Builder’s High (2023) Board Game

Builder’s High is a card game designed by Susumu Kawasaki and published by Hobby Japan. It was released in 2023 and is recommended for players aged 10 and above. The game involves hand management and open drafting mechanics, making it a strategic and engaging experience for 2-5 players.

Game Components of Builder’s High

Budget cards

Construction cards

City planning cards

Building cards with various effects

How To Setup Builder’s High

To set up the game, players need to shuffle and distribute the budget and construction cards. Each player starts with a hand of cards, and the city planning cards are placed within reach of all players. The objective is clearly laid out, and players can begin their turn by either taking a budget card, a construction card, or constructing a building.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Card drafting, hand management, resource management

Game Category: Economic, Strategy

Objective: Achieve one of the multiple presented city planning cards by building structures using exactly the cost of well-combined budget cards. Players must manage their money, read their opponents’ plans, and utilize card effects to their advantage.

Actions per Turn: Take a budget card, take a construction card, or construct a building.

Player Experience

In Builder’s High, players engage in a game of strategic planning and resource management. Each turn requires careful consideration of which cards to take and when to construct buildings, all while keeping an eye on the city planning goals. The game demands lean management of cards, as players must use up all the cards in their hand to succeed. The effects of the building cards add a layer of complexity and excitement, as they can be either beneficial or detrimental depending on the situation.

Pros

Encourages strategic thinking and planning

Interactive gameplay with opportunities to disrupt opponents’ plans

Varied card effects add replayability and depth

Simple to learn but challenging to master

Cons

Requires precise management of cards, which can be frustrating for some players

No flexibility in budget card usage, as exact costs must be met

No refunds or exchanges available from some retailers

Personal Thoughts on Builder’s High

Builder’s High is ideal for players who enjoy strategic and economic games that require careful planning and resource management. It is suited for those aged 10 and above and supports 2-5 players, making it a versatile addition to any game collection. The game’s emphasis on lean management and exact resource usage appeals to players looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience. If you enjoy games like Terraforming Mars or Underwater Cities, where strategic building and resource management are key, then Builder’s High is definitely worth considering.

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