Happy Pigs (2013) Board Game

Happy Pigs is a board game released in 2013 by IELLO, designed by Kuraki Mura. It is a fun and engaging game for 2 to 6 players, where players take on the role of farmers trying to raise the happiest pigs on their farm.

Game Components of Happy Pigs

Player boards: Each player has a field board.

Action cards: Cards for the actions Feed, Mate, Purchase, and Sell.

Tools: Vaccines, Nutritional Supplements, and Birth Amulets.

Pigs: Available in four sizes: Piglet, Small, Regular, and Large.

Season cards: Special effect cards applied at the end of each round.

Money: Used for transactions and as the final score.

Field boards: Additional boards for expanding player fields.

How To Setup Happy Pigs

Before the game begins, each player selects five items from the supply, such as pigs, vaccines, supplements, or extra field boards. Each player receives a field board and action cards in their color. The season deck is shuffled, and the game is ready to start.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Actions: Players can choose from four actions: Feed (increase a pig’s size), Mate (produce new pigs), Purchase (buy items), and Sell (sell pigs).

Seasonal Effects: At the start of each round, a season card is revealed, applying a global effect to all players.

Tool Usage: Players can use vaccines, nutritional supplements, and birth amulets to manage their pigs.

Season Changes: Every four rounds, the season changes, and unvaccinated pigs die.

Objective: The player with the most money at the end of the game, after selling all remaining pigs, wins.

Player Experience

Happy Pigs is an engine-building game where players make incremental improvements to their pig-raising operations. The game moves quickly, with rounds often completed simultaneously by players familiar with the actions. The variable special actions on season cards add a twist to each round, encouraging players to strategize and anticipate their opponents’ moves.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last 30-45 minutes.

Light and Engaging: Suitable for players looking for a light economic game.

Strategic Depth: Requires players to think ahead and adjust strategies based on season cards.

Interactive: Players must consider their opponents’ actions to maximize their own gains.

Cons

Luck Factor: The draw of season cards can significantly impact gameplay.

Limited Complexity: May not appeal to players seeking more complex strategies.

Age Restriction: Recommended for players aged 8 and above, which might limit its appeal for younger children.

Personal Thoughts on Happy Pigs

Happy Pigs is ideal for those who enjoy light, economic games with a touch of strategy and social interaction. It’s a great fit for families or casual gaming groups, providing a fun and quick gaming experience without overwhelming complexity. While it may not be the best choice for experienced gamers seeking deep strategic depth, it excels in its niche as a super filler or light game.

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