Bad Bones (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bad Bones is a fantasy board game released in 2019 by Sit Down! The game is designed by David Flies and features artwork by Aoulad, Alexander Brick, and Oliver Mootoo. In Bad Bones, players work together to defend the village of Grimsdale from an onslaught of undead skeletons.

Game Components of Bad Bones

Boards: Each player has their own board.

Skeletons: Numerous skeletons of different colors, each with movement directions.

Traps: Various types, including catapults, walls, portals, and more.

Heroes and Dragons: Figures that can be used to combat skeletons.

Houses and Tower Pieces: Components that represent players’ defenses.

Weapon Cards: Special abilities triggered by killing skeletons.

Bag: For drawing skeletons.

How To Setup Bad Bones

To set up the game, each player receives their own board and starts with four tower pieces and a hero. Four different skeletons, one of each color, are randomly drawn from the bag and placed on the board according to their movement directions. Players also have access to various traps and defensive items.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Play: Players take turns simultaneously, moving their heroes, placing or removing traps, and managing skeleton movements.

Trap Placement: Players can place traps to defend against skeletons or remove existing traps.

Skeleton Movement: Skeletons move based on their directions and can be redirected by traps or sent to other players’ boards.

Hero Actions: Heroes can move and kill skeletons upon contact.

Defensive Strategy: Players must combine traps and hero actions to survive the skeleton invasion.

Game End: The game ends when one player loses all their tower pieces or houses. The player with the most remaining houses and intact traps earns the most points.

Player Experience

Playing **Bad Bones** is a fast-paced and stressful experience, akin to a tower defense game. Players must think quickly and strategically to manage the ever-increasing number of skeletons. The game offers a cooperative mode where players work together to survive, as well as solo and advanced game modes, adding variety to the gameplay.

Pros

High Replayability: With multiple play modes, including cooperative and solo, the game offers varied experiences.

Strategic Depth: Players must balance trap placement, hero movements, and skeleton redirection.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and above, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Unlimited Players: By using multiple copies of the game, the player count can be extended indefinitely.

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be time-consuming due to the numerous components.

Space Requirements: The boards and components require a significant amount of space to play.

Luck Element: Drawing skeletons and certain trap activations involve randomness, which can affect gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Bad Bones

**Bad Bones** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic defense games and are looking for a challenge that combines quick thinking with long-term strategy. It is particularly suited for families or groups of friends who want a game that can be played cooperatively or competitively. The game’s ability to accommodate unlimited players by using additional copies makes it a great option for larger gatherings. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer simple, quick games due to its complex setup and deep strategic mechanics.

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