Cupcake Academy (2020) Board Game

Cupcake Academy is a board game released in 2020, designed by Erwan Morin and published by Blue Orange in the European market. The game is categorized as a puzzle and real-time cooperative game, suitable for players aged 8 and above. With vibrant artwork by Simon Douchy, Cupcake Academy challenges players to work together in a fast-paced environment to complete various cupcake recipes.

Game Components of Cupcake Academy

Assignment cards

Cupcake cups

Empty plates

Game timer (seven-minute timer)

Rulebook

How To Setup Cupcake Academy

To set up Cupcake Academy, players start by arranging the cupcake cups randomly in the kitchen area. Each player receives a set of assignment cards that depict specific patterns of how the cupcake cups should be stacked. The game timer is set to seven minutes, and the players must work together to achieve the patterns shown on the assignment cards within this time frame.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together.

Time Pressure: Players must complete tasks within a seven-minute timer.

Logic and Pattern Recognition: Players need to arrange cupcake cups according to patterns on assignment cards.

Speed and Efficiency: Players must move cups quickly, following the rules of only moving one cup at a time to empty plates or on top of smaller cups.

Objective: Successfully arrange all cupcake cups according to the assignment cards before the timer runs out.

Player Experience

In Cupcake Academy, players experience a fast-paced and cooperative environment where teamwork and quick thinking are crucial. The game encourages communication and strategy among players as they race against the clock to achieve their goals. The simplicity of the game makes it accessible to younger players, while the time pressure and complexity of the patterns keep it engaging for adults as well.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Quick Playtime: Games last only 10 minutes.

Encourages Teamwork: Fosters cooperation and communication among players.

Simple yet Challenging: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Portable: Compact and easy to carry.

Cons

Limited Replayability: Once players master the patterns, the game may become less challenging.

Time Pressure: Some players might find the time limit too stressful.

Simple Components: Some players might find the components too basic.

Personal Thoughts on Cupcake Academy

Cupcake Academy is perfect for families or groups of friends looking for a light, fun, and cooperative game experience. It is ideal for teaching children about teamwork, logic, and time management in a playful setting. While it may not offer the depth and complexity that some experienced gamers seek, it excels as a quick, enjoyable game that can be played by a wide range of ages.

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