Black Ice (2007) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Black Ice is an abstract strategy board game released in 2007 by Looney Labs. It is designed for 2 players and is known for its fast-paced gameplay, lasting around 15 minutes per session. The game falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy and Memory, utilizing mechanics such as dice rolling, memory, and pattern building to challenge players’ strategic thinking and memory skills.

Game Components of Black Ice

Three Trios: Each trio consists of five colors, one of which must be opaque (typically black).

Three Lightning Dice: Used to determine player actions.

Cloth Bag (Black Box): Contains the small pyramids.

Pyramid Pieces: Large, medium, and small opaques and colored pyramids.

How To Setup Black Ice

To set up the game, place three large opaque pieces in a row in the center of the table. Create two more rows of opaque pieces, one in front of each player, parallel to the center row. Sort the pieces by size and place all the small pyramids into the Black Box. Distribute the medium pieces to one player and the large pieces to the other. Hide a random small pyramid under each of the three large opaque pieces in the center row without revealing them to anyone.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling Dice: Players roll three dice to determine their actions for the turn.

Actions: Each turn consists of three actions, which can include Peek, Copy, Reset, or Pass. Duplicate actions turn into Wild actions.

Peeking: Players can peek at the hidden codes by carefully lifting the large opaque pieces.

Resetting: Players can reset the locks by revealing the old code and then reloading a new one without seeing it.

Winning Condition: The game ends when a player correctly matches the three hidden pyramids with their own colored pyramids in the same sequence, or when the opponent makes an incorrect guess.

Player Experience

In **Black Ice**, players engage in a tense game of deduction and strategy. Each turn, they must carefully plan their actions to gather as much information as possible without triggering the Black ICE, which shuts down the system if an incorrect password is attempted. The game requires a balance of risk and caution, making it appealing to fans of puzzle-solving and strategic thinking.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: The game demands careful planning and strategic thinking.

High Replayability: With randomly hidden codes, each game is unique.

Simple yet Deep Mechanics: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Competitive: Designed for two players, creating a direct competitive dynamic.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Only suitable for two players.

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be somewhat intricate.

Luck Element: The dice rolls introduce an element of luck that can affect gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Black Ice

**Black Ice** is ideal for fans of strategic games and puzzle enthusiasts. It offers a unique blend of deduction and randomness, making it engaging and challenging. The game’s competitive nature makes it a great choice for those who enjoy head-to-head matches. However, it may not be the best fit for large groups or those seeking a more casual gaming experience.

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.