Blindside (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Blindside is an abstract strategy board game designed by Keith A. Gardner and released in in 2011. The game is designed for 2 players and has a playtime of around 25 minutes. It falls under the category of Abstract Strategy games, where players must use their tactical skills to outmaneuver their opponent.

Game Components of Blindside

Board: Composed of four big plastic pieces that can be assembled in various configurations.

Pieces: Each piece is a hexagon with a certain number of arrows indicating movement directions.

Power Spaces: Special spaces on the board that provide additional strategic options.

Action Tokens: Used to set up the game board and configure the pieces.

How To Setup Blindside

To set up Blindside, players assemble the board using the four plastic pieces, which can be configured in a standard or custom layout. Each player places their pieces on their side of the board, setting the arrows on each piece according to the game’s rules or their own strategy in the advanced version. The board can be set up in various ways, allowing for different starting configurations.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Pieces move based on the arrows attached to them.

Attacking: Players can attack by jumping over an opponent’s piece, causing the opponent to lose arrows in the direction jumped over, or by landing on an opponent’s piece, forcing them to lose an arrow and move.

Objective: The first player to remove 17 arrows from their opponent’s pieces wins the game.

Flexibility: Players can customize their piece configurations at the start of the game, allowing for diverse strategies.

Player Experience

Blindside offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. Players need to carefully plan their moves to outmaneuver their opponent, taking advantage of the unique movement and attack mechanics. As the game progresses, the available moves become more limited as pieces lose arrows, which can lead to a more tactical endgame.

Pros

Flexibility in Setup: Allows players to customize the board and piece configurations.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and strategic thinking.

Unique Mechanics: Different from traditional games like Chess or Checkers due to the arrow-based movement system.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: New players can find it frustrating, especially against experienced opponents.

Potential for Long Endgames: Games can drag on as pieces are depleted of arrows, leading to a slower pace.

Personal Thoughts on Blindside

Blindside is an excellent choice for fans of abstract strategy games who enjoy complex mechanics and strategic play. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the ability to customize their gameplay experience through different board and piece configurations. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, straightforward game, as it requires a good understanding of the rules and strategies to fully enjoy.

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