Maskmen (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Maskmen is a card game released in 2014 by Oink Games. It is designed by Jun Sasaki and Taiki Shinzawa, with Jun Sasaki also being the artist. The game falls under the categories of card game and sports, with a unique mechanism of ladder climbing.

Game Components of Maskmen

Cards: Each player has a set of wrestler cards, with each wrestler having eight cards.

Player Count: Supports 2 to 6 players.

Playtime: Approximately 20 minutes.

Language: Available in Japanese and English.

How To Setup Maskmen

To set up the game, each player receives a set of wrestler cards. The objective is to play a stronger wrestler card than the previous player, but the strength of the wrestlers is not explicitly known. Players must strategically decide which cards to play to gain the upper hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Play: Players take turns playing cards, with the goal of playing a stronger wrestler than the previous one.

Strength Comparison: The strength of a wrestler is determined by the number and color of cards played.

Scoring: The first player to use all their cards earns 2 points, the next earns 1 point, and the last player with cards left earns -1 point.

Seasons: The game is divided into four seasons, and the player with the most points at the end wins.

Maximum Card Play: A player can play up to three cards per turn, but these must be of a color not yet played.

Player Experience

Playing **Maskmen** can be both tactical and chaotic, depending on the number of players. With fewer players (2-3), the game is more strategic and requires careful planning. However, with more players (4-6), the game becomes more chaotic and luck plays a significant role.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: The game introduces a fresh twist on traditional card games, making it challenging and interesting.

Simple Rules: Despite initial confusion, the rules are relatively simple once understood.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 9 and above, making it a great family game.

Quick Playtime: Games last only about 20 minutes, perfect for a quick session.

Cons

Initial Confusion: The rulebook can be confusing for new players.

Luck Factor: With more players, luck can significantly influence the outcome.

Chaotic with Many Players: The game can become less strategic and more chaotic with 4-6 players.

Personal Thoughts on Maskmen

**Maskmen** is ideal for those who enjoy strategic card games with a unique twist. It’s a great choice for families or small groups looking for a quick, engaging game. However, if you prefer games with less luck involved, especially with larger player counts, you might want to consider other options. For fans of Jun Sasaki’s other works, such as “In A Grove” and “A Fake Artist Goes To New York,” **Maskmen** offers another creative and challenging experience.

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