GoodCritters (2018) Board Game

GoodCritters is a party game designed by Fabian Zimmermann and published by Arcane Wonders in in 2018. It falls under the categories of Animals, Bluffing, Negotiation, and Party Game, making it a fun and engaging experience for players who enjoy social deduction and strategic gameplay.

Game Components of GoodCritters

140 Loot Cards

40 Action Cards

40 Payoff Cards (optional)

1 The Fuzz Card

8 Threat Markers

1 Boss Marker

16 Payoff Tokens

9 Plastic Stands

1 Rulebook

8 character stands and corresponding action cards.

How To Setup GoodCritters

To set up GoodCritters, each player chooses a critter and receives the matching 5 Action cards, a Threat marker, and Payoff tokens if using the optional Payoff rules. The loot deck is shuffled, and the Fuzz card is placed near the bottom of the deck. The game starts with one player designated as the Boss, who draws a number of loot cards from the deck and distributes them as they see fit.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Negotiation: Players negotiate and vote on the loot distribution.

Action Cards: Players use Vote Yes, Vote No, Skim, Rob, and Guard cards to influence the game.

Threats and Bluffing: Players can issue threats and bluff using their Threat markers.

Variable Player Powers: Each action card has unique effects.

Game Objective

The objective is to have the most loot when the Fuzz card is drawn, signaling the end of the game.

Players vote on the loot distribution proposed by the Boss. If the majority votes Yes, the distribution stands; if No, the distribution is cancelled, and a new Boss takes over.

Player Experience

GoodCritters is a game of strategic manipulation and negotiation. Players engage in intense social interaction, using their action cards to influence the outcome. The game encourages bluffing, double-bluffing, and forming temporary alliances. Each round involves the Boss distributing loot, players voting and taking actions, and resolving these actions in turn order. This creates a dynamic where players must balance their immediate gains with the risk of being targeted by others.

Pros

Quick to Teach and Play: The game is easy to learn and can be played within a short time frame.

High Player Interaction: Encourages negotiation, bluffing, and social manipulation.

Strategic Depth: Offers multiple layers of strategy through action cards and threats.

Beautiful Illustrations: The game features high-quality components and illustrations.

Cons

Limited Random Events: The game lacks integrated random events that could add more variability, though some promo cards address this.

Repetitive Rounds: The game mechanics, while engaging, can become repetitive over multiple rounds.

Personal Thoughts on GoodCritters

GoodCritters is ideal for players who enjoy negotiation games, social interaction, and strategic bluffing. It is perfect for groups of friends who can handle a bit of playful backstabbing and are looking for a game that sparks lively discussions and debates. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking complex, long-term strategies, it excels in providing a fun, engaging experience that can be easily fit into a game night schedule.

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