MANTIS (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

MANTIS is a card game designed by Ken Gruhl and Jeremy Posner, with artwork by Matthew Inman, and published by Exploding Kittens in in 2022. It falls into the category of card games and features mechanics such as hand management, set collection, and take that. The game is designed for 2 to 6 players, with the best experience recommended for 4 to 5 players. With a quick runtime of 10 minutes and an age recommendation of 7 and up, MANTIS is a fast-paced and engaging game for families and friends.

Game Components of MANTIS

105 beautifully illustrated cards featuring mantis shrimp artwork

An easy-to-follow instruction manual

No boards or complex setup required

How To Setup MANTIS

To set up MANTIS, shuffle the deck of cards and distribute four cards face-up to each player, forming their Tank. The remaining cards are placed face-down in the center of the table as the draw pile. Each player also has a designated Score pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Matching: Players match colors to score or steal cards.

Stealing: Players can steal cards from other players’ Tanks.

Scoring: Players score by matching colors in their Tank.

Game Objective

The goal is to have 10 cards in your Score pile.

In a two-player variant, the goal is to have 15 cards in your Score pile.

Gameplay

On your turn, you can either:

Score: Draw a card and add it to your Tank. If it matches any color in your Tank, move all matching cards to your Score pile.

Steal: Draw a card and add it to an opponent’s Tank. If it matches any color in their Tank, take all matching cards and add them to your Tank.

Player Experience

MANTIS offers a fast-paced and engaging experience suitable for players of all ages. The game is easy to learn, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual play sessions. The simplicity of the rules and the dynamic interactions among players ensure that games are quick, lasting about 10 minutes, and highly replayable.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules that can be explained in less than a minute.

High Replay Value: Games are quick, and the outcome can change drastically each round.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 7 and up.

Strategic Depth: Despite simplicity, the game offers a balance of strategy and luck.

Convenient: No boards to set up, making it perfect for travel or quick breaks.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck, which might not appeal to players seeking more strategic depth.

Limited Complexity: Not suited for players looking for intricate strategic games.

Personal Thoughts on MANTIS

MANTIS is an excellent addition to any game collection, particularly for families or groups looking for a light, fun, and interactive game. It’s ideal for those who enjoy quick games with a mix of strategy and luck. The game’s simplicity and colorful artwork make it accessible to younger players, while the strategic elements keep older players engaged. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to learn but hard to master, MANTIS fits the bill perfectly.

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