Bookchase (2007) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bookchase is a board game that was released in 2007, designed by Tony Davis and illustrated by Art Meets Matter Ltd. It falls under the categories of memory and trivia games, with gameplay mechanics involving dice rolling, roll/spin and move, and trading. The game is suitable for 2-6 players and has a runtime of approximately 45 minutes.

Game Components of Bookchase

The Board: The central game board featuring various book-related spaces.

6 Coloured Bookshelves: Each player’s token, used to collect books.

36 Books: Six books in each of six categories (Sci-fi and Fantasy, Crime and Thrillers, Poetry and Plays, Children and Fun, Travel and Adventure, Classics and Modern).

Small Labels (Dust Jackets): Optional for decorating the books.

1200 Multiple-Choice Question Cards: For answering questions to acquire books.

42 Award & Sentence Cards: Introducing chance events and challenges.

2 Dice: For determining player movement.

How To Setup Bookchase

To set up Bookchase, each player selects a coloured bookshelf and places it near the centre of the board, corresponding to their chosen category. For example, the Yellow Shelf starts on the Travel Adventure space. Players roll the dice to determine who starts play, with the highest scorer going first. If there is a tie, players roll again until a clear winner is determined.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Collect six books, one from each category, and be the first player to return to the centre space with a complete bookshelf.

Movement: Players roll two dice to move their bookshelf around the board.

Questioning: Land on a Bookchase Runner space and answer a multiple-choice question correctly to acquire a book.

Chance Events: Draw Award or Sentence cards to encounter random challenges or benefits.

No Backtracking: Players must move forward and can change direction at intersections or dead-ends.

Final Sprint: Once a player has all six books, they must roll an exact number to land on the centre space to win.

Player Experience

Bookchase combines elements of Trivial Pursuit and Monopoly, making it an engaging game for both kids and adults. Players navigate the board, answering questions and collecting books, while managing chance events that add an exciting layer of unpredictability. The game is highly customizable, allowing for variations such as Kids, Dash, Expert, and Collector modes to suit different player types and skill levels.

Pros

Educational: Encourages knowledge about various book categories.

Customizable: Allows for different game modes to suit various ages and skills.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players as young as 5 years old.

Interactive: Combines question-answering with strategic movement and chance events.

Cons

Variable Play Time: Game duration can range from 10 minutes to 2 hours, which may not be ideal for all players.

Luck-Dependent: Dice rolling and card draws introduce a significant element of luck.

Complex Setup: While setup is relatively quick, the rules and variations can be overwhelming for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Bookchase

Bookchase is an excellent choice for families, book enthusiasts, and those who enjoy trivia games. It’s designed to be inclusive, allowing younger players to participate and learn while still challenging older players with its variety of questions and strategic elements. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer games with less luck and shorter play times. Overall, it’s a charming and engaging game that celebrates literature and learning in a fun and interactive way.

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