Back to the Future: Dice Through Time (2020) Board Game

Back to the Future: Dice Through Time is a board game released in 2020 by Ravensburger. Designed by Ken Franklin, Chris Leder, and Kevin Rodgers, this game is based on the popular “Back to the Future” movie franchise. Players take on the roles of Marty McFly and Doc Brown as they travel through time to fix the space-time continuum.

Game Components of Back to the Future: Dice Through Time

Game board featuring four time periods: 1885, 1955, 1985, and 2015

Player boards and DeLorean figures in different colors

Dice with various symbols (Flux Capacitor, Arrow, Fist, Lightning, Doc Brown, Wrench)

Event cards

Biff standees for each time period

Paradox tokens

Einstein tokens

Item cards

OUTATIME marker and track

How To Setup Back to the Future: Dice Through Time

To set up the game, lay out the board and place a Biff standee on each Biff starting location in the four time periods. Shuffle the event cards and place them in their designated spots on the board. Randomize and place the Einstein tokens beside the board along with the paradox tokens. Players select a color, take the corresponding player board, dice, and DeLorean figure, and place their DeLorean on the clock tower space in their starting time period. Determine the difficulty level, which ranges from Science Experiment (beginner) to Nobody Calls Me Chicken (insane), and distribute the appropriate number of item cards for each time period.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Rolling: Players roll four dice to determine their actions.

Action Resolution: Players spend dice to perform actions such as time travel, moving Biff, rerolling dice, and removing paradox tokens.

Event Resolution: Events are drawn and placed on the board, requiring players to clear them to gain item cards.

Time Travel: Players can move through different time periods using the Flux Capacitor symbol.

Paradox Management: Managing paradox tokens to avoid advancing the OUTATIME marker.

Game Objective

Return Items: Players must return all lost items to their correct locations and years.

Stop Biff: Prevent Biff from disrupting the timeline by moving him away from event locations.

Manage Time: Avoid running “OUTATIME” by keeping the OUTATIME marker from reaching the end of the track.

Player Experience

Playing **Back to the Future: Dice Through Time** is an immersive experience, especially for fans of the franchise. The game requires strategic cooperation among players as they navigate through different timelines, manage events, and deal with the mischievous Biff. The ripple mechanic, where players can leave dice in the past for future use, adds a clever and thematic twist to the gameplay. The game’s difficulty levels and the constant pressure of the OUTATIME marker create a sense of urgency, making each round challenging and engaging.

Pros

Thematic Integration: The game seamlessly integrates the Back to the Future theme, making it a delight for fans.

Cooperative Gameplay: Encourages teamwork and strategic planning.

Variety of Actions: The dice symbols offer a range of actions, allowing for diverse gameplay.

Dynamic Difficulty: Adjustable difficulty levels cater to different player preferences.

Ripple Mechanic: The ability to leave dice for future use adds a unique and engaging element.

Cons

Board Space: The board can become cramped, especially with multiple players and event cards.

Complexity: Managing multiple events, paradox tokens, and player actions can be overwhelming for new players.

Luck Factor: The dice rolls introduces an element of luck, which can sometimes hinder player progress.

Personal Thoughts on Back to the Future: Dice Through Time

This game is ideal for fans of the Back to the Future franchise and those who enjoy cooperative, dice-driven games. It offers a fun and challenging experience, especially for players who appreciate the thematic elements and the strategic depth of managing time travel and paradoxes. While it may be a bit complex for very new gamers, it is an excellent addition to any board game collection for those who enjoy light to medium complexity games with a strong cooperative focus.

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