Break the Cube (2022) Board Game

Break the Cube is a deduction board game designed by Ryohei Kurahashi and published by IELLO in in 2022. The game challenges players to use their deduction and memory skills to uncover the hidden color combinations of a mysterious cube.

Game Components of Break the Cube

4 Player Shields

8 Foundation Tiles

24 Wooden Blocks

Notepad

Rules

The components include shields for each player, foundation tiles with a blueprint motif, wooden blocks of different colors and sizes, and a notepad for optional note-taking.

How To Setup Break the Cube

To set up the game, each player takes a screen and places one foundation tile behind it and one in front. Each player receives three wooden blocks (one small, one medium, and one large) which they use to build a secret structure behind their screen. The structure must adhere to specific rules: it cannot be completely flat, no blocks can be unsupported, and it must be contained within a 3x3x3 grid. Players then place the three unused blocks from their opponent on their front foundation tile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Ask “What do you see at {NUMBER}?”: The player to the left looks down at their structure and answers the color seen at the specified number.

Ask “What do you see at {LETTER}?”: All players, including the one asking, state what they see from the specified side, from bottom to top.

Ask “Does my shape match your secret shape?”: If the answer is yes, the player wins.

Objective: Be the first player to replicate the secret structure of the player to their left by asking targeted questions.

Player Experience

Playing **Break the Cube** is a quick and engaging experience that involves spatial reasoning and logic. The game starts off intriguing, often becoming frustrating as players gather more information, but it culminates in a satisfying moment when the puzzle is solved. Players must carefully consider each piece of information to deduce the correct structure, making it a fun and challenging experience. The game is particularly enjoyable in a two-player setting, where players can increase the difficulty by using more blocks.

Pros

Quick and Engaging: Games are typically short, lasting around 10-15 minutes.

Spatial Reasoning: The game uses 3D deduction, which is both fun and challenging.

Customizable Difficulty: Two-player games can be made more complex by using four or five blocks instead of three.

Tactile Experience: The wooden blocks provide a pleasant tactile element to the game.

Cons

Short Game Length: Games can be very short, which may not be satisfying for all players.

Color Blindness Issue: The game relies heavily on color, which can be problematic for color-blind players.

Multiplayer Chaos: In games with more than two players, the amount of information shared can become confusing and chaotic.

Personal Thoughts on Break the Cube

**Break the Cube** is ideal for fans of deduction games and puzzles, particularly those who enjoyed **Mastermind**. It is a great filler game that combines logic and spatial reasoning, making it perfect for players who enjoy a quick, mentally stimulating experience. The game’s ability to adjust difficulty, especially in two-player mode, adds replay value and makes it suitable for players of different ages and skill levels. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking longer, more complex games or for groups with color-blind players.

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