Block Ness (2021) Board Game

Block Ness is a board game released in 2021 by Blue Orange (EU). The game is designed by Laurent Escoffier and illustrated by Christine Alcouffe, Dominique Breton, and Simon Douchy. It falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Animals, and Fantasy, with a gameplay mechanism centered around making connections.

Game Components of Block Ness

Each player chooses a color and receives a set of pieces, including a head, tail, and 10 body pieces, each slightly different in height and span but with the same distribution.

The game board is color-coded based on player count, expanding the playable area as more players join.

How To Setup Block Ness

To set up the game, each player places their shortest piece on the board, with the head on one end and the tail on the other. The playable area is restricted based on the number of players, with two players limited to the center dark blue area and expanding into other shaded areas as more players join.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turn: Players place a piece starting adjacent to either their head or tail, ensuring the piece goes in a straight line and does not go over an opponent’s head or tail or under a previously placed piece.

Objective: The goal is to place as many of your pieces as possible on the board. The game ends when all players can no longer play a piece, and the player who has placed the most pieces wins. In case of a tie, the player with the tallest head wins.

Area Control: Players aim to control as much territory as possible while limiting their opponents’ options.

Player Experience

Block Ness offers a simple yet strategically deep gameplay experience. The rules are easy to learn, making it accessible to children as young as 8 years old. However, the game requires forward thinking, as each piece placed can be both an aggressive move to block opponents and a defensive move to secure future space. The game dynamics change significantly with the number of players, with two-player games feeling more strategic and multi-player games leaning towards organized chaos. Games typically last about 15 minutes, and players may find themselves playing multiple rounds to try different strategies.

Pros

Easy to Teach: Simple rules that are easy for children to understand.

Great Table Presence: The game looks great on the table with its Loch Ness monster theme.

Strategic Depth: More strategy than initially apparent, requiring players to think ahead.

Cons

Limited Strategic Variation: Games can feel repetitive as there is only one main strategy to win.

Lack of Staying Power: For seasoned gamers, the game may not offer enough new challenges after several plays.

Personal Thoughts on Block Ness

Block Ness is an excellent introductory abstract game, especially for families or younger gamers. It teaches strategic thinking and planning while maintaining a fun and engaging atmosphere. However, for well-experienced gamers, it may lack the depth and variation needed to keep it interesting over multiple plays. It is well-produced, visually appealing, and a great choice for those looking for a light, strategic game.

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