Frenemy Pastry Party (2019) Board Game

Frenemy Pastry Party is a card game designed by Jesse Li and published by Mizo Games in in 2019. It is a fun and fast-paced game that is suitable for players aged 8 and above. The game combines elements of bluffing, strategy, and card drafting, making it a great choice for families and friends looking for a light-hearted game night option.

Game Components of Frenemy Pastry Party

Card Types: Ingredient cards, cake cards, and animal cards, each with distinct card backs and borders for easy separation.

Playmat: An optional playmat available for an alternate setup and additional artwork.

Player Tokens: Tokens representing the seven different animal characters.

Scoreboard: For tracking points earned during the game.

How To Setup Frenemy Pastry Party

To set up the game, players first separate the different types of cards and place them within reach. Each player chooses an animal character and receives the corresponding hidden objective card. The ingredient and cake cards are shuffled and placed face down on designated areas on the table or playmat. Players start with a hand of ingredient cards, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drafting: Light drafting mechanism where players collect ingredient cards.

Cooperative Element: Players can contribute ingredients to each other’s cakes.

Competitive Point Scoring: Players earn points by baking cakes, contributing ingredients, and fulfilling their animal’s hidden objective.

Game Objective: The goal is to earn the most points by balancing personal and cooperative actions.

Actions: On their turn, players can either add ingredients to their hand or attempt to bake a cake.

Ingredient Contribution: Players can ask other players for specific ingredients needed for baking.

Player Experience

Playing Frenemy Pastry Party involves strategic decision-making and social interaction. Players must weigh the benefits of contributing to friends’ cakes against their own goals, creating a fun and dynamic experience. The game encourages a “love-hate, give-and-take” atmosphere, where players often find themselves in humorous and frustrating situations as they navigate the delicate balance between cooperation and competition.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a younger audience and light enough for casual game nights.

Adorable Artwork: The game features cute and appealing animal characters and cake designs.

Strategic Depth: Despite its light nature, the game offers significant strategic decision-making.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last between 15-30 minutes.

Cons

Imbalanced Characters: The fox and otter characters have more challenging hidden objectives, which can affect gameplay experience.

Optional House Rules: Some players may find it necessary to implement house rules to enhance the cooperative aspect, which can slightly alter the game’s dynamics.

Personal Thoughts on Frenemy Pastry Party

Frenemy Pastry Party is ideal for those looking for a light, enjoyable game with a baking theme. It is perfect for family gatherings or casual game nights with friends, especially those who appreciate cute and colorful designs. While it may not offer deep strategy for hardcore gamers, it provides a delightful and interactive experience for a broader audience. The game’s short playtime and easy-to-learn mechanics make it an excellent choice for introducing new players to the world of board games.

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