Circus Grandioso (2012) Board Game

Circus Grandioso is a board game released in 2012, designed by Jonathan Penca and Felix Weihnacht. It is a fun and entertaining game that combines elements of animals, bluffing, and hand management. The game is suitable for 1 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. The artwork for Circus Grandioso is done by Racky Spiele.

Game Components of Circus Grandioso

55 Animal-Cards (including elephants, rhinos, camels, ponies, tigers, bears, lions, crocodiles, chimpanzees, and a seal)

8 Clown-Cards

1 Token “Show Master”

1 Pyramid-Overview diagram

How To Setup Circus Grandioso

To set up the game, place the “Show Master” token on the table. Start the pyramid with an Elephant-Card. Shuffle the remaining 54 Animal-Cards and the 8 Clown-Cards together, then deal 7 cards face down to each player. The remaining cards are placed face down in a stack pile on the table.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Animals, Bluffing, Card Game

Mechanics: Hand Management

Objective: Players aim to build a pyramid of acrobatic animals. The player who places the topmost card on the pyramid earns the “Show Master” token, but only if no other player can top this card. The game ends when a player places their last card onto the pyramid; the player holding the “Show Master” token wins.

Key Rules:
– Each row of the pyramid must contain only one type of animal, except for clowns which can be placed in any row but not as the topmost card.
– Two animals are required to support one animal above.
– The pyramid has two sides, and only the highest possible card can be placed on each side.

Player Experience

Circus Grandioso offers a fun and fast-paced experience with high replayability. The game is luck-driven, meaning a good starting hand can significantly influence the outcome. However, it also involves memory and card management skills, adding an engaging layer of strategy.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games are short, lasting about 10-20 minutes.

High Replayability: The random distribution of cards ensures each game is different.

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of memory and card management keeps players engaged.

Simple to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it accessible to younger players.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The outcome is heavily influenced by the cards you are dealt.

Expensive: Some players find the game too pricey for what it offers.

Limited Depth: The game may lack complexity for experienced gamers.

Personal Thoughts on Circus Grandioso

Circus Grandioso is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a light, entertaining experience. It’s a great introduction to card games and can help develop hand management skills. However, for those seeking deeper gameplay or more strategic depth, this game might not be the best choice. Despite its simplicity, it remains a fun and colorful addition to any board game collection.

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