Gretchinz! (2018) Board Game

Gretchinz! is a fast-paced and chaotic racing game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Players take on the role of Ork pilots racing their ramshackle vehicles across dangerous tracks filled with obstacles and enemy fire. The game was released in 2018 by Black Monk and designed by Roberto Fraga and Yohan Lemonnier.

Game Components of Gretchinz!

Dice for action resolution

Cards for terrain and attacks

3D racing buggies

Terrain cards with various effects

Clan ability cards (optional)

Flame counters for tracking damage

How To Setup Gretchinz!

To set up the game, players first distribute the racing buggies and assign each player a set of cards and dice. The terrain cards are shuffled and placed face down along the racing track, which is divided into seven levels. Each player starts at the beginning of the track, ready to roll their dice and begin the frantic race.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Mechanics:

Real-Time Dice Rolling: Players roll their dice simultaneously until one player aligns their dice to their desired actions and yells “WAAAGH!” to stop the rolling.

Hidden Card Mechanic: Players hold attack cards in such a way that they cannot see the relevant side, adding an element of unpredictability.

Terrain Interaction: Players move through different terrains, each with its own effects, such as drawing cards or losing turns.

Clan Abilities: Optional clan cards provide special abilities that can be used during the game.

Game Objective:

The objective is to be the first player to cross the seventh level of the track, managing movements and attacks effectively to hinder opponents.

Player Experience

Playing **Gretchinz** is a chaotic and frenetic experience, capturing the essence of Orks’ love for speed and violence. The real-time dice rolling and hidden card mechanics create a dynamic where players must act quickly and strategically. However, the game’s design flaws, such as the ability to end the action phase prematurely, can reduce the tension and agency in decision-making.

Pros

Fast-Paced Action: The game is quick to play, lasting about 20 minutes.

Chaotic Fun: It captures the chaotic nature of Ork races, making for an entertaining experience.

Simple to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it easy for new players to join in.

Cons

Design Flaws: The game can feel pointless at times due to the premature ending of action phases.

Lack of Tension: The ability to stop the game early reduces the nervous anticipation typical in real-time games.

Mediocre Engagement: The game fails to make a meaningful impression and lacks depth in its mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Gretchinz!

**Gretchinz** is best suited for those looking for a light, social gaming experience with a dash of chaos and humor. However, it may not satisfy players seeking deeper strategic gameplay or those who are fans of more complex board games. Despite its innovative mechanics, **Gretchinz** falls short of being a truly special game, making it more of a casual, occasional play rather than a staple in any board game collection.

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