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Cryptid Cafe (2022) Board Game

ByMichail

Cryptid Cafe is a fantasy board game that was released in in 2022. Designed by Chip Cole and illustrated by Squatchy Games, this game is set in a mystical world filled with creatures from folklore and mythology. Players take on the role of cafe owners catering to a unique clientele of cryptids, legendary creatures that are hidden from human sight. The game combines elements of worker placement, area majority, and take that mechanics to create a competitive and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Cryptid Cafe

  • 15 Cryptid server meeples
  • 5 Customer decks (each with 15 cards)
  • 30 Event cards
  • 5 Manager cards
  • 5 Change My Order cards
  • 5 Server boards
  • 1 Kraken chef game board
  • 120 Wooden food tokens
  • 70 Wooden coin tokens
  • 1 First player card
  • 1 Round tracking card
  • 1 Round tracking cube
  • 1 Solo game die
  • 2 Solo game decks (each with 5 cards)
  • Rulebook in English and French.

    How To Setup Cryptid Cafe

    Each player starts with five coins, three Bigfoot server meeples, a personal board, and their own deck of customers and events. Draw the first two customers and place them in the green spaces of the Customer Service track. Each player also receives their server boards and initial coins. The game components are laid out, including the Kraken chef board and the various food stations.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Mechanics:** Worker Placement, Area Majority / Influence, Take That, Contracts, Events, Once-Per-Game Abilities.
  • Objective:** Gather food items to fill customer orders, earn the most tips, and avoid customer walkouts.
  • Gameplay Phases:**
    – Send out servers to request dishes from the chef.
    – Share tips with the chef to move up in line.
    – Collect food items.
    – Serve customers to earn tips.
    – Clean Up Phase: Move remaining customers, draw new cards, and manage food tokens.

    Player Experience

    Players strategically dispatch their Sasquatch servers to different food stations to gather the necessary items to complete customer orders. The game becomes increasingly challenging as customers get frustrated and leave smaller tips or even walk out if their orders are not fulfilled promptly. The competitive element is heightened by the limited spaces at food stations and the ability to bribe the chef to gain advantage.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** Simple mechanics make it accessible to players of various skill levels.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for players aged 10 and above, making it a great family game.
  • Competitive:** Engaging competition among players, especially with 3-4 players.
  • Thematic Appeal:** Unique theme of serving legendary creatures adds a fun twist.

    Cons

  • Limited Interaction at Lower Player Counts:** The game is less engaging with two players or solo, requiring the use of automatons.
  • Repetitive Gameplay:** Some players find the gameplay too repetitive and lacking in exciting decisions.
  • Event Cards Feel Punishing:** Event cards can disrupt gameplay rather than add excitement.

    Personal Thoughts on Cryptid Cafe

    Cryptid Cafe is ideal for families and groups of 3-4 players who enjoy light, thematic games with a touch of strategy. While it may not offer the depth and complexity sought by experienced gamers, it is a fun and easy-to-learn game that can be enjoyed by a wide range of players. However, those looking for more intricate gameplay or solo experiences might find it less appealing.

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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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