High Score (2018) Board Game

High Score is a board game released in 2018, designed by Jonay Martín Perdigón and illustrated by DMZ Games. The game combines elements of adventure, dice rolling, fantasy, and a video game theme, making it a unique addition to the tabletop gaming world. With a runtime of 20-45 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and up, High Score is a fun and engaging game for the whole family.

Game Components of High Score

7 six-sided dice with unusual sides (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and a swirly vortex symbol)

21 challenge cards

Score track board

Player color markers and wooden cubes

Medals (gold, silver, and bronze)

How To Setup High Score

To set up the game, shuffle the deck of challenge cards and create a deck of 7 facedown cards. Each player chooses a player color, places their score marker chit in front of them, and positions their wooden cube on the score track board. The initial start player is chosen at random.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Dice Rolling
– Push Your Luck
– Variable Player Powers (through challenge cards)
– Strategic Decisions

Game Objective:
– Each round, a new challenge card dictates the dice-rolling rules.
– Players roll dice, decide whether to re-roll, and aim to achieve the highest score based on the challenge card.
– The player with the most points after seven rounds wins.
– Medals are awarded each round: gold (3 points), silver (2 points), and bronze (1 point).

Player Experience

**High Score** is a quick and engaging game that can be played in 10-30 minutes, depending on the number of players. The game is math-oriented but easy to follow, making it suitable for players aged 8 and above. Players must balance risk and strategy, deciding when to stop rolling or push their luck to achieve the highest score.

Pros

Quick and Snappy: The game is fast-paced and can be completed in a short time.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game offers significant strategic decisions.

Replayability: The 21 challenge cards provide a high level of variability.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a great family game.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules that are quickly understandable.

Cons

Limited Player Interaction: The game is more about individual achievement than direct player interaction.

Randomness: The dice rolling introduces a significant element of luck.

Visuals: The production is described as fairly bland, though this is minor given the game’s short playtime.

Personal Thoughts on High Score

**High Score** is ideal for those looking for a light, fun, and strategic dice game. It’s perfect for game nights or as a filler game between more complex games. While it may not be Reiner Knizia’s most elegant or complex work, it serves well as a cheap and sensible filler game that offers satisfaction in its quick and rewarding gameplay. It’s particularly great for teaching kids basic math concepts in an enjoyable way. However, for those seeking a deeper strategic experience, other games might be more appealing.

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