Floating Floors (2023) Board Game

Floating Floors is a unique board game that was released in 2023 by Gong Studios and Jovial Graphics. It falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Action / Dexterity, Maze, and Print & Play. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with the best experience being for 3-4 players.

Game Components of Floating Floors

12x Terrain/Lake Cards (double-sided)

12x Floating Floorboards (double-sided)

60x Jutsu Tokens featuring three different shapes (triangle, square, hexagon) in both black and white

3x Jutsu Dice featuring three different shapes (triangle, square, hexagon) in either black or white

4x Ninja meeples (2x Black and 2x White)

16x Bansen seals (double-sided)

4x Chakra tokens.

How To Setup Floating Floors

To set up the game, start by shuffling the deck of Terrain Cards. For two players, create a map with six cards in a 2×3 grid. For three or four players, the map is nine cards in a 3×3 grid. Each player selects a Ninja, a Chakra token, and the Bansen seals corresponding to their ninja. These pieces are placed in alcoves on the map’s perimeter. The remaining Jutsu tokens are placed in a collective pool next to the shuffled deck of Floorboards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The goal is to be the first ninja to navigate the floating floors and collect all four of their Bansen seals.

Turn Phases:
– Phase 1: Acquire Jutsu tokens by rolling the dice or taking them from the collective pool, terrain cards, or floorboards.
– Phase 2: Navigate the floorboards by moving on squares of your color and balancing the floors using Jutsu tokens to avoid toppling the floorboards.

Movement: Ninjas can only move on squares of their color. Players must balance the floors carefully to avoid penalties.

Penalty: If a floorboard tilts or falls, the player must restart, and their opponent can rearrange all the pieces.

Player Experience

Floating Floors offers a fun and fast gameplay experience with a strong focus on strategy in both attack and defense. Players enjoy the tactile experience of physically balancing the meeples on the precarious floorboards. The game’s design, including the adorable ninja meeples, adds to its charm and makes it a delightful experience for players. The game is suitable for players aged 10 and up, although younger players with strategic skills can also enjoy it.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and strategic moves to balance the floors.

Tactile Experience: Players enjoy the physical aspect of balancing the meeples on the floorboards.

Fun and Fast: Games are quick, lasting around 30 minutes, making it an engaging and time-efficient activity.

Adorable Components: The ninja meeples are well-designed and add to the game’s appeal.

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be somewhat complex, especially for younger players.

Penalty System: The penalty for toppling the floorboards can be quite harsh, significantly impacting gameplay.

Limited Player Count: While designed for 2-4 players, it is best suited for two players, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Floating Floors

Floating Floors is an excellent choice for families or gamers looking for a strategic and balanced game. It is particularly suitable for children aged 10 and up due to its complexity and the need for strategic thinking. The game’s unique mechanics and tactile experience make it a standout in the world of tabletop games, offering a fun and challenging experience for players of various skill levels.

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