Baseball Highlights: 2045 – Spring Training (2017) Board Game

Baseball Highlights: 2045 – Spring Training is a card game designed by William Bricker and published by Eagle-Gryphon Games in in 2017. It combines the excitement of baseball with a futuristic sci-fi twist, making it a unique and engaging gaming experience for players.

Game Components of Baseball Highlights: 2045 – Spring Training

Rulebook

(2) 15-Card Starting Decks

(1) 40-card Free Agent Deck

(2) Player Stadium Mats

(30) Batters/Base Runners Tokens (10 White, 10 Red, 10 Blue)

(2) Home/Visitor Pennants

(2) Runs Score Markers

(2) Games Won Markers

(1) Player Aid.

How To Setup Baseball Highlights: 2045 – Spring Training

To set up the game, each player receives a 15-card starting deck and a player stadium mat. The Free Agent Deck is shuffled and placed within reach of both players. The Batters/Base Runners Tokens, Home/Visitor Pennants, Runs Score Markers, and Games Won Markers are also distributed as needed. Players then draw their initial six-card lineup from their starting deck, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Structure: The game is played as a series of mini-games, each lasting about 4 to 7 minutes.

Mini-Game Mechanics: Players draw and play a six-card lineup from their 15-card roster. Each card has instant actions and hits that can affect the game.

Winning a Mini-Game: The team with the highest run total at the end of the mini-game wins.

Buying Free Agents: After each mini-game, players can buy new players from the Free Agent Deck using revenue generated from the cards played.

Game Objective: The player who wins the most mini-games in the series (typically four out of seven) is the overall winner.

Player Experience

**Baseball Highlights: 2045 – Spring Training** offers a unique blend of deck-building and baseball simulation. The game is intuitive yet strategic, making it engaging for both baseball fans and those who enjoy deck-building games. The game’s mechanics are easy to learn, but the strategy deepens as players progress. Solo play is also an option, though the game shines with two players competing against each other.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The rules are straightforward, and the game becomes intuitive after a few rounds.

Strategic Depth: The game offers significant strategic depth, especially in deciding which cards to play and when.

Fast Paced: Mini-games are quick, lasting only a few minutes each.

High Replayability: With multiple expansions and variable player powers, the game offers a lot of replay value.

Fun for Non-Baseball Fans: The game is enjoyable even for those who are not familiar with baseball.

Cons

Visual Overhaul Needed: Some players find the graphic design and illustrations to be somewhat dated or in need of improvement.

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for 1-2 players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.

No Deluxe Components: Some players might be disappointed that the base game does not include playmats or meeples, though these are available as add-ons.

Personal Thoughts on Baseball Highlights: 2045 – Spring Training

**Baseball Highlights: 2045 – Spring Training** is ideal for fans of deck-building games and those with an interest in baseball, although it is still enjoyable for those without baseball knowledge. The game’s unique blend of strategy and quick gameplay makes it a great addition to any board game collection. It is particularly suited for players looking for a game that is easy to learn but challenging to master, and it excels in solo or two-player settings. If you’re looking for a fun and strategic game that captures the essence of baseball in a futuristic setting, this is a great choice.

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