Ringmaster: Welcome to the Big Top (2019) Board Game

Ringmaster: Welcome to the Big Top is a card game released in 2019 by Stone Blade Entertainment. Designed by Justin Gary and illustrated by Rod Mendez, the game is set in a circus theme where players take on the roles of ringmasters competing to put on the greatest show.

Game Components of Ringmaster: Welcome to the Big Top

Deck of Ringmaster cards

Deck of Performer cards

Deck of Circus Acts cards

Rulebook

How To Setup Ringmaster: Welcome to the Big Top

Shuffle the decks of cards separately

Each player draws a Ringmaster card

Deal a hand of Performer cards to each player

Place the Circus Acts deck in the center of the table

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Ringmaster: Welcome to the Big Top, players take turns playing Performer cards to create circus acts and earn points. The game involves hand management and “take that” mechanics, where players can sabotage each other’s performances. The objective is to amass the most points by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Quick gameplay (5-15 minutes)

Fun circus theme

Strategic depth in card choices

Interactive gameplay with “take that” mechanics

Cons:

Limited player count (2-4 players)

Luck of the draw can heavily influence outcomes

Lack of variety in card abilities

Personal Thoughts on Ringmaster: Welcome to the Big Top

Ringmaster: Welcome to the Big Top is a light and entertaining card game that is perfect for casual game nights. The circus theme adds a fun element to the gameplay, and the strategic decisions of which cards to play keep the game engaging. However, the game may not have enough depth for more hardcore gamers, and the luck-based nature of card draws can be frustrating at times. Overall, Ringmaster: Welcome to the Big Top is worth a try for those looking for a quick and light-hearted game experience.

In terms of build quality, the cards are decently made and the artwork is colorful and engaging. The pricing and availability of the game may vary, so it’s worth checking online retailers for deals on both new and used copies. For those interested in similar games, other card games with hand management mechanics like Sushi Go or 7 Wonders may appeal to you. Ultimately, Ringmaster: Welcome to the Big Top is recommended for casual gamers who enjoy a quick and fun card game experience. Hardcore gamers may find it lacking in depth, but it can still be a good addition to a game collection for its unique theme and interactive gameplay.

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