FITS (2009) Board Game – Board Game Guys

FITS is an abstract strategy board game designed by Reiner Knizia and published by Ravensburger in in 2009. The game is known for its unique gameplay mechanics and challenging puzzles that engage players of all ages.

Game Components of FITS

Game boards (each player has four boards for different rounds)

Tiles (polyomino pieces similar to Tetris shapes)

Starting cards

Building cards

Ramps

Covers

Scorekeeping materials (paper and pencil)

How To Setup FITS

To set up FITS, each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding tiles, game boards, ramp, and cover. The starting cards and building cards are shuffled and placed face down on the table. Each player prepares their game board for the round by selecting the appropriate board and placing it on the ramp with the cover on top. Players then randomly draw one of the starting cards and place the corresponding tile on their board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Tile Placement: Players place tiles on their boards, sliding them from the top until they are stopped by existing tiles.

Simultaneous Play: All players make their moves simultaneously based on the drawn cards.

Randomness: The order of the tiles is determined by the cards drawn, introducing an element of randomness.

Game Objective

Fill in as many spaces on the board as possible while avoiding or strategically exposing special spaces.

Score points based on filled rows, exposed special spaces, and other round-specific criteria.

Player Experience

FITS is a game that challenges players to think strategically about how to place their tiles to maximize their score. The game is played over four rounds, each with different scoring rules. Players must adapt to the random tile draws, often requiring creative solutions to fit the tiles into their grid. This game is highly engaging, with minimal downtime as players make their moves simultaneously.

Pros

Engaging Puzzle Mechanics: Encourages special-recognition and reasoning skills.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of all ages, including young children.

Simultaneous Play: Reduces downtime, keeping all players actively engaged.

Replayability: Different starting pieces and random card draws ensure varied gameplay each time.

Cons

Lack of Player Interaction: Players do not influence each other’s grids directly.

Randomness: The random nature of the tile draws can sometimes lead to frustrating pieces.

Personal Thoughts on FITS

FITS is an excellent choice for those who enjoy puzzle games and are fans of Tetris. It is particularly well-suited for families, as it promotes critical thinking and spatial reasoning without the complexity that might deter younger players. The game’s design ensures that each player has a unique experience, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. While it may lack direct player interaction, this can be a welcome feature for families looking to avoid competitive conflicts. Overall, FITS is a cleverly designed game that offers a fun and challenging experience for all who play it.

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