Aggretsuko: Work/Rage Balance (2021) Board Game

Aggretsuko: Work/Rage Balance is a board game based on the popular Netflix anime series Aggretsuko, which follows the adventures of Retsuko, a red panda who copes with her daily frustrations through heavy metal karaoke. The game was released in 2021 and is designed by Brenda Hickey, featuring artwork from Oni Games and Renegade Game Studios.

Game Components of Aggretsuko: Work/Rage Balance

92 Cards

6 Tokens (including Rage Tokens)

1 Rules Sheet

Designed for 3-6 players, ages 10+

Art by Brenda Hickey.

How To Setup Aggretsuko: Work/Rage Balance

To set up the game, each player receives a Mood Token set to the Polite side. The deck is shuffled, and each player is dealt 13 cards. This setup is quick and straightforward, allowing players to start the game almost immediately.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Duration: The game is played over five days, each represented by a hand of cards.

Objective: Players aim to be the first to empty their hand of cards each day.

Gameplay: Players take turns making plays, which must follow specific rules such as playing sets, runs, or flushes of higher value than the previous play.

Rage Mechanic: Players can choose to Rage once per day, adding a card from the table to their hand but preventing them from discarding a card before scoring.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on the number of cards left in a player’s hand at the end of each day. The player with the lowest total score after five days wins.

Player Experience

Aggretsuko: Work/Rage Balance offers a light and casual gaming experience with a blend of strategy and luck. The game is easy to learn but allows for tactical depth, especially in managing the Rage mechanic and timing plays to empty one’s hand. The game’s pace is quick, with each day lasting only a few minutes, making it an enjoyable addition to any game night.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: The game takes about 30 minutes to complete, making it ideal for quick sessions.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick setup make it accessible to new players.

Tactical Depth: Players need to strategize their plays and use the Rage mechanic wisely.

Portable: The game is compact and easy to carry.

Appeal to Fans: The game’s theme and art will appeal to fans of the Aggretsuko anime series.

Cons

Thin Theme: The game’s theme is somewhat disconnected from the gameplay mechanics, which might disappoint some fans of the anime.

Limited Innovation: The game does not introduce significantly new mechanics and can feel similar to other trick-taking games.

Personal Thoughts on Aggretsuko: Work/Rage Balance

Aggretsuko: Work/Rage Balance is a solid choice for those looking for a light, fun, and quick card game. It is particularly suited for fans of the Aggretsuko series, who will appreciate the characters and artwork. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking highly innovative or complex gameplay mechanics. It’s an excellent option for families or casual game groups, offering a fun and engaging experience without requiring a significant time commitment.

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