Actionworks (2013) Board Game

Actionworks is a card game released in 2013, designed by Joseph Fatula and illustrated by The Lumenaris Group, Inc. It falls under the category of industry/manufacturing games, with a runtime of 30 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and above. The game revolves around hand management and variable player powers, offering an engaging experience for 2-6 players.

Game Components of Actionworks

56 cards with 6 suits

6 larger target cards (Demand cards)

Generic 2-piece box with a printed cover sticker

Decent card stock, though not evenly cut

How To Setup Actionworks

To set up Actionworks, each player is dealt a Demand card that indicates the type of Part card they need to gather and ship. Only 3 Demand cards are available at the start, with a new card type added each round. The Parts deck is shuffled, and a few cards are flipped face up on the table.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Hand Management

Variable Player Powers

Game Objective

Gather and ship as many of the target Part cards as possible.

Each round, players can play cards to the table, ship them, or leave them in their hand.

Cards have various actions: Make (flip over new cards), Take (add a card from the table), Borrow (take a card from another player), and more.

At the end of each turn, players take one of the remaining face-up cards from the table.

The game ends when the parts deck runs out, and points are scored based on the target cards shipped.

Player Experience

Actionworks is known for its fast-paced gameplay and constant engagement. Players must make strategic decisions quickly, as every action has trade-offs. For example, playing a card to the table might benefit an opponent, while shipping a card means you can’t use its action anymore. The game’s progressive difficulty keeps players invested, even if they fall behind in earlier rounds.

Pros

Many trade-offs and interesting decisions

Fast pace with hardly any downtime

Progressive difficulty that increases stakes as the game progresses

Engaging gameplay that keeps everyone involved

Cons

Relatively poor component quality (generic box, unevenly cut cards)

Rules could be improved (printed on 6 double-sided cards, hard to follow)

Personal Thoughts on Actionworks

Actionworks is a fun and original card game ideal for those who enjoy strategic decision-making and rapid gameplay. While it lacks in production quality, the game’s mechanics and pace make it a compelling choice for players looking for a challenging yet quick card game. It’s particularly suited for those who can overlook the homemade feel and appreciate the depth of strategy and engagement it offers.

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