Coffee Rush (2023) Board Game

Coffee Rush is a board game released in 2023 by Korea Boardgames. Designed by Euijin Han and illustrated by Siwon Hwang, the game is set in a bustling coffee shop where players compete to serve the most customers and earn the most profits. With a mix of strategy and luck, Coffee Rush offers a fun and engaging experience for 2-4 players.

Game Components of Coffee Rush

Detailed ingredient tokens, including unique ice cubes

Coffee cups and trays for ingredient storage

High-quality cards for orders and upgrades

Player boards with upgrade tiles

Meeples with barista aprons

Rush tokens for extra movements

Ingredient Board and order deck.

How To Setup Coffee Rush

To set up Coffee Rush, place the Ingredient Board within easy reach of all players, alongside the ingredient trays. Each player takes three cups, a player board with upgrade tiles face down, a meeple, and two or three order cards depending on who is the starting player. The starting player draws two Order Cards and places them in slot 1, then takes one card for slot 2 on their board. All other players take one card each for slots 1 and 2. Players place their Meeple onto an empty space on the ingredient board to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Score the most points by fulfilling orders and activating upgrades.

Order Fulfillment: Players move their meeples on the ingredient board to collect ingredients needed for orders.

Ingredient Collection: Players store ingredients in their cups and must use them as a whole unit once mixed.

Upgrades: Activate upgrade tiles by fulfilling three orders, which provide special powers to acquire ingredients more easily.

Penalties: Uncompleted orders move down the player board and can become penalty cards if not fulfilled in time.

Rush Tokens: Earned for completing Specialty Menu orders, these tokens allow extra movements.

Game End: The game ends when all order cards are depleted or a player collects their fifth penalty card. Scores are calculated based on completed orders, upgrades, and penalties.

Player Experience

Coffee Rush is a fast-paced game that mimics the hectic environment of a coffee shop. Players must manage multiple orders simultaneously, balancing the need to fulfill orders with the limitations of ingredient availability. The game is easy to understand and teach, making it a great introduction for new players. However, it can feel repetitive after several plays due to the lack of variable setup and limited player interaction. The components and artwork are highly praised, adding to the game’s enjoyment.

Pros

Stunning Components: Detailed and high-quality game pieces.

Easy to Teach: Simple rules that can be explained quickly.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8+.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last around 30-45 minutes.

Visually Appealing: Attractive artwork and component design.

Cons

Repetitive: Lack of variable setup can make the game feel repetitive.

Limited Interaction: Players have minimal interaction with each other.

Luck Factor: Blind draws from the order deck can introduce significant luck.

Analysis Paralysis: Players may spend time planning optimal moves, slowing the game down.

Personal Thoughts on Coffee Rush

Coffee Rush is an excellent choice for introducing new players to board games or for laid-back game nights. It’s a great option for families and casual gamers who enjoy light, fun games. While it may not offer deep strategy or complex gameplay, it excels in its thematic execution and component quality, making it a delightful addition to any game collection. However, experienced gamers might find it lacking in depth and variety.

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