At the Office (2023) Board Game

At the Office’ is a board game released in 2023 by designer Reiner Knizia and published by GDM Games. The game is designed for 2-4 players aged 8 and above and has a playtime of 20-30 minutes. It falls under the categories of Deduction, Dice, Math, Novel-based, and Number games.

Game Components of At the Office

Manual

Four pencils

Five dice (four colored and one white)

Pad of double-sided player sheets featuring a pyramid of office employees

How To Setup At the Office

To set up the game, each player receives a double-sided player sheet and a pencil. The five dice are prepared for rolling. The player sheets display a pyramid of office employees, each group wearing uniquely colored t-shirts.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll-and-Write Mechanics: Players roll the five dice and select any colored die to write a corresponding value on the shirt of any one employee on their sheet.

Objective: The goal is to fill in the values on the player sheet efficiently, aligning with the colors and values of the dice.

Gameplay: On each turn, players roll the dice and choose a die to use, then write the value on an appropriate employee’s shirt. The white die can be used on any employee.

Player Experience

At the Office offers a simple and engaging experience suitable for nearly anyone. The game’s design, including the artwork by Michał Ambrzykowski, evokes a familiar office setting, making it relatable and nostalgic. The gameplay is easy to understand, yet it requires strategic thinking to optimize the use of the dice values.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game is straightforward and quick to understand.

Accessible: Suitable for a wide range of players due to its simple mechanics.

Relatable Theme: The office setting makes the game feel familiar and engaging.

Engaging Artwork: The cover and player sheets are aesthetically pleasing and evocative.

Cons

Limited Complexity: The game may be too simple for players seeking more complex strategies.

Repetitive Gameplay: The roll-and-write mechanism can become repetitive over multiple plays.

Personal Thoughts on At the Office

At the Office is ideal for families, casual gamers, or anyone looking for a quick and enjoyable game session. It’s a great introduction to roll-and-write games and is particularly suited for players who appreciate simple, yet engaging gameplay. While it may not offer the depth that more experienced gamers might crave, it is an excellent choice for a relaxed and fun gaming experience.

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