Heap (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Heap is a card game released in 2012 designed by Laine Garrett, Manny Trembley, and Chris Walton. The game is published by Privateer Press and falls under the categories of card game, fighting, and racing. It is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 10 and up. The game has a runtime of approximately 30 minutes and utilizes hand management and set collection as its main gameplay mechanisms.

Game Components of Heap

Over 100 cards, including vehicle cards and parts cards

Four vehicle cards for each player, representing different vehicle types

Parts cards that serve as add-ons for vehicles and resolve combat

Color-coded system for vehicles, attacks, and defenses.

How To Setup Heap

To set up Heap, each player receives four vehicle cards, each representing a different vehicle type. The deck is shuffled, and players draw a starting hand of cards. The objective is to begin modifying their vehicles with parts from the deck to prepare for vehicular combat.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bodge Phase: Players add up to 2 parts to their vehicles, drawing cards if necessary, and can discard cards to add more parts.

Rush Phase: Players choose a vehicle to take to battle, engaging in combat and defending against other players’ attacks. Challenges can force players to use specific vehicles.

Haul Phase: Players collect and attach parts from their haul pile to their vehicles.

Pileup Phase: Triggered when a player has 3 parts on all 4 vehicles, this phase involves a final rush with turbo vehicles, discarding all previous parts and hands.

Game Objective: The player who wins the final pileup phase, after all vehicles have been upgraded and the final rush is completed, rules the heap.

Player Experience

Heap is designed for fast and frantic gameplay, appealing to those who enjoy quick, action-packed games. Players experience a post-apocalyptic world where goblin bodgers fight over scrap parts to upgrade their vehicles. The game is easy to learn but can involve strategic decisions, especially in the rush phase. However, some players find the final pileup phase frustrating as it resets much of the progress made during the game.

Pros

Fast-Paced: The game is quick to play, typically lasting under an hour.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Fun Theme: The goblin bodger theme and post-apocalyptic setting add a humorous and engaging element.

Casual Fun: Suitable for a younger crowd or those looking for a light, fun game.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: Some players feel the game relies too much on luck rather than strategy.

Frustrating Endgame: The pileup phase can feel pointless as it discards all previous upgrades, leading to a final rush that may not reflect earlier efforts.

Personal Thoughts on Heap

Heap is ideal for those seeking a casual, fast-paced game with a unique and humorous theme. It is great for killing time or playing with a younger audience. However, players who prefer games with more strategic depth or consistent progression might find the final phase of Heap disappointing. Despite this, the game’s energetic and chaotic nature makes it a fun addition to any game collection, especially for fans of the goblin bodger characters and post-apocalyptic settings.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.