Mechanica (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Mechanica is a board game released in 2020 by Resonym. Designed by Mary Flanagan, Emma Hobday, and Max Seidman, the game falls under the category of industry/manufacturing, puzzle, and science fiction. With its unique gameplay mechanics, Mechanica challenges players to build networks and routes through tile placement while incorporating elements of bias. The game is designed for 1-4 players, with an average runtime of 45-75 minutes.

Game Components of Mechanica

Play-in-the-Box Tray

4 Factory Boards

50 Puzzle Pieces

72 TIDYBOT Figures

15 Blueprint Cards

4 Piggy Bank Vaults

Rotating Shop Wheel

12 unique interlocking, jigsaw piece-shaped improvements

Optional AR app for learning improvement functions.

How To Setup Mechanica

Setup for Mechanica is remarkably straightforward and fast. The game includes a clever box insert that allows players to set up and play right out of the box. The insert separates every type of piece, keeping the game in a constant ready-to-play state. Simply open the box, and the rotating shop wheel and other components are ready for use. However, some users have noted that the bins for money and robots can be narrow, making it slightly awkward to find the pieces needed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Factory Building: Players build their factories by interlocking jigsaw puzzle pieces to create efficient assembly lines.

Assembly Line Upgrades: Upgrade the assembly lines using various puzzle pieces that can modify robot production, such as turning one robot into three or adding gift wrapping for extra points.

Resource Management: Manage resources to buy upgrades, sell TIDYBOTs, and score points.

Objective: The goal is to manufacture and sell as many TIDYBOTs as possible, while optimizing the factory’s efficiency.

Player Experience

Playing Mechanica involves a blend of strategic planning and execution. The game is praised for its beautiful illustrations, adorable robot designs, and the innovative use of the box as part of the gameplay. However, it requires careful planning and can be punishing for mistakes, making it more suited for players who enjoy intricate strategy. The initial excitement of fitting the puzzle pieces together can wear off as the game becomes more about execution than discovery.

Pros

Beautiful Design: The game features beautiful illustrations and a well-designed box insert.

Fast Setup: Setup is quick and easy, thanks to the innovative box design.

Strategic Depth: Offers meaningful planning and execution opportunities.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and above.

Cons

Limited Discovery: The game has limited “aha” moments as players quickly learn the optimal strategies.

Punishing Mistakes: Mistakes in planning can significantly impact gameplay.

Narrow Bins: The storage bins for money and robots can be awkward to use.

Personal Thoughts on Mechanica

Mechanica is ideal for players who enjoy engine-building and strategic planning. It offers a fun and challenging experience, especially for those who like to optimize systems. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a game with a high level of discovery or spontaneity. For families or groups that enjoy strategy games, Mechanica provides a unique and engaging experience, though it might benefit from future expansions to add more variety and depth.

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