Goatfish (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Goatfish is a card game released in 2017 designed by Hank Baarslag. It is a family-friendly game that can be played by 2 to 5 players, with a quick playtime of 10 to 20 minutes. The game falls under the categories of animals and card games, featuring mechanics such as hand management, memory, set collection, and take that.

Game Components of Goatfish

Deck of goat cards

Action cards

Honey badger cards

Player tokens

How To Setup Goatfish

To set up Goatfish, shuffle the deck and deal a starting hand of cards to each player. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. Each player’s goal is to collect herds of four matching goats.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Collect a set number of herds, typically four herds in a two-to-three player game.

Turn Phases:
– Ask players for goat cards to make matches of up to four goats.
– If no match is found, draw a card from the deck.
– Use action cards to steal goats from other players or feed them to hungry honey badgers.

Mechanics: Memory, set collection, take-that strategy.

Player Experience

In Goatfish, players engage in a light-hearted and interactive game where strategy and a bit of luck are key. The game is quick, with turns consisting of asking for specific goat cards, drawing from the deck, and using action cards to disrupt opponents or protect one’s own herd.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple gameplay makes it accessible to a wide range of players.

Interactive: Players frequently interact with each other through card requests and actions.

Humorous: The inclusion of honey badgers and stealing mechanics adds a comedic element.

Quick Games: Games are generally short, making it a great filler game.

Cons

Luck Factor: The draw of cards can significantly influence the game’s outcome.

Limited Depth: The game’s simplicity may not appeal to players seeking complex strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Goatfish

Goatfish is an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a quick, entertaining game session. Its mix of memory and take-that mechanics makes it engaging without being overly complex. It’s particularly suitable for players who enjoy light-hearted, social games with a touch of humor. However, gamers seeking deeper strategic gameplay may find it lacking in depth.

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