CoLab (2024) Board Game – Board Game Guys

CoLab is a collaborative board game designed by Magdalena Proszowska and published by Portal Dragon in in 2024. It is set in a futuristic world where players take on the roles of spies and secret agents working together to uncover a conspiracy. The game combines economic elements with miniatures and science fiction themes, making it a unique and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of CoLab

84 Engraved Transparent Dice

Double Thick Card Board

Thicker Cardstock for all Cards

Box with UV Coat

Solo Bag with Screenprint

Additional Rulebook Artwork

Removable Resource Tray

7 Exclusive Promo Cards

Various cards, tokens, and minions

How To Setup CoLab

To set up CoLab, players begin by preparing the laboratory board, placing the necessary components such as dice, cards, and tokens. Each player selects their scientist and minions, and the game starts with a basic set of resources and cards. As the game progresses, the lab expands with new opportunities and upgrades.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Mechanics

Competitive: Players compete to build their own engine of potions, monsters, and devices.

Dice Collection: Players gather and utilize dice to perform actions.

Dice Worker Placement: Minions are sent to gather resources and trigger actions.

Tableau Building: Players build a grid of cards that enhance abilities and gain renown.

Game Objective

Send minions to gather resources and trigger actions.

Move scientists to perform collect or build actions.

Build cards using resources to gain renown.

Utilize lab upgrades to trigger special effects.

The game ends when a player builds their 12th card; the player with the most renown wins.

Player Experience

In CoLab, players immerse themselves in a shared competitive laboratory where they build their own engine of creations. Each turn involves sending minions to gather resources and moving scientists to either collect or build. The game is highly interactive, with players leveraging not only their own resources but also those left behind by opponents. The expanding lab and various upgrades add layers of complexity and strategy, making each game unique.

Pros

Interactive and Dynamic: Players constantly interact with each other’s resources and actions.

High Replayability: Expanding lab upgrades and multiple player characters ensure varied gameplay.

Deep Strategy: Combining dice collection, worker placement, and tableau building offers a rich strategic experience.

Solo Mode: Challenging solo mode with unique enemies and doomsday devices.

Cons

Complex Setup: The game requires a detailed setup process.

Long Playtime: Games can last between 90-120 minutes.

Learning Curve: The combination of mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.

Personal Thoughts on CoLab

CoLab is ideal for fans of complex, strategic board games who enjoy a mix of worker placement, dice collection, and engine building. It is perfect for players looking for a challenging and interactive experience, either in competitive or solo modes. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those who prefer quicker play sessions.

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