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Cloud 9 (1999) Board Game

ByMichail

Cloud 9 is a popular board game that was first released in in 1999. Designed by John Kovalic, Albert Lemant, and Cathleen Quinn-Kinney, this game has become a favorite among players who enjoy aviation, bluffing, and card games. With its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging player experience, Cloud 9 has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

Game Components of Cloud 9

  • 1 game board
  • 1 elevated hot air balloon basket
  • 12 wooden player markers
  • 76 cards featuring four balloon colors (red, yellow, green, purple) and wild cards
  • 4 wooden dice with four balloon colors and two blank sides
  • 1 rulebook

    How To Setup Cloud 9

    To set up Cloud 9, place the game board in the middle of the table and attach the legs to the balloon basket. Position the balloon basket on the first cloud. Each player chooses a color, takes the corresponding scoring marker and passenger, and places them in the balloon basket and on the start space of the scoring track, respectively. Deal six cards to each player, and the remaining cards form the draw pile. Select a starting player to be the balloon pilot.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Card Counting:** Players must keep track of which cards they and their opponents have.
  • Brinkmanship:** Deciding when to jump out of the balloon to maximize points.
  • Press Your Luck:** Continuing to ascend the balloon despite increasing risk.
  • Memory:** Remembering which cards have been played to make informed decisions.

    Game Objective

    The objective is to earn the most points by daring balloon ascents. Players can score points by either staying in the balloon and reaching higher clouds or by jumping out at the right moment to land on a cloud with a lower but safe score.

    Gameplay Mechanics Detailed

    Each turn, the pilot rolls a number of dice based on the current cloud level. The dice show the colors of cards the pilot must play to keep the balloon ascending. Before the pilot plays any cards, other players decide whether to stay in or jump out of the balloon. If the pilot succeeds in playing the required cards, the balloon moves to the next cloud, and the role of the pilot passes to the next player still in the balloon. If the balloon reaches the top cloud (25 points), all remaining players score 25 points. If the pilot fails, the balloon crashes, and only players who jumped out score points.

    Player Experience

    Cloud 9 offers a thrilling experience with its simple yet engaging mechanics. Players must balance the risk of staying in the balloon to potentially gain higher scores against the safety of jumping out early. The game requires strategic thinking, especially in remembering which cards have been played and predicting the actions of other players. The high-quality components, including the wooden dice and elevated balloon basket, add to the game’s charm.

    Pros

  • Engaging Theme:** The game’s hot air balloon theme is visually appealing and immersive.
  • Simple to Learn:** The rules are easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
  • High Replayability:** Each game is different due to the randomness of the dice rolls and card draws.
  • Strategic Depth:** Requires a mix of luck, memory, and strategic decision-making.

    Cons

  • Luck-Dependent:** The game heavily relies on luck, particularly when rolling the dice as the pilot.
  • Unpredictable Outcomes:** Players can be significantly impacted by the randomness of the dice rolls, which can be frustrating.
  • Group Think:** If all players jump out early, it can be difficult for any one player to reach the higher clouds.

    Personal Thoughts on Cloud 9

    Cloud 9 is perfect for those who enjoy press-your-luck games and are looking for a quick, engaging experience. It’s an excellent addition to any board game collection, particularly for families or casual gamers. However, players who prefer games with more control over outcomes might find the luck element frustrating. Overall, Cloud 9 is a fun, straightforward game that encourages social interaction and strategic thinking.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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