cards: Include Partial Memories and Clear Memories, which are central to the game’s narrative.

Nurse Pawns: Each player controls a nurse pawn.

On-Call Assistant Pawns: Additional staff that can be used once before they disappear.

Care Tokens: Used for both medical and memory-gathering tasks.

Stress Tokens: Indicate the stress levels of the medical staff.

Event Cards: Introduce random events that affect gameplay.

How To Setup Holding On: The Troubled Life of Billy Kerr

To set up the game, place the board at the top of the play area. Shuffle and separate the Partial Memories and Clear Memories decks, keeping them face-down to avoid spoilers. Each player receives a Nurse Pawn and a Care Token. Place the Patient Cards, which reflect Billy’s condition, on designated spaces on the board. Set aside the Stress Tokens and the On-Call Assistant Pawns in the Break Room.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Cooperative Play: Players work together as hospital nurses.

Resource Management: Manage Care Tokens and Stress Tokens.

Memory Interrogation: Use time and care to uncover Billy’s memories.

Triage: Balance medical care with palliative care.

Random Events: Event cards can interrupt and complicate the process.

Game Objective

The objective is to provide medical care to Billy while helping him confront his past and resolve his regrets. Players must match unclear memories with clear ones to progress through the game. Each scenario has its own win condition, typically involving the reconstruction of key memories from Billy’s life.

Player Experience

Playing **Holding On: The Troubled Life of Billy Kerr** can be a deeply emotional and challenging experience. The game delves into themes of mortality, regret, and the complexities of human relationships. Players take on the role of nurses trying to balance the medical needs of Billy Kerr with his emotional needs, as he recounts fragments of his troubled past. The game’s design encourages players to reflect on their own experiences with loss and trauma, making it a powerful but often frustrating and emotionally taxing experience.

Pros

Powerful Narrative: The game’s story is compelling and emotionally resonant.

Thematic Depth: It explores complex themes such as palliative care, regret, and human connection.

Unique Mechanics: The memory interrogation system and the balance between medical and palliative care add a layer of realism and challenge.

Attachment to Characters: Players can grow attached to Billy Kerr as they uncover his life story.

Cons

Emotionally Demanding: The game can be very emotionally taxing and may trigger personal memories of loss.

Frustrating Gameplay: The process of uncovering memories can be slow and frustrating due to random events and the need to repeatedly dig for specific memories.

Not Ideal for Solo Play: The game is designed for cooperative play, particularly with three players, and solo play can be less engaging.

Gameplay Can Feel Repetitive: Managing stress and resources can become repetitive and less thrilling over time.

Personal Thoughts on Holding On: The Troubled Life of Billy Kerr

**Holding On: The Troubled Life of Billy Kerr** is a game that is best suited for players who appreciate narrative-driven games and are willing to engage with complex, emotionally charged themes. It is not for everyone, especially those seeking a light or casual gaming experience. The game’s ability to evoke strong emotions and reflections on personal loss makes it a unique but challenging addition to any board game collection. If you value storytelling and are ready for a game that can be emotionally raw, **Holding On** might be a worthwhile experience.

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