First Rat (2022) Board Game
First Rat is a board game released in 2022 by Pegasus Spiele. Designed by Gabriele Ausiello and Virginio Gigli, and illustrated by Dennis Lohausen, this game falls under the Adventure, Animals, Humor, and Space Exploration categories. With a runtime of 30-75 minutes, First Rat is suitable for 1-5 players aged 10 and above. The game involves point-to-point movement, set collection, and can be played solo.
## Game Components of First Rat
– 22 wooden rats
– 22 cards
– 74 wooden pieces
– 255 tiles
– 1 scorepad
– 5 player aids
– 1 reference sheet
– 1 rulebook (EN).
## How To Setup First Rat
To set up the game, each player starts with two of their four allocated rats at the beginning of the track. The game board is laid out, and various tracks and spaces are prepared. The Light String and Rat Burrow tracks are also set up, along with the resources and items that can be collected and purchased during the game. Players also need to randomize the spaces and values for accomplishing tasks, which can vary from game to game.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– **Movement Mechanics**: Players can move one rat up to five spaces or multiple rats up to three spaces, provided they all land on spaces of the same color. Landing on occupied spaces costs one cheese per rat.
– **Resource Collection**: Players collect resources and bonuses based on the spaces they land on, such as cheese, apple cores, and other goods.
– **Engine Building**: The Light String track empowers spaces on the main track, granting extra resources or bonuses when landed on.
– **Shopping**: Players can buy or steal useful items from shop spaces, using cheese or returning to the start space if stealing.
– **Scoring**: Players aim to collect the most victory points by building rocket parts, training Rattronauts, and scoring on various tracks. The game ends when one player places eight of their scoring markers or gets all four rats onto the rocket.
– **Solo Mode**: The game includes a solo mode where the AI begins with all four rats, simulating a two-player game.
## Player Experience
Playing **First Rat** is an engaging experience that combines efficiency, timing, and resource management. The game’s whimsical theme of rats aiming to reach the Cheese Moon adds a delightful touch. Players must strategically decide which scoring tracks to prioritize and manage their resources effectively to outdo their opponents. The game’s engine-building elements and the ability to perform big, impactful turns make it memorable and satisfying.
### Pros
– **Whimsical Theme**: The game’s theme is charming and unique, making it enjoyable to explain and play.
– **Variable Setup**: Each game offers new excitement due to the randomization of spaces and values.
– **Engaging Mechanics**: Combines action efficiency, racing, engine building, and point salad scoring.
– **Solo Mode**: A decent solo mode that simulates a two-player game and offers different difficulty levels.
### Cons
– **Repetitive Gameplay**: Every game ultimately feels the same, with players running their rats up the tracks and amassing resources.
– **Lack of Direct Interaction**: The game is somewhat like multiplayer solitaire, with minimal direct interaction between players.
## Personal Thoughts on First Rat
**First Rat** is an excellent choice for players who enjoy light, yet satisfying gameplay with a touch of strategy. It is particularly suitable for families or casual gaming groups due to its straightforward rules and thematic appeal. However, for players seeking complex, deeply interactive games, **First Rat** might not be the best fit. It excels in its ability to provide a fun, dopamine-driven experience through its scoring mechanics and resource collection, making it a great addition to any board game collection.
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