Life Is Life (2016) Board Game

Life Is Life is a card game designed by Oliver Freudenreich and released in in 2016. The game is published by Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag and White Goblin Games. It is a fun and engaging game that revolves around animals and set collection mechanics.

Game Components of Life Is Life

Gameboard: A 3D animated digital board or a physical board with various spaces.

Cards: Career Cards, Salary Cards, House Deeds, Stocks, and Action Cards.

Spinner: A wheel used to determine the number of spaces to move.

Tokens: Cars, pegs, Spin to Win tokens, and money pack.

Insurance Policies & Bank Loans: Separate piles for Automobile Insurance Policies, Homeowner’s Insurance Policies, and Bank Loans.

How To Setup Life Is Life

To set up the game, start by attaching the game parts to the gameboard as shown in the assembly instructions. Mix the LIFE Tiles and place them near the gameboard. Separate the cards into their respective decks and place them facedown near the gameboard. Assign one player to be the banker, who will handle all money transactions. Each player starts with $10,000 and chooses a car and fits a people peg into the driver’s seat. The player with the highest spinner roll goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Spin and Move: Players spin the wheel and move their car the corresponding number of spaces.

Career and Education: Players can choose to start a career or attend college, affecting their career and salary options.

Action Cards: Landing on certain spaces allows players to draw Action Cards, which can bring rewards or penalties.

Buying and Selling: Players can buy, sell, or do nothing when landing on “House” spaces.

Multiplayer: Features online multiplayer mode where players can match and play against others, as well as local play with up to three friends on one device.

Fast Mode: A shorter game mode with a different victory condition.

Minigames: Head-to-head minigames to test skills.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most wealth by the end of the game, with the player having the most money declared the winner.

Player Experience

The Game of Life offers a fun and interactive experience, suitable for the whole family. Players make choices that mimic real-life decisions, such as attending college, accepting jobs, and managing finances. The game includes various surprises and challenges through Action Cards and minigames, making each playthrough unique. The digital version enhances the experience with 3D animations and online multiplayer capabilities.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages and easy to play, even for children.

Interactive and Engaging: Includes minigames and online multiplayer options.

Educational: Teaches decision-making and financial management skills.

Customizable: Offers in-app purchases for additional content and customization options.

Cons

Simplistic Gameplay: Some players find the gameplay too simple and dated.

Limited Customization: Some users feel there is not enough customization available without additional purchases.

Short Game Length: The game can be relatively short, especially in Fast Mode.

Personal Thoughts on Life Is Life

This game is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a light-hearted, interactive experience. It’s great for teaching children about life’s financial and career choices in a fun, non-intimidating way. However, for those seeking more complex gameplay or extensive customization, this might not be the best fit. The digital version’s online multiplayer and minigames add a fresh twist to the classic board game, making it a great option for those who enjoy social gaming.

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