E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Card Game (1982) Board Game

Released in 1982, the E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Card Game was inspired by the iconic film directed by Steven Spielberg. The game was designed for children aged 4 and up, allowing fans of the movie to interact with characters from the beloved sci-fi story in a card game format.

Game Components of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Card Game

Game Board: Features various spaces, including transmitter, costume, and playground spaces.

ET Figure: A figure of ET that moves around the board.

Cards: Includes ET and Eliot cards, and costume cards.

ET and Eliot Cards: Used to help ET fly.

Costume Cards: Protect ET from “bad spaces” and are obtained by landing on costume spaces.

Die: A die with numbers 1 to 3 for determining movement.

Spaceship: Placed on the board once the transmitter is assembled.

Transmitter Puzzle Pieces: Used to assemble the transmitter.

How To Setup E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Card Game

To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player starts with a set number of cards depending on the number of players: 4 cards for a 2-player game, 5 cards for a 3-player game, and 6 cards for a 4-player game. The ET figure is placed at the starting position on the board. The transmitter puzzle pieces and other game components are ready to be used as players progress through the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to be the player with the most chips by the time ET reaches his spaceship and flies off.

Movement: Players move ET in a counterclockwise direction on the board.

Die Rolling: Players guess the number they will roll on the die; correct guesses allow them to move without penalty.

Transmitter Assembly: Players assemble the transmitter using puzzle pieces.

Flying Mechanic: Players use ET and Eliot cards to help ET fly, guessing the side of the card correctly to gain chips.

Costume Cards: Players use costume cards to protect ET from adverse spaces.

Spaceship Landing: The game ends when a player lands exactly on the spaceship space, and the player with the most chips wins.

Player Experience

Playing the E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Board Game is a nostalgic and fun experience, especially for those familiar with the movie. The game involves strategic guessing with the die rolls and tactical use of cards to protect ET and help him fly. The game’s simplicity makes it accessible to younger players, while the luck element keeps it engaging for all ages.

Pros

Nostalgic Value: Great for fans of the movie.

Easy to Understand: Simple rules make it accessible to younger players.

Strategic Depth: Use of cards and guessing mechanics adds a layer of strategy.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a range of ages.

Cons

Luck-Based: The game heavily relies on luck with die rolls and card draws.

Outdated Mechanics: Some players may find the mechanics too simplistic or dated.

Limited Replayability: The game can become repetitive after several plays.

Personal Thoughts on E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Card Game

This game is ideal for families, collectors of vintage games, and fans of the E.T. movie. While it may not offer the complexity some modern gamers seek, it provides a charming and nostalgic gaming experience. For those looking to relive childhood memories or introduce their children to classic board games, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Board Game is a delightful choice.

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