What Next? (2021) Board Game

What Next? is a board game that was released in 2021 by designers Sam Ailey, Beks Barnett, and Zoe Lee. It is published by Big Potato Games and falls under the categories of Action / Dexterity, Adventure, and Party Game. With a runtime of 30-60 minutes, the game is designed for 1-4 players, but plays best with 2-3 players. The game incorporates elements of cooperative gameplay, flicking, narrative choice/paragraph, and can also be played solo.

Game Components of What Next?

Story Cards: Three different adventures (Drums of Koala Cave, Sky Scraper Caper, Blinky’s Great Escape)

Dexterity Challenge Components: Various shapes, silhouettes, and physical challenge items

Narrative and Card Play Elements: Cards driving the story and player decisions

Mini Games and Challenges: Integrated within the story, such as feeling inside a bag to pick out shapes or navigating a mine shaft

How To Setup What Next?

To set up What Next?, players first select one of the three available adventures. Each adventure has its own set of story cards and associated dexterity challenges. The game components, including the story cards and challenge items, are organized according to the chosen adventure. Players then follow the initial story prompts to begin their journey, making choices and completing challenges as they progress.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Choose Your Own Adventure Style: Players make decisions that influence the story.

Dexterity Challenges: Physical mini-games integrated into the narrative.

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to navigate the story and challenges.

Variable Story Paths: Multiple paths based on player decisions and challenge outcomes.

Game Objective: Progress through the story, complete challenges, and reach the conclusion of the chosen adventure.

Player Experience

Playing What Next? is an immersive experience that combines storytelling with physical challenges. The game encourages collaboration and strategic thinking as players navigate through the narrative, making decisions that impact the story’s direction. The dexterity challenges add an exciting and often humorous element, requiring players to interact physically with the game components.

Pros

Unique Blend of Storytelling and Dexterity Challenges: Offers a fresh and engaging gaming experience.

High Replayability: Multiple paths and outcomes ensure the game remains fun and different each time.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for younger families and a wide range of ages.

Expandable: Potential for new stories and challenges through future expansions.

Cons

Physical Challenges Can Be Frustrating: Some players may find the dexterity challenges too tricky or frustrating, especially if the game setup is unstable.

Dependency on Player Skill: Success can be influenced by individual players’ physical skills and dexterity.

Personal Thoughts on What Next?

What Next? is ideal for players looking for a game that combines storytelling with interactive challenges. It is particularly suited for families or groups who enjoy cooperative gameplay and are willing to engage in both mental and physical aspects of the game. While it may not be the best fit for those who prefer purely strategic or competitive games, it offers a unique and entertaining experience that can be enjoyed repeatedly.

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