Control (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Control is a card game designed by Kyle Key and Mattox Shuler and released in in 2016. It is published by Keymaster Games and falls under the categories of card games and science fiction. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 14 and above. Control uses hand management and take that mechanics to create a competitive and strategic gameplay experience.

Game Components of Control

Cards: Numbered cards (1-10 points) with various special abilities, including Silver and Bronze Fuel Cells.

Tokens: High-quality metal tokens to track the number of rounds won.

Box and Illustrations: Beautifully designed box with gold shine and fantastic card illustrations.

How To Setup Control

To set up the game, each player starts with 5 cards. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile. The objective is simple, but the setup is crucial for a smooth gameplay experience.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Be the first player to reach a total Fuel Cell charge of 21 or more points.

Actions:

Draw a Card: Draw one card from the top of the draw pile.

Install a Fuel Cell: Place a card from your hand onto the table in front of you.

Burn a Fuel Cell: Play a Bronze card to trigger its ability.

Defuse a Fuel Cell: Discard a card to force an opponent to discard one of their Installed cards.

Special Abilities: Cards have various abilities, such as destroying other cards, forcing opponents to discard cards, or providing immunity to defusing.

Player Experience

Control is a quick and engaging game that requires strategic thinking. Players must balance between installing high-value Fuel Cells and using special abilities to disrupt their opponents. The game is simple to learn but complex to master, making it enjoyable for both gamers and non-gamers. The fast-paced nature of the game means rounds can end quickly, but this also allows for multiple games in a short amount of time.

Pros

Beautiful Design: High-quality components and illustrations.

Well-Balanced Actions: Card actions are balanced, offering various strategic options.

Quick Games: Games are short, lasting around 10 minutes.

High Player Interaction: Players can significantly affect each other’s progress.

Cons

Quick Endings: Some rounds can end very quickly with the right card combinations.

Limited Theme Immersion: The theme, while interesting, is not deeply integrated into the gameplay experience.

Personal Thoughts on Control

Control is an excellent addition to any game library, especially for those who enjoy strategic card games with a touch of player interaction. It is ideal for families and casual gamers who want a game that is easy to learn but offers depth in strategy. The quick gameplay and beautiful components make it a great choice for kickstarting any gaming night. While the theme may not be deeply immersive, the game’s mechanics and player interaction more than make up for it.

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