Long Cow is a card game that was released in 2018 by Game Factory. Designed by David Yakos and illustrated by Steve Downer, this game is suitable for players aged 8 and above. With a runtime of around 20 minutes, Long Cow is a fun and light-hearted game that revolves around collecting different parts of a long cow.
Game Components of Long Cow
90 cards, including cow part cards (heads, middles, tails), Wild cards, Calf cards, Food cards, Cross-breed cards, Attack cards, and Defense cards.2 “ribbon” markers for the First Cow and Biggest Herd awards.1 “mooer” (a small plastic noisemaker) for the Longest Cow award.A milk-carton-shaped box with a built-in sound box that moos when opened.
How To Setup Long Cow
To set up the game, each player is dealt 6 cards. The remaining cards are stacked in the middle of the playing area to form a draw deck, and a discard pile is created next to it. The player who last saw a real cow goes first.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Card Drawing: Players can draw 2 cards from the draw deck or 1 cow part card from the discard pile on their turn.Card Playing: Players can play as many cards as they want from their hand, but each cow must have a head, middle, and tail of the same breed.Wild Cards: Can be used with any breed to expand cows.Cross-breeding: Allows combining different breeds using Cross-breed cards.Food Cards: Enable players to add more middle sections to already played cows.Attack Cards: Can remove middle sections, calves, or complete cows from opponents’ herds.Defense Cards: Protect against attacks.Special Cards: Allow players to steal cards, take an extra turn, or perform other special actions.Awards: The First Cow award (1 point), the Biggest Herd award (2 points), and the Longest Cow award (3 points) are given based on game progress.Game End: The game ends after the last card is drawn from the deck, with each player getting one final turn. Points are tallied from cow parts, calves, and awards.
Player Experience
**Long Cow** is a simple, quick, and silly game that is ideal for introducing children to set collection mechanics. The gameplay is easy to pick up, and the colorful, cartoonish artwork makes it appealing to younger players. The game benefits from having more players, as it becomes more dynamic and engaging with 4-5 players. However, it may be too simple for experienced gamers.
Pros
Bright and Eye-Catching Art: The game features super bright, cartoony artwork that is fun and accessible.Simple Gameplay: Easy to learn and play, making it great for new gamers and kids.Travel-Friendly: The game components are simple and can be easily packed into a smaller container.Engaging for Younger Players: The mooer and ribbons add a fun element that younger players enjoy.
Cons
Too Simple for Experienced Gamers: The game mechanics may be too straightforward for more experienced players.Annoying Moo Box: The built-in sound box can be loud and annoying, especially in public places.
Personal Thoughts on Long Cow
**Long Cow** is a great game for teaching children set collection mechanics and is an excellent choice for family game nights. While it may not offer enough complexity for experienced gamers, it is a fun and engaging game for younger players. The unique components, such as the mooer and the milk-carton-shaped box, add to the game’s charm and make it a standout in its category. Overall, it’s a perfect game for families looking for a light-hearted and entertaining experience.
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