Bandida (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bandida is a card game released in 2020, designed by Martin Nedergaard Andersen and illustrated by Odile Sageat. It is published by Buró and falls under the category of Cooperative Game, Network and Route Building, Solo / Solitaire Game, and Tile Placement.

Game Components of Bandida

Card Deck: A 69-card deck including tunnel cards, special action cards, and item cards.

Start Tile: Represents the incarcerated bandit’s cell with several exits.

Special Action Cards: Include items like alarm cards, cards that force hand resets, and cards that allow additional card holds or removals.

Ladder Card: Used in specific game modes for escape routes.

How To Setup Bandida

Setting up **Bandida** is straightforward. Players begin with a start tile that shows the bandit’s cell with several exits. Each player starts with a hand of three cards. The remaining cards are placed in a draw deck. Depending on the game mode, additional tiles or cards may be added to the setup.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The primary goal is to either trap the bandit by closing all exits or help the bandit escape by creating a specific escape route.

Game Modes:

Catch Bandida: Close all exits to trap the bandit.

Help Bandida Escape: Close all exits and use the ladder card to create an escape route.

Reunion Mode: Combine with **Bandido** to reunite the two bandits and help them escape together.

Card Placement: Players draw cards and place them to extend or block tunnel paths.

Special Actions: Item cards can force hand resets, allow extra card holds, or remove placed cards.

Alarm Cards: Must be played immediately and can reduce hand size.

Player Experience

Playing **Bandida** can be a mixed bag. The game is mechanically simple but heavily dependent on card draws, which can lead to frustrating moments where player skill seems irrelevant. The game shines in multiplayer scenarios where limited communication adds a layer of tension and teamwork. However, solo play can feel more like a process than an engaging game, with success or failure largely determined by luck.

Pros

Multiple Game Modes: Offers variety in gameplay objectives.

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

Multiplayer Tension: Limited communication in multiplayer adds an enjoyable layer of strategy and teamwork.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 6 and above.

Cons

High Luck Factor: Success heavily depends on card draws rather than player skill.

Limited Strategic Depth: Player decisions are often constrained by the cards available.

Solo Play Limitations: Less engaging and more process-oriented in solo mode.

Confusing Icons: Some card icons, like the dead-end cards, add unnecessary confusion without clear rules.

Personal Thoughts on Bandida

**Bandida** is ideal for those looking for a quick, light-hearted game that can be played in short sessions. It’s suitable for family gatherings and casual game nights, especially with multiple players. However, it may not satisfy players seeking deep strategic games or those who prefer more control over their outcomes. For fans of puzzle games and those who enjoy the occasional dicey card draw, **Bandida** can provide an amusing, if sometimes frustrating, experience.

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