Break the Safe (2003) Board Game

Break the Safe is a board game designed by Forrest-Pruzan Creative and published by Mattel, Inc. It was released in 2003 and falls under the category of Electronic, Real-time, and Spies/Secret Agents. The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 8 years and older.

Game Components of Break the Safe

Board: The game board features various rooms, corridors, and secret passages.

Electronic Safe: A central component that adds an element of realism to the game.

Agent Movers: 4 player tokens representing the agents.

Guard Mover: A token for the guard.

Dog Mover: A token for the guard dog.

Tool Cards: 13 cards used to disarm booby traps.

Booby Trap Tiles: 8 tiles that players must clear.

Top Secret Tiles: 8 tiles that reveal keys, hidden passages, or other outcomes.

Dice: 2 dice, one 10-sided and one yellow die, for movement and guard/dog activation.

Instructions: Original instructions for setting up and playing the game.

How To Setup Break the Safe

To set up the game, each player selects an agent pawn and places it in the center room. The guard token is placed in the guard room, and the dog in the dog kennel. Red Top Secret Tiles are placed face down in rooms with red outlines, and booby trap tiles are placed face down on top of these. Tool cards are shuffled and dealt out to each player. The timer is set to the start position, and the game begins with the player using the blue pawn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to achieve the objective.

Roll-and-Move: Players roll dice to determine movement.

Booby Trap Disarming: Players use tool cards to clear booby traps.

Guard and Dog Mechanics: The guard and dog can send players to jail if caught.

Time Pressure: Players must complete the mission within a 30-minute time limit.

Objective: Collect four keys to unlock the safe and return to the start to stop the countdown.

Player Experience

In **Break the Safe**, players embark on a high-stakes mission to collect keys and escape within a tight time frame. The game is filled with tension as players navigate through booby traps, avoid the guard and dog, and utilize teamwork to succeed. The electronic safe and ticking clock add to the excitement, making each game a heart-pounding experience.

Pros

Teamwork Encouraged: Promotes cooperative play and strategy among players.

High Replayability: Multiple paths and random outcomes ensure no two games are the same.

Thematic Engagement: The game’s theme and components create an immersive experience.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 to adult.

Cons

Complex Setup: Initial setup can be time-consuming and intricate.

Luck Factor: Dice rolls and random tile flips can introduce significant luck elements.

Component Quality: Some versions may have minor damage or missing instructions.

Personal Thoughts on Break the Safe

**Break the Safe** is ideal for families and groups looking for a cooperative game that combines strategy and teamwork. It’s perfect for those who enjoy time-pressure games and are willing to invest in a potentially complex setup for a highly rewarding gameplay experience. While it may not be the best fit for competitive players, it excels as a fun, thematic game that fosters collaboration and excitement.

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.