Camp Pinetop (2020) Board Game

Camp Pinetop is a board game released in 2020, designed by Stephen Davies and Jason Washburn. The game is set in a summer camp where players take on the role of camp counselors competing to earn the title of Counselor of the Year. With its adventure and animal-themed elements, Camp Pinetop offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience for 1-5 players.

Game Components of Camp Pinetop

4 campers per player

4 mastery discs per player

1 rank token per player

Player board in chosen color

12 achievement patch tokens

Map tiles divided by color

Supply cards

Mastery cards

Wild cards

How To Setup Camp Pinetop

To set up the game, each player receives 4 campers, 4 mastery discs, 1 rank token, and a player board. Players place their rank token on the Possum area of their player board, the lowest rank. Map tiles are laid out in a 3×4 or 4×4 grid depending on the number of players. The mastery cards are shuffled, and 4 are revealed and placed beside the map grid. Supply cards are shuffled and dealt to players, with remaining cards placed beside the map grid.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Majority / Influence: Players place campers on map cards to gain control.

Area Movement: Campers can move orthogonally to adjacent map cards.

Card Drafting: Players draw supply cards to pay for achievements.

Grid Movement: Campers move on a grid-based map.

Hand Management: Players manage their hand size based on their scouting rank.

Objective: The goal is to level up your scouts to the highest rank (Badger) by collecting skill badges and achieving specific requirements.

Player Experience

In Camp Pinetop, players take on the role of leaders guiding their group of woodland creature campers through various outdoor adventures. The game involves strategic planning, as players must collect the right supply cards to earn achievement patches, which grant special abilities and help in advancing through the ranks. The game has a solo mode and supports competitive play, making it versatile for different player preferences.

Pros

Engaging Artwork: The game features great artwork that enhances the overall experience.

Strategic Depth: Multiple ways to advance through ranks provide a good level of complexity and replayability.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and above, making it a great family game.

Solo Mode: Includes a solo mode for those who prefer to play alone.

Cons

Complexity: Can be a bit overwhelming with multiple strategies and rules.

Frustration: Overthinking strategies can sometimes lead to poorer performance, as noted by some players.

Personal Thoughts on Camp Pinetop

Camp Pinetop is ideal for families and players who enjoy light to medium complexity games with a strong strategic element. The game’s thematic setting and engaging mechanics make it a fun and challenging experience. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer very simple rules or are easily frustrated by complex strategies. Overall, it’s a great game for those looking to explore the outdoors from the comfort of their table.

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