Keep Cool (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Keep Cool is a party game released in 2016, designed by Stivo and illustrated by Cocktail Games. It is a word-based game that is suitable for 3–8 players, with a runtime of 20–40 minutes. The game is categorized as a team-based game and is recommended for players aged 13 and above.

Game Components of Keep Cool

Countries: 3-6 player groups representing countries like USA & Partners, Europe, Tiger Countries, Developing Countries, Former Soviet Union, and OPEC.

Factories: Black (representing fossil fuel) and green (representing renewable energy) factories.

Carbonchips: Used for income and bargaining.

Greenhouse Cards: Introduce random climate-related events and disasters.

Protection Tokens: Used to meet secret targets.

Secret Target Cards: Each player has two secret targets to achieve.

Carbometer: Measures the level of global warming.

How To Setup Keep Cool

To set up the game, players first determine the countries based on the number of players. For example, with three players, the countries are USA & Partners, Europe, and Tiger Countries. Each country has a distinct starting position with varying numbers of black and green factories. Players also receive secret target cards and initial carbonchips. The game board is set up with the carbometer and other necessary components.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turns: Each turn starts with drawing a greenhouse card, which can introduce disasters or beneficial events based on the current level of global warming.

Economic and Secret Targets: Players must fulfill both their economic targets (related to factories) and one of their two secret targets (related to protection tokens, green factories, or black factories).

Negotiation and Bargaining: Players negotiate and use special abilities to achieve their targets.

Climate Impact: The game adapts to inevitable climate impacts like droughts or floods, which increase in severity as global warming rises.

Winning Condition: The game ends when a player fulfills both their economic and secret targets.

Player Experience

Playing Keep Cool is an engaging and educational experience. Players must balance their economic interests with the need to protect the global climate. The game introduces real-world challenges and complexities of international climate politics, making it both fun and enlightening. The randomness of greenhouse cards adds an element of unpredictability, requiring players to adapt their strategies.

Pros

Educational Value: Facilitates experiential learning about climate change and international climate politics.

Interactive: Encourages negotiation and bargaining among players.

Realistic Scenarios: Simulates real-world challenges of balancing economic interests and climate protection.

Dynamic Gameplay: Random events keep the game exciting and unpredictable.

Cons

Complex Rules: Can be complex for new players to understand.

Time-Consuming: Games can last between one to two hours.

Limited Availability: Currently out of stock in some places.

Personal Thoughts on Keep Cool

Keep Cool is ideal for those interested in climate politics, economics, and negotiation. It’s a great tool for educational settings, environmental groups, and anyone looking to understand the intricacies of global climate issues. While it can be complex, the game offers a unique blend of strategy and education, making it a valuable and engaging experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.