First Rat (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

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)

Double-sided game board for variable setup.

How To Setup First Rat

To set up the game, each player chooses a color for their rat team and starts with two rats. The game board, which features a single track from a start point to an end point, is laid out with various colored spaces that offer different resources and bonuses. The players also have access to three tracks: the junkyard track, the Light String track, and the Rat Burrow track. The game includes shops and shortcuts that players can utilize during the game. For a more dynamic experience, the game board has a variable setup option using its double-sided design.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement Mechanics: Players can move one rat up to 5 spaces or multiple rats up to 3 spaces, provided they all land on spaces of the same color. Landing on spaces occupied by other players requires paying 1 cheese per player.

Resource Collection: Players gather resources such as cheese, apple cores, and other items based on the spaces they land on. These resources are used to build rocket parts, train Rattronauts, and purchase items from shops.

Light String Track: Moving a rat to a blue space advances the Light String marker, which enhances the resources gained from subsequent spaces.

Rat Burrow Track: This track allows players to unlock special abilities, recruit more rats, and score points.

Shops and Shortcuts: Players can buy or steal items from shops and use shortcuts to jump ahead on the track.

Game Objective: The game ends when a player places their fourth rat on the spaceship or their eighth scoring marker on the board. The player with the most points, or the most Rattronauts in case of a tie, wins.

Player Experience

**First Rat** offers a engaging and strategic experience suitable for both families and adult gamers. The game is relatively easy to understand after a few rounds, making it accessible to non-gamers as well. The lack of direct player interaction (other than paying cheese to land on occupied spaces) makes it feel like multiplayer solitaire, yet the game remains fun and competitive. The variable setup and solo mode add significant replay value.

Pros

High Replayability: Double-sided board and variable setup ensure different gameplay experiences.

Solo Mode: A well-designed solo mode that simulates a two-player game.

Strategic Depth: Offers multiple strategies and resource management challenges.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10+ and enjoyable for adults as well.

Engaging Mechanics: Movement rules and tracks add a layer of complexity and fun.

Cons

Complex Setup: The game takes some time to set up and can look visually overwhelming.

Limited Direct Interaction: Players primarily focus on their own rats with minimal direct interaction.

Penalty for Landing on Occupied Spaces: Paying cheese can be a penalty, but it also adds a strategic layer.

Personal Thoughts on First Rat

**First Rat** is an excellent choice for those who enjoy Eurogames with a mix of resource management and strategic planning. It is particularly suited for families looking for a game that is both fun and educational, as well as for adult gamers who appreciate the intricacies of resource gathering and engine-building mechanics. The game’s themes of teamwork and competition make it a great addition to any board game collection.

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