Cross Hares: Testing Ground is a board game released in 2014 designed by Jesse Labbe and published by 1A Games. It falls under the Adventure, Animals, Dice, and Science Fiction categories, offering players a unique storytelling experience with variable player powers.
Game Components of Cross Hares: Testing Ground
Game Board: A six-fold board with designated spots for components.Character Options: 10 available characters with unique abilities.Cards: Three decks of cards, including starting cards, Event cards, and Adventure cards.Dice: Standard D6 and a custom Research Die.Tokens: Various tokens for gameplay.Rabbit Standees/Miniatures: Each player has a rabbit standee or miniature.Illustrated “Light Novel”: Included in the first print run, containing three short stories.Bonus Characters: Four bonus Mystery characters from the Kickstarter campaign.
How To Setup Cross Hares: Testing Ground
Setting up Cross Hares involves several steps:
Lay out the large, six-fold game board, which includes spots to hold many of the game’s components.Shuffle and place the three decks of cards on designated areas on the board.Distribute tokens to their respective areas.Choose from 10 available characters, collect starting cards, and place your rabbit standee or miniature on a starting point.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Variable Player Powers: Each character has unique abilities.Roll and Move: Players roll dice to move around the board.Combat: Players can engage in battles when landing on the same space, with the winner determined by rolling a standard D6.Research Die: Rolling the Research Die can earn items, specialties, or trigger Adventures.Adventures: 5 two-sided Adventure Cards that provide various challenges and rewards.Event Activation Zone: Landing on this space activates Event cards, which can be beneficial or detrimental.Final Challenge: The first player to reach the Factory must face a final Challenge to win the game. There are six possible Challenges, with two resulting in an immediate win and four requiring additional combat.
Player Experience
Cross Hares: Testing Ground offers a simple yet engaging gameplay experience. The game combines a roll-and-move mechanic with elements of strategy and luck, such as battling other players and participating in Adventures. The storytelling through cards and in-game text adds a light role-playing quality. However, some players may find the frequent dice rolling and waiting for other players to complete their Adventures to be less engaging.
Pros
Simple to Learn: The game has a low learning curve.Replay Value: Multiple characters with unique abilities and random Elements ensure varied gameplay.Interactive Storytelling: The game includes an illustrated “light novel” and storytelling through cards.Adventure Elements: Exciting press-your-luck decisions and varied outcomes from Adventure cards.Family-Friendly: Suitable for younger players with some guidance.
Cons
Dice Rolling Dominance: The game heavily relies on dice rolling, which may lack strategy for some players.Waiting Time: Other players must wait while one player completes an Adventure.Combat Simpllicity: Combat is determined solely by rolling a D6, which may be too simplistic for some players.
Personal Thoughts on Cross Hares: Testing Ground
Cross Hares: Testing Ground is ideal for families and casual gamers who enjoy light, interactive adventures. The game’s simplicity makes it accessible to younger players, while the variable player powers and Adventure elements provide enough complexity to keep older players engaged. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking deep strategic gameplay or those who prefer less reliance on luck. Overall, it’s a fun, Family-Friendly game that offers a unique blend of storytelling and adventure.
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