Ink Monsters (2017) Board Game

Ink Monsters is a card game that was released in 2017, designed by Cara Curley and illustrated by Albino Dragon. The game is suitable for 2 to 6 players, with a recommended age of 6 and above. It falls under the category of card games and features gameplay mechanics such as hand management, open drafting, and set collection.

Game Components of Ink Monsters

Cards: Movement cards and monster cards, each with unique abilities.

Magic Pen Token: Used to determine which player draws a monster.

Player Tokens: For tracking player positions and scores.

How To Setup Ink Monsters

To set up Ink Monsters, shuffle the monster deck and place it within reach of all players. Each player receives a set of movement cards. The magic pen token is placed on the starting position on the board. Players choose their starting positions, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 2-6 players.

Playing Time: 20-30 minutes.

Age: 6 and above.

Game Mechanics:
– Movement: Use movement cards to influence the magic pen’s position.
– Set Collection: Collect monster cards to use their special abilities.
– Drafting: Strategically choose which monsters to draw and when.

Objective: Collect and use monsters to maximize your score, while sometimes setting up opponents to draw monsters with negative effects.

Player Experience

Ink Monsters offers a simple yet strategic gameplay experience. Players need to balance their own goals with the need to sometimes hinder their opponents. The game’s cute and colorful design makes it appealing to families and younger players, while the deeper strategy keeps it engaging for adults.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players as young as 6 years old.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last 20-30 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Simple mechanics with deeper strategic implications.

Interactive: Players can influence each other’s turns.

Cons

Simple for Experienced Gamers: The game might be too light for experienced board game enthusiasts.

Luck Factor: The draw of monster cards can introduce an element of luck.

Limited Replayability: The game’s simplicity might reduce replay value for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Ink Monsters

Ink Monsters is perfect for families or casual game groups looking for a light, fun experience. It’s an excellent introduction to more complex board games for younger players, teaching basic strategies and interaction. However, experienced gamers might find it too straightforward and lacking in complexity. Overall, it’s a delightful game that brings joy and simple strategic thinking to the table.

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