Lab Rats (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Lab Rats is a card game released in 2019, designed by María Luz Cantisani Rovasio and Lucas Charra. The game is published as a party game that can be played by 3 to 5 players, with a recommended age of 8 and above. The game features artwork by RunDOS Studio and falls under the categories of Card Game and Party Game. With gameplay mechanics that involve Push Your Luck and Take That strategies, Lab Rats offers players a fast-paced and competitive gaming experience.

Game Components of Lab Rats

Door Cards: Used to create the laboratory layout.

Potion Cards: Used to overcome obstacles.

Cheese Tokens: The primary objective for players to collect.

Yellow and Green Chits: Used for tracking progress and poisoning effects.

Player Tokens: Representing the lab rats.

How To Setup Lab Rats

To set up **Lab Rats**, players start by distributing door cards to create the laboratory. Each player receives a set of potion cards to help them navigate through the obstacles. The door cards are placed face down on the table, and each player takes a turn opening these doors to reveal the obstacles or events behind them.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Push-Your-Luck Mechanic: Players open doors to face obstacles or events.

Potion Cards: Used to resolve obstacles; if a player cannot resolve an obstacle, the rat takes a wound.

Wounds and Poisoning: Two wounds result in the rat’s death, and excessive green chits can also lead to death.

Objective: Collect four cheese tokens to win the game.

Resource Management: Players must manage yellow chits (for cheese tokens) and green chits (for poisoning effects).

Player Experience

In **Lab Rats**, players take on the roles of lab rats trying to escape a collapsing laboratory. The game is fast-paced and requires strategic use of potion cards to overcome obstacles. The push-your-luck mechanic adds an element of excitement and risk, as players must decide when to push forward and when to end their turn.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: The combination of door and potion cards creates a thrilling experience.

Simple to Learn: Easy rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

High Replayability: Randomized door and potion cards ensure different experiences each time.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: Success can be heavily influenced by the cards drawn.

Short Game Sessions: Games may be over quickly, depending on player decisions.

Personal Thoughts on Lab Rats

**Lab Rats** is ideal for players who enjoy light, quick games with a touch of strategy and luck. It’s a great addition to any game night, especially for those who appreciate simple yet engaging mechanics. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking complex, long-term strategies or those who prefer games with less reliance on luck.

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