MATCH 5 (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

MATCH 5 is a party game released in 2021 by Synapses Games. Designed by Carl Brière and illustrated by SillyJellie, this game is all about fast-paced action and quick thinking. With a mix of dice rolling, word matching, and voting mechanics, MATCH 5 promises an exciting and unpredictable gaming experience for 2 to 8 players.

Game Components of MATCH 5

10 custom dice with various symbols and words

Player sheets for scoring

A 3-minute sand timer

Word Tiles for matching

Score cards

How To Setup MATCH 5

To set up the game, each player receives a player sheet. Players roll a die of each color and place them in the indicated spots on the Word Tiles. Only five dice are used per game. Once the dice are in place, the sand timer is flipped, and the game is ready to start.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Play: All players think of words or phrases that connect the symbols on the dice pairs within 3 minutes.

Linking Concepts: Players must find common links between the concepts represented by the dice combinations.

Scoring: Players score 1 point for a valid answer. If two or more players come up with the same answer, they each score 2 points.

Disputing Answers: Players can dispute an answer, and if a majority agrees it is invalid, the player scores 0 points for that answer.

Rounds: The game consists of two rounds, with the dice rerolled after the first round. The player with the most points at the end wins.

Player Experience

MATCH 5 offers a fun and interactive experience, encouraging creative thinking and word association skills. Players enjoy the challenge of finding common links between seemingly unrelated concepts. The game fosters positive player interaction, as players are rewarded for matching answers, promoting a sense of camaraderie and shared achievement. The game is easy to learn, making it accessible to players of all ages.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it easy for new players to join.

High Replayability: With 3,000 possible dice combinations, the game offers endless replay value.

Positive Interaction: Players are rewarded for matching answers, creating a positive and cooperative atmosphere.

Creative Thinking: Encourages players to think creatively and come up with unique connections.

Family Fun: Suitable for all ages, making it an excellent family game.

Cons

Limited Player Count at 2: The game is not as enjoyable with only two players.

Potential Redundancy: Playing the game frequently can lead to repeated categories and redundancy.

Personal Thoughts on MATCH 5

MATCH 5 is ideal for those looking for a light, quick, and fun party game that emphasizes word association and creative thinking. It is particularly enjoyable with larger groups, as the likelihood of matching answers increases, enhancing the social and interactive aspects of the game. While it may not be as engaging with just two players, it remains a great addition to any game collection for its ease of learning, high replayability, and the joy it brings to players of all ages.

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