Candy Lab (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Candy Lab is a colorful and engaging board game released in 2020 by Funnyfox. Designed by Thomas Danede and illustrated by Alain Boyer, this game is suitable for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. With a runtime of around 15 minutes, Candy Lab falls under the category of hand management and pattern building games.

Game Components of Candy Lab

27 colored candy bars (in pink, blue, and yellow)

A deck of order cards

Player hands of 5 order cards each

Face-up supply of three order cards

Candy bars with special actions

Gold Candy Cane card (for bonus points)

How To Setup Candy Lab

To set up Candy Lab, start by randomly arranging the 27 colored candy bars in a line on the table, simulating a conveyor belt. Shuffle the deck of order cards and deal 5 cards to each player. Place a face-up supply of three order cards on the table along with the remaining deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 2-4 players

Playing Time: 15 minutes

Objective: Collect and box candy bars to fulfill order cards and earn points.

Turn Actions:
– Play an order card to take three consecutive candy bars matching the card.
– Put 1, 2, or 3 candy bars back into the line and draw new cards.
– Draw a single card if no other actions are possible.

Special Actions: Candy bars can have effects such as drawing new order cards, discarding cards from other players, or exchanging hands.

Game End: The game ends when the last candy bar is collected or the draw pile of order cards is depleted. The player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Candy Lab offers a quick and engaging experience, perfect for families and young players. The game has a nice ebb and flow between collecting candy bars to score points and putting them back into the line to draw more cards. However, it may be too simple for an all-adult group. The game’s components, including the brightly colored candy bars and distinct cards, add to its visually appealing and tactile experience.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Quick Gameplay: Games last only 15 minutes.

Colorful Components: Brightly colored candy bars and distinct cards.

Interactive Mechanics: Special actions allow for strategic play and disruption of opponents.

Cons

Simplicity: May be too simple for adult groups.

Negative Actions: Some players may find the targeted attacks frustrating.

Variable Length: Games can slow down towards the end as players strategize to avoid letting others clear the row.

Personal Thoughts on Candy Lab

Candy Lab is an excellent choice for families with young children who enjoy light, fun, and easy-to-understand games. While it may not offer the complexity desired by adult gamers, it excels in its intended role as a family-friendly game that promotes quick thinking and strategic play in a delightful candy-themed setting.

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.