It Happens.. (2010) Board Game

It Happens..’ is a board game released in 2010 by designer Stefan Feld and published by Queen Games. The game is designed for 2-5 players and has a playtime of around 30 minutes. It falls under the categories of Animals and Dice, with gameplay mechanics revolving around dice rolling and set collection.

Game Components of It Happens..

12 termite mounds

25 dice

24 worm tiles

32 lost and found tiles

24 victory point tiles

1 rules leaflet

How To Setup It Happens..

The game is set up over 4 rounds. For each round, 3 cards representing termite mounds are placed on the table. Each player starts with 5 dice of the same color.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Placement: Players roll one die at a time and place it on one of the termite mound cards, either in the same column if they have already placed a die there or in the leftmost unoccupied column.

Item Collection: Rolling certain symbols on the dice allows players to collect items like telescope tips, gloves, or small earthworms. Earthworms enable re-rolling or passing turns, while other items score points.

Majority Scoring: At the end of each round, players score points based on their dice majorities on each termite mound card. The player with the most dice wins points corresponding to the termite queen, the second most wins points for the general, and players with the same number of dice as the little worm earn additional points.

Game Objective: The player with the highest number of points after 4 rounds wins the game.

Player Experience

It Happens.. offers a unique blend of strategy and luck. Players must balance achieving majorities on the termite mounds with collecting valuable items. The game’s light-hearted theme and humorous illustrations of Anton’s adventures add to its charm.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The game combines simple dice rolling with strategic placement, making it accessible yet challenging.

Theme and Illustrations: The playful theme and funny background illustrations enhance the gaming experience.

Balanced Strategy: Players need to balance majorities and item collection, which keeps the game engaging and strategic.

Cons

Luck Factor: Dice rolling introduces a significant element of luck, which may not appeal to all players.

Short Game Length: With only 4 rounds, the game may be too short for some players.

Personal Thoughts on It Happens..

It Happens.. is ideal for players who enjoy light to medium-weight games with a mix of strategy and luck. It is particularly suited for families or casual gamers looking for a fun, quick game. However, players seeking more complex or longer games might find it lacking. The game’s unique theme and simple yet engaging mechanics make it a great addition to any board game collection.

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