Bullfrogs (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bullfrogs is an abstract strategy board game designed by Keith Matejka and published by FunBox Jogos in in 2015. The game is set in a swamp where players take on the role of rival frog factions competing for control over lily pads and insects.

Game Components of Bullfrogs

Deck of cards: Each player starts with a deck of 10 cards (9 in a four-player game).

Frogs: 14 regular frogs and 2 bullfrogs per player.

Log card: One log card placed in the middle of the table.

Lily pad cards: Four starter lily pad cards, each with six spaces, worth five points.

How To Setup Bullfrogs

To set up the game, place the log card in the middle of the table and arrange the four starter lily pad cards around it, one on each edge. Each player draws a hand of three cards from their deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Placement: Players play a card to touch the edge of at least one other lily pad.

Frog Placement: Based on the lily pad icons on the card, players place the corresponding number of frogs on cards in a vertical or horizontal line.

Lily Pad Scoring: If a lily pad is full, it sinks. The player with the most presence (bullfrogs count as two frogs) wins the card and its points.

Clearing the Card: Losing frogs and bullfrogs are moved or removed according to rules.

End of Turn: Players draw a new card, and play passes to the left.

Game End: The game ends when all players have played all their cards. Players score points for collected lily pads, frogs on the log, and additional points for the most frogs on the log.

Player Experience

**Bullfrogs** offers a fun and competitive experience, requiring strategic planning to spread out your frogs effectively. The game is relatively simple to understand but provides depth in determining card and frog placements. The inclusion of bullfrogs adds a layer of strategy, as they are single-use pieces that can provide a crucial boost.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: Requires thoughtful planning and adaptability.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of various ages.

Solo Mode: Includes a solo mode with a unique AI-driven challenge.

Achievements and Stats: Tracks player achievements and stats.

Cons

Single-Use Bullfrogs: Bullfrogs are removed after use, limiting their utility.

Finger-Friendly Issues: The iOS app can be tricky to navigate for players with larger fingers.

Personal Thoughts on Bullfrogs

**Bullfrogs** is ideal for players looking for a light, yet engaging strategy game. It’s perfect for family game nights or casual gatherings with friends. The solo mode adds an extra layer of replayability, making it a great choice for those who enjoy both multiplayer and solo experiences. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking highly complex or long-duration games.

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