Betta (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Betta is a board game released in 2022 and designed by Chris Setra. The game falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Animals, Card Game, and Puzzle. With a playtime of around 20 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and above, Betta offers a unique gaming experience with its combination of hand management, layering, and square grid mechanisms.

Game Components of Betta

Display boards: Based on the number of players, multiple display boards are used.

Betta cards: Each player has a set of cards in their matching color, along with some cards featuring other players’ colors.

Pattern cards: These cards show the scoring patterns that players need to create.

Score board: Used to track points.

Fish tokens: Representing each player’s color, these tokens are placed beside the score board.

Irregular shaped tin: The game is packaged in this unique tin.

How To Setup Betta

To set up Betta, lay out the empty display boards according to the player count. Place two objective cards of each difficulty face up so all players can see them. Unfold the score board and allocate each player a color, placing their fish token beside the board. Each player discards two cards from their deck without looking and then draws three cards for their starting hand. Finally, each player places one card on an empty display to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Placement: Players place one card from their hand onto a display each turn.

Pattern Completion: Players aim to create patterns shown on the scoring cards to score points (3, 5, or 7 points depending on the difficulty).

Empty Display Bonus: Placing a card on an empty display earns 2 points.

Hand Management: Players draw back up to three cards after each turn.

End Game Scoring: The game ends when all displays are full or all players have only two cards left. Final scoring involves tallying points for each player’s colored fish on the displays using the scoring chart.

Player Experience

Betta starts off slow as players build up the displays, but it quickens up as the game progresses. The game requires strategic planning, as each card can be rotated to fit into different patterns. The presence of other players adds tension, as their moves can disrupt your plans or steal scoring opportunities. Despite the complexity, games typically last 15-30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick after-dinner game or to end the night.

Pros

Engaging Puzzle: The game offers a fun and challenging spatial puzzle.

Quick Gameplay: Games are relatively short, lasting 15-30 minutes.

Portable: The game is packaged in a compact tin, making it easy to travel with.

Interactive: The game includes enough player interaction to keep it interesting, especially with multiple players.

Cons

Solo Mode Complexity: Setting up the solo mode can be fiddly and time-consuming.

Age Suitability: While the recommended age is 8+, younger players may find the game too complex without assistance.

Personal Thoughts on Betta

Betta is a great game for those who enjoy spatial puzzles and quick, strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who like games like Shifting Stones or Sagrada. While it may not become a favorite for everyone, it is a good addition to any board game collection, especially for families with older children. The game’s moderate complexity and quick playtime make it an excellent choice for a casual game night or travel game.

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