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Creature College (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Creature College is a fantasy board game that was released in in 2016. Designed by Mike Legan and Guillermo H. Nuñez, the game is centered around bidding and auction mechanics in a humorous and whimsical setting. Players take on the roles of students at a magical university, where they compete to be the top student by summoning and training fantastical creatures.

Game Components of Creature College

  • Game board
  • Creature cards
  • Spell cards
  • Gold coins
  • Player markers
  • Rulebook

    • How To Setup Creature College

  • Place the game board in the center of the table.
  • Shuffle the creature cards and place them face down on the designated area.
  • Shuffle the spell cards and place them face down on the designated area.
  • Give each player a set amount of gold coins.
  • Place player markers on the starting spaces on the board.

    • Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    In Creature College, players take turns bidding on creature cards and spell cards in order to train and summon creatures to compete in challenges. The objective of the game is to earn the most victory points by successfully completing challenges and outbidding opponents. Players must strategically manage their resources and creatures to come out on top.

    Player Experience

    **Pros:**

  • Engaging bidding mechanics
  • Humorous and whimsical theme
  • Strategic gameplay that rewards planning and resource management

    • **Cons:**

  • Gameplay can be slightly repetitive after multiple plays
  • Luck factor can influence outcomes in some situations

    • Personal Thoughts on Creature College

    Creature College is a fun and light-hearted board game that offers a unique take on bidding mechanics in a fantasy setting. The game’s components are well-made, and the artwork by Happy Otter Games adds to the whimsical charm of the game. While the gameplay may become slightly repetitive over time, the strategic depth and player interaction make it worth revisiting.

    In terms of pricing and availability, Creature College is reasonably priced and can be found both new and used online. For fans of fantasy and bidding games, Creature College is definitely worth your time. However, those who prefer more complex or intense gameplay may want to skip this one. Overall, Creature College is a delightful addition to any board game collection and a great choice for casual gaming nights with friends and family.

    Game Components of Creature College

  • Player mats
  • Bidding tokens
  • Playing pieces in various colors
  • Ability cards
  • Mission cards (15, 20, and 25 VP types)
  • Creature cards
  • Research lab cards
  • Battle cards
  • Dice
  • Green and red gems

    How To Setup Creature College

    To set up the game, each player takes a player mat, a set of bidding tokens, and playing pieces in their color. Three ability cards are dealt to each player, from which they choose one to personalize their gameplay. Each player also receives three mission cards and selects one, placing it face down on their player mat. The game is structured into three university terms: Spring, Autumn, and Winter.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Game Structure

  • The game is divided into three university terms: Spring, Autumn, and Winter.
  • Each term consists of three bidding rounds followed by one battle round.

    Bidding Rounds

  • Players bid on creature cards laid out in the play area.
  • Bidding order is determined by the highest bid from the previous round.
  • Players can choose to roll dice to obtain research lab cards or battle cards.
  • If Kevin the Giga-Pig appears, all players must battle him.

    Battle Rounds

  • Players fight the players to their right and left using cards in a single suit.
  • Battle cards can be added to each battle separately.
  • Winners receive green gems, while losers receive red gems.

    Game Objective

  • The goal is to collect more victory points than opponents by collecting creatures, completing missions, building the research lab, and winning battles.

    Player Experience

    In Creature College, players embark on a whimsical journey through a fantastical university, engaging in bidding wars and battles to accumulate victory points. The game combines strategic bidding with tactical combat, making it engaging for both children and adults. The variety of creatures, missions, and ability cards adds a layer of personalization and replayability.

    Pros

  • Variety and Replayability: Numerous creatures, missions, and ability cards ensure different experiences each game.
  • Engaging Mechanics: Bidding and battle rounds offer a mix of strategy and excitement.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a great family game.
  • Humor and Fantasy: The game’s quirky theme and characters add a fun and light-hearted atmosphere.

    Cons

  • Complexity for Younger Players: While the game is recommended for ages 8+, younger players might find the rules and mechanics a bit complex.
  • Length: Some players might find the 45-minute playtime a bit long for a family game.
  • Luck Factor: The dice rolls and card draws introduce an element of luck that can affect game outcomes.

    Personal Thoughts on Creature College

    Creature College is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers who enjoy light-hearted, strategic games. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate fantasy themes and humorous elements. However, it may not be the best fit for serious gamers seeking deep, complex strategies or those who prefer shorter game sessions. Overall, it offers a fun and engaging experience that is easy to learn but challenging to master.

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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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