Abra Kazam! (2018) Board Game

Abra Kazam! is a fun and fast-paced board game designed by Antonin Boccara and published by Buzzy Games in in 2018. The game is all about magic and illusion, where players must race against each other to perform magical tricks and become the ultimate magician.

Game Components of Abra Kazam!

Magic Wand: A 24 cm wooden wand used for casting spells.

Spell Cards: Two decks of cards, each with unique gestures and commands.

Table Space: An area to lay out the cards for players to guess from.

How To Setup Abra Kazam!

To set up the game, players spread one deck of cards on the table, face up. Each player has access to the other deck, from which they will draw cards. The first player takes the magic wand, picks a card from the deck, and secretly looks at it. The player then must reproduce the gesture indicated on the card without revealing it to the others.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Spell Casting: Players take turns using the magic wand to act out the gestures shown on their drawn cards.

Guessing: Other players must identify the corresponding card on the table based on the acted-out gesture.

Penalties and Transformations: Some cards include commands or penalties, such as placing the thumb on the nose or holding the wand in a specific manner. These add an element of challenge and humor.

Objective: The first player to collect five cards wins the game.

Player Experience

Abra Kazam offers a fun and interactive experience, blending physical dexterity with social interaction. Players must be adept at mimicking gestures and quick at spotting the correct cards. The game’s use of penalties and transformations adds a layer of unpredictability and laughter, making it an enjoyable experience for families and groups of friends.

Pros

Interactive and Engaging: Encourages physical and social interaction among players.

Simple to Learn: Easy rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Humorous Elements: Penalties and transformations add a comedic touch.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last around 15 minutes.

Cons

Limited Depth: The gameplay mechanics are relatively simple and may not offer enough complexity for experienced gamers.

Gesture Similarity: Some gestures can be quite similar, leading to frequent misunderstandings.

Personal Thoughts on Abra Kazam!

Abra Kazam is perfect for families, casual game nights, or as a light-hearted addition to any game collection. It is particularly suited for children aged 8 and above due to its simple yet engaging mechanics. The game’s focus on physical dexterity and social guessing makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a fun, non-strategic game that promotes laughter and interaction. However, experienced gamers might find the gameplay too simplistic and lacking in depth.

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