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House of Cats (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

House of Cats is a board game designed by William Attia and Kristian Amundsen Østby, and published by Aporta Games. It was released in 2023 and is suitable for 1-6 players, with a recommended age of 10 and up. The game has a playtime of 15-20 minutes and falls under the category of Animals, with a Paper-and-Pencil mechanism.

Game Components of House of Cats

  • Player Sheets:** Each player receives a scoring sheet, with different sheets for each of the four unique levels.
  • Dice:** Four dice are used, each side featuring the numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, a mouse, and a cat.
  • Ability Tiles:** 12 ability tiles, with four randomly selected for each game.
  • Pencils or Writing Utensils:** For marking the player sheets.

    How To Setup House of Cats

    To set up the game, players decide on the level they will play (1 through 4) and each receives the corresponding scoring sheet. The twelve ability tiles are shuffled, and four are flipped up one at a time. Players write the revealed icons in the 2, 3, 4, and 5 ability spaces on their sheet in the order they are revealed. For levels 2 and 3, players roll three dice and place the results in three starred spaces on their sheet.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Rolling Dice:** Each turn begins with rolling the four dice.
  • Choosing Dice:** Players select three of the four dice results to write on their sheet.
  • Forming Rooms:** Players create rooms by filling adjacent squares with the same number, drawing a line around the room.
  • Activating Abilities:** When a room is created, players can activate the corresponding ability by darkening the outline of the ability circle.
  • Scoring:** Points are awarded for completed rooms, and penalties are given for empty spaces on the sheet.
  • Special Rules:** Each level has unique rules regarding cats and mice.

    Player Experience

    **House of Cats** offers a strictly simultaneous solitaire experience where players do not interact with each other. The game is all about individual puzzle-solving, making it appealing to those who enjoy focusing on their own strategy. The game’s short playtime and varying abilities ensure new challenges each time, making it versatile and engaging.

    Pros

  • Variety and Replayability:** Four unique levels and random ability tiles provide a different experience each game.
  • Quick Playtime:** Games last only 10-15 minutes.
  • Simple to Learn:** Basic rules are easy to understand and teach.
  • Strategic Depth:** Different abilities and levels add complexity and strategy.

    Cons

  • No Player Interaction:** Some players might find the lack of interaction between players less engaging.
  • Care with Writing Utensils:** Double-sided sheets can be damaged if using felt-tipped pens.

    Personal Thoughts on House of Cats

    **House of Cats** is ideal for fans of roll-and-write games who appreciate quick, strategic gameplay with a high replay value. It’s perfect for those who enjoy puzzle-solving and individual challenges. The game’s short duration makes it a great fit for families or for players looking to fill short gaps in their gaming sessions. If you’re seeking a game that offers variety and a fun, solo-focused experience, **House of Cats** should definitely be on your radar.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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