Balloon Pop! (2017) Board Game

Balloon Pop! is a board game designed by Andy Van Zandt and published by Arclight Games in in 2017. The game incorporates a video game theme and is suitable for players aged 13 and above. The artwork for Balloon Pop! was done by Nate Call and Sebastian Koziner, giving the game a vibrant and colorful look.

Game Components of Balloon Pop!

Customized Dice: Three dice with faces showing balloon colors (yellow, blue, red) and symbols (star, moon, diamond).

Score Sheets: A pad of 50 single-sided score sheets, each with six columns corresponding to the dice faces.

Game Box and Insert: Includes a box and an insert, though the insert is noted as unnecessary.

How To Setup Balloon Pop!

To set up the game, each player receives a score sheet. The customized dice are the primary components used during gameplay. Players start with three dice, and the game is ready to begin once all players have their score sheets and the dice are distributed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll and Re-roll: Players roll three dice and can choose to re-roll some or all of them, adding an additional die each time they re-roll.

Scoring: Players record the results on their score sheets by circling the corresponding numbers. The goal is to get as close as possible to the top of each column without reaching it.

Breaks: When a player circles the top number in any column, it triggers a “Break,” and all players score points based on their highest circled numbers in each column. The game continues until three Breaks occur.

Winning Condition: The player with the highest total score from all three Breaks wins the game.

Player Experience

**Balloon Pop** is designed to be easy to learn and play, making it accessible to both new and experienced gamers. The game is particularly good for family gatherings or as a filler game during game nights. However, it lacks deep strategy and meaningful player interaction, which can make it less engaging for repeated plays. The game scales well for 1-10 players, although it is best with 3-10 players, and each game lasts about 10 minutes.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to all ages.

Fast Gameplay: Games are quick, lasting around 10 minutes.

Portable: The game is compact and easy to carry.

Scalable: Supports 1-10 players with a balanced experience.

Cons

Limited Score Sheets: The pad of 50 single-sided score sheets can be quickly used up, especially in multi-player games.

Poor Production Values: The game components, including the dice and score sheets, have noted color flaws and poor quality.

Lack of Depth: The gameplay is not very deep, and there is limited strategy involved.

Personal Thoughts on Balloon Pop!

**Balloon Pop** is ideal for new gamers looking for a quick and easy introduction to roll-and-write games. It also serves well as a filler game for more experienced players seeking a brief distraction. However, due to its lack of depth and poor production values, it may not hold long-term interest for many players. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a fun, lighthearted option for family game nights or casual gaming sessions.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.