Connections (2012) Board Game

Connections is a board game designed by famous game designer Reiner Knizia and published by Ravensburger in in 2012. It falls under the categories of abstract strategy and puzzle games, featuring network and route building as well as tile placement mechanics. The game is suitable for 1 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and above.

Game Components of Connections

Game board

72 colored tiles

48 connection stones

2 jokers

4 scoring markers

Rulebook

How To Setup Connections

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the tiles and place them face down within reach of all players.

Each player takes a set of connection stones and scoring marker in their chosen color.

Randomly select a starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns drawing tiles and placing them on the board to create connections between their stones. The objective is to create the longest continuous network of your color on the board by the end of the game. Points are awarded based on the length and complexity of your connections.

Player Experience

Pros:

Easy to learn and quick to play

Strategic depth in tile placement and connection building

Engaging for players of all ages

Cons:

Limited replayability

Lack of variability in gameplay

Luck-based elements with tile drawing

Personal Thoughts on Connections

Connections is a solid abstract strategy game that offers a good balance between simplicity and depth. The game’s components are well-made and visually appealing, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience. While it may not offer as much replay value as some other games in the genre, it is still a fun and challenging game worth trying out. The pricing and availability of Connections, both new and used, make it accessible to a wide range of players. For those interested in abstract strategy and puzzle games, Connections is definitely worth your time. However, players looking for more complexity and variability may want to explore other options in the genre. Overall, Connections is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels and is suitable for families and casual gamers alike.

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