Kitchen Rush (Revised Edition) (2019) Board Game

Kitchen Rush is a real-time cooperative board game designed by Vangelis Bagiartakis and Dávid Turczi. The game was first released in 2017 and has since been revised and re-released in 2019 by Pegasus Spiele. The game has received positive reviews for its unique gameplay mechanics and fast-paced action.

Game Components of Kitchen Rush

Modular game board

Hourglasses as workers

Ingredients and herbs

Plates and dishes

Scenario cards for increasing difficulty

Upgrade components for the restaurant

How To Setup Kitchen Rush

To set up Kitchen Rush, players start by assembling the modular board, which represents the kitchen. Each player chooses their hourglass workers and places them on the board. The scenario cards are shuffled and drawn to determine the specific objectives and challenges for the game. Ingredients, herbs, plates, and dishes are also prepared and placed on designated spaces on the board. The game teaches players through 8 increasingly difficult scenarios, guiding them through the setup and rules as they progress.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-Time Gameplay: Players act simultaneously, with each action requiring a specific amount of time measured by hourglasses.

Cooperative Play: Players work together as a team to manage the kitchen.

Worker Placement: Hourglasses are used as workers to perform various tasks such as cleaning plates, preparing ingredients, and serving dishes.

Modular Board: The board can be upgraded and expanded as players progress through scenarios.

Game Objective: The goal is to efficiently manage the kitchen, serve dishes on time, and keep guests satisfied to make the restaurant prosperous.

Player Experience

Playing Kitchen Rush immerses players in the high-pressure environment of a busy kitchen. Coordination, discussion, and time management are crucial as players must work together seamlessly to complete tasks within the limited time. The game scales its difficulty through the scenario system, allowing players to learn and adapt as they progress. This cooperative nature fosters teamwork and communication among players.

Pros

Dynamic Gameplay: The real-time mechanic and use of hourglasses create a tense and engaging experience.

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork and coordination.

Scalable Difficulty: The scenario system allows players to adjust the game’s difficulty to their liking.

Modular Board: Offers replayability and expansion possibilities.

Cons

Learning Curve: Can be challenging for new players due to the real-time nature and multiple tasks.

Time Pressure: May be stressful for some players, especially in higher difficulty scenarios.

Component Management: Requires careful handling of various components, which can be overwhelming.

Personal Thoughts on Kitchen Rush

Kitchen Rush is ideal for those who enjoy cooperative games and are looking for a unique, real-time challenge. It is particularly suited for families or groups of friends who appreciate the fast-paced, dynamic nature of the game. The game’s ability to scale difficulty makes it accessible to both new and experienced players. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer more relaxed or competitive gameplay experiences.

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