Machina (2002) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Machina is a board game released in 2002, designed by Adam Hammudeh and published by Portal Games. The game falls under the humor industry/manufacturing category and is suitable for players aged 11 and above. With a playtime of around 45 minutes, Machina is designed for 2 to 8 players, with the best experience coming from having 4 players.

Game Components of Machina

Game board

Player tokens

Resource tokens

Building tiles

Machine cards

How To Setup Machina

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Distribute player tokens to each player.

Place resource tokens in a supply pile.

Shuffle building tiles and place them face down.

Shuffle machine cards and deal a certain number to each player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Machina, players take on the role of robots competing in the manufacturing industry. Players must manage their resources, draft machines, build factories, and collect sets to earn points. The objective is to have the most points at the end of the game by efficiently utilizing resources and constructing powerful machines.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging gameplay mechanics

Strategic decision-making

Variety of ways to earn points

Replayability with different player counts

Cons:

Learning curve for new players

Luck dependent on card draws

Can be overwhelming with higher player counts

Personal Thoughts on Machina

Machina is a well-designed game that offers a good balance of strategy and luck. The build quality of the components is solid, and the artwork by Portal Games is visually appealing. The game falls under a niche category of humor industry/manufacturing, which may not appeal to all players. Pricing and availability of the game, both new and used, may vary.

For those who enjoy games with hand management, drafting, and set collection mechanics, Machina is worth your time. It is best suited for players who enjoy strategic decision-making and resource management. However, those who prefer fast-paced games or are not fans of the theme may want to skip this one. Alternatives to Machina include other board games with similar mechanics such as Splendor or Terraforming Mars.

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