Goblins, Inc. (2012) Board Game

Goblins, Inc. is a board game released in 2012 by designer Filip Neduk and published by Czech Games Edition. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the role of goblin inventors competing to build the best giant robot. With a mix of dice rolling, team-based gameplay, and tile placement, Goblins, Inc. offers a unique and engaging gaming experience for 2 to 4 players.

Game Components of Goblins, Inc.

60 construction cards

Defense tokens

Scoreboard

4 promotion cards

7 blueprint cards

3 team cards

84 agenda cards (divided into 4 sets for each player)

24 tactics cards

2 tactician controllers

2 pilot controllers (requiring assembly)

10 special dice

12 goblins (3 in each color).

How To Setup Goblins, Inc.

To set up the game, players first team up in pairs as dictated by the team cards. Each team draws a blueprint for their robot and each player draws seven secret agenda cards, which remain hidden from their partner. The planners of each team randomly draw five construction tiles, inspect them secretly, and exchange two tiles with the planner of the opposing team. This setup phase is crucial as it sets the stage for the construction and battle phases.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Team Formation: Players team up in pairs for each round.

Construction: Teams build their robots using construction tiles and blueprints.

Battle: Teams engage in battles, with one player acting as the pilot and the other as the tactician.

Secret Agendas: Each player has hidden agendas that may conflict with the team’s goals.

Victory Points: Points are scored for surviving goblins and completing secret agendas.

Objective: The player with the most victory points after two to three rounds wins the game and becomes the new Boss of Goblins, Inc..

Player Experience

Goblins, Inc. offers a dynamic and humorous gaming experience filled with cooperation, competition, and betrayal. Players must balance teamwork with their own secret agendas, leading to unpredictable and entertaining gameplay. The game is praised for its clear and well-illustrated rules, making it easy to learn and play regardless of gaming background.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: Combines team play, tile placement, and backstabbing for a unique experience.

Clear Rules: Well-written rulebook with examples and imagery.

High Replayability: Multiple secret agendas and random tile draws ensure different outcomes each game.

Humor and Chaos: Promises loads of laughs and chaotic battles.

Cons

Complexity: While the rules are clear, the game can be complex due to the multiple layers of strategy and hidden agendas.

Player Interaction: Some players may find the backstabbing mechanics off-putting or frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Goblins, Inc.

Goblins, Inc. is perfect for players who enjoy strategic team games with a twist of betrayal and humor. It is ideal for those who appreciate complex gameplay mechanics and the unpredictability that comes with hidden agendas. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer pure cooperative games or those who are sensitive to in-game betrayal. Overall, Goblins, Inc. offers a fun and challenging experience that is sure to entertain a group of friends looking for a light-hearted yet strategic game.

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