Kartel (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kartel is a party game designed by Reiner Knizia and published by Helvetiq in in 2018. It is a fun and fast-paced game that can be played by 2 to 6 players, with a recommended age of 6 and up. The game features push your luck, roll/spin and move, and set collection mechanics, making it engaging and exciting for players of all ages.

Game Components of Kartel

Game Board: Represents the city with various locations.

Crime Boss and Family Member Discs: Each player manages discs for seven crime families.

Player Tokens: For tracking player progress.

Dice: Used for determining movement.

How To Setup Kartel

To set up Kartel, lay out the game board and distribute the crime boss and family member discs among the players. Each player chooses a token and places it at the starting location on the board. The game is ready to start once all components are in place.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll-and-Move Mechanic: Players roll dice to determine how many spaces they can move.

Disc Collection: Players pick up discs to add to their stack, aiming to collect sets.

Objective: The goal is to either bring down or protect the seven crime families by collecting the right combination of discs.

Player Experience

Kartel offers a simple yet engaging experience, suitable for families and casual gamers. The game involves a mix of luck from the dice rolls and strategic planning in deciding when to pick up discs. This balance makes it accessible and fun for a wide range of players.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it quick to start playing.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for kids and adults alike.

Strategic Depth: Despite simplicity, it requires some planning.

Portable: Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry.

Cons

Luck-Driven: Dice rolls can significantly influence the outcome.

Limited Complexity: May not appeal to experienced gamers seeking deeper strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Kartel

Kartel is ideal for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a light, fun game that doesn’t require a significant time commitment. It’s perfect for introducing children to board games or for a quick gaming session with friends. However, experienced gamers might find it too simplistic and reliant on luck.

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