Cypher (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cypher is a science fiction card game released in 2014, designed by Justin Kaufmann and published by Alderac Entertainment Group. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended player count of 3. With a runtime of 10-25 minutes, Cypher is a quick and engaging game suitable for players aged 14 and above.

Game Components of Cypher

Deck of cards featuring various characters (corporate overseers, street level hackers, etc.)

Cards have point values (influence) ranging from 0-9

Soft velvet storage bags

Clamshell packaging

Instruction booklet detailing the game’s theme and backstory

How To Setup Cypher

To set up Cypher, players start by shuffling the deck and dealing cards unevenly: the first player gets three cards, the next players get two cards each, and the last player gets one card. Additionally, one card is revealed in the display. This uneven distribution is key to the game’s dynamics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Play: Players draw, play, pass (to another player), and discard cards.

Character Interactions: Cards played have immediate effects, which can be positive or negative.

Influence Points: Cards have influence values (0-9) that are totalled at the end of the game.

Game End: The game ends when the “Cypher Anomaly” card is played or the deck is exhausted. The player with the most influence points wins.

Card Passing: Players pass cards to each other, adding a layer of strategy and unpredictability.

Player Experience

Cypher offers a fast-paced and strategic experience, with simple gameplay mechanics that make it accessible but engaging. The game’s theme, set in a futuristic world where corporations and hackers vie for control of the nexus, adds a rich backdrop to the card play.

Pros

Quick Learning: Easy to learn and start playing.

Portable: Comes in clamshell packaging with soft velvet storage bags.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game has a lot of strategy involved in card play and passing.

Variety: Different character cards with unique effects keep the game interesting.

Cons

Comparison to Love Letter: Some players find it less appealing compared to Love Letter due to its darker theme and slightly more complex rules.

Luck Factor: The game can be influenced by the cards drawn, introducing an element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Cypher

Cypher is ideal for players who enjoy quick, strategic card games with a compelling theme. It’s perfect for those looking for a game that can be played in short sessions, making it a great addition to any game collection. However, fans of Love Letter might find Cypher slightly less straightforward but equally engaging in its own right. If you enjoy cyberpunk themes and fast-paced card play, Cypher is definitely worth checking out.

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