Critters Below (2017) Board Game

Critters Below is a card game released in 2017, designed by Bazsó Lossonczy and illustrated by Antler Games. It falls under the categories of Animals, Card Game, and Party Game, with gameplay mechanics involving memory, player elimination, team-based play, variable player powers, and voting. The game is designed for 1-6 players, with a recommended age of 14 and up.

Game Components of Critters Below

Card deck containing supply cards, event cards, and other game mechanics

Player tokens and character cards

Bunker doors token

Voting tokens

Supply tokens

How To Setup Critters Below

Setting up Critters Below is relatively straightforward. Players start by distributing character cards, each with unique abilities. The supply deck is shuffled and a set number of cards are drawn depending on the player count. Each player begins in the bunker, and the game starts with the first player drawing a supply card. The bunker doors token is placed to indicate whether the doors are open or closed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Semi-Cooperative Play: Players work together to survive but also have individual goals.

Card Drawing: Players draw supply cards to find food, water, and other essential items.

Voting Mechanic: At the end of each turn, players vote whether to open the bunker doors.

Event Management: Players must manage events such as bombings and supply shortages.

Objective: Survive long enough to emerge to the surface and find that the war is over.

Player Experience

In Critters Below, players experience a tense and fast-paced environment as they navigate the challenges of surviving in a bunker during a war. The game requires strategic thinking, as players must balance individual survival with the need to work together. The voting mechanic adds a layer of social interaction, where players must negotiate and sometimes betray each other to ensure their own survival.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: The combination of semi-cooperative play and voting mechanics makes for an engaging and dynamic experience.

Replayability: The random draw of supply cards and events ensures that each game is unique.

Simple to Learn: The game has straightforward rules, making it easy for new players to join in.

High Player Count: Supports up to 8 players, making it a great option for large groups.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game heavily relies on the draw of supply cards, which can lead to unfair advantages or disadvantages.

Limited Character Depth: While characters have unique abilities, the depth of these abilities might be limited for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Critters Below

Critters Below is ideal for groups looking for a light, yet engaging survival game with a social twist. It’s perfect for those who enjoy semi-cooperative games and are comfortable with a degree of randomness and social negotiation. While it may not offer the deepest character development, its simplicity and replayability make it a fun addition to any game collection.

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