Jobstacles (2016) Board Game

Jobstacles is a humor party game that was released in in 2016. The game is designed for 3-8 players aged 13 and up, with a runtime of 15-120 minutes. It is a hand management and simultaneous action selection game that aims to bring laughter and fun to your game night.

Game Components of Jobstacles

Player cards: Each representing a job applicant with various regrettable traits.

Trait cards: Used to sabotage other players’ applicants.

Boss cards: Determine the criteria for hiring.

Job cards: Outline the job requirements.

Scoreboard and tokens: For tracking points.

How To Setup Jobstacles

To set up Jobstacles, players start by shuffling the player cards, trait cards, boss cards, and job cards. Each player selects a player card, which represents their applicant. The boss card and job card are drawn to establish the hiring criteria for the round. Players then take turns adding trait cards to their opponents’ applicants to sabotage their chances of being hired.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card drafting: Players draw and play trait cards to modify their own or opponents’ applicants.

Negotiation: Players must persuade the boss to hire their applicant despite the added traits.

Social deduction: Understanding the boss’s preferences and the traits added to other applicants.

Objective: To be the first player to get their applicant hired by the boss.

Player Experience

Jobstacles is a party game designed for up to eight players, making it ideal for large gatherings or social events. The game encourages interaction, negotiation, and strategy, as players must balance showcasing their applicant’s positive traits while sabotaging their competitors. It is particularly enjoyable with a group of friends and a few beers, as it fosters a fun and light-hearted atmosphere.

Pros

High replayability: Numerous combinations of player and trait cards ensure different experiences each game.

Social interaction: Encourages negotiation and sabotage among players.

Easy to learn: Simple mechanics make it accessible to new players.

Humorous theme: The game’s focus on flawed applicants adds a comedic element.

Cons

Not ideal for small groups: The game is less enjoyable with fewer than six players.

Limited strategy for casual players: Some players might find the game too light on strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Jobstacles

Jobstacles is perfect for those who enjoy social, light-hearted games with a touch of strategy. It is an excellent addition to any game collection for large gatherings or parties, especially for groups who appreciate humor and interaction. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking deep strategic gameplay or those who prefer playing in small groups.

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