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Mint Works (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Mint Works is a pocket-sized worker placement game designed by Justin Blaske and published by Five24 Labs in in 2017. It is known for its quick gameplay and strategic depth, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for a fast-paced experience.

Game Components of Mint Works

  • Mint Works rulebook
  • 24 location cards
  • 4 player reference cards
  • 10 plan cards
  • 30 mint tokens
  • 1 start player token

    • How To Setup Mint Works

  • Shuffle the location cards and place 5 of them face-up in the center of the table.
  • Each player takes a player reference card and 5 mint tokens.
  • Shuffle the plan cards and place them face-down in a draw pile.
  • The player who most recently visited a mint goes first.

    • Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    In Mint Works, players take turns selecting locations to build and develop their own city. By using mint tokens and selecting the right actions, players can earn points and outscore their opponents. The game ends when one player has built their 7th location, or when the plan deck runs out.

    Player Experience

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    Pros:

  • Quick setup and gameplay
  • Easy to learn for new players
  • Portable size makes it great for travel

    • #

    Cons:

  • Lack of variety in strategy
  • Limited replayability compared to other worker placement games

    • Personal Thoughts on Mint Works

    Mint Works is a solid entry in the worker placement genre, offering a streamlined experience that can be enjoyed in a short amount of time. While it may not have the depth of other games in the category, its simplicity and accessibility make it a great choice for casual gamers or those looking for a quick gaming fix. The build quality of the components is decent, and the pricing for both new and used copies is reasonable.

    For those who enjoy light strategy games and are looking for a quick and engaging experience, Mint Works is definitely worth your time. However, if you are a seasoned gamer looking for more complexity and depth, you may want to skip this one in favor of more challenging alternatives like Viticulture or Lords of Waterdeep.

    Game Components of Mint Works

  • 10 Location Cards
  • 21 Plan Cards
  • 2 AI Cards
  • 1 Player Aid
  • 1 Starting Player Token
  • 30 Mint Tokens (workers).

    How To Setup Mint Works

    Setup is relatively trivial. Players start by laying out the six core Location cards in the center, with two of these being Deed Cards placed face up. The Plan cards are shuffled, and three are placed face-up in the play area. Each player begins with three Mint Tokens, and the game is ready to start. Additional Location cards and plans can be mixed in for added variety, but this is recommended for games beyond the first.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Mechanics:** Worker placement, resource management.
  • Objective:** Be the first player to earn 7 victory points by purchasing and building plans using Mint Tokens.
  • Gameplay Phases:**
  • Development Phase:** Players place Mint Tokens on various Location cards to perform actions such as gaining Mint Tokens, taking the first player token, buying plans, or building plans.
  • Upkeep Phase:** Check for game end, resupply plans, gain Mint Tokens, and clear locations.
  • Actions:**
  • Producer:** Gain 2 Mint Tokens.
  • Supplier:** Gain a Plan from the Plan Supply by spending Mint Tokens.
  • Builder:** Build a Plan by spending Mint Tokens.
  • Leadership Council:** Take the Starting Player token and gain a Mint Token.

    Player Experience

    Mint Works offers a fast-paced, streamlined experience with quick turns and limited resources, making each decision tense. The game is highly portable and can be played in 10-20 minutes, making it ideal for short sessions. However, the game’s simplicity can also make it feel shallow, with strategies boiling down to optimizing Mint Token collection and plan building. The lack of meaningful ways to interfere with other players’ plans can reduce the game’s interactive and competitive elements.

    Pros

  • High Portability:** Fits into a mint tin, making it extremely portable.
  • Simple to Learn:** Great introduction to worker placement games.
  • Quick Gameplay:** Games are short and fast-paced.
  • Straightforward Rules:** Easy to understand and teach.
  • Visual Accessibility:** No colour blindness issues due to the use of icons instead of colours.

    Cons

  • Lack of Depth:** Strategies are limited and somewhat shallow.
  • Limited Interaction:** Limited ways to interfere with other players’ plans.
  • Abrupt End:** Games can end quickly without much buildup.
  • Visual Contrast Issues:** Erratic contrast on cards can be problematic for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Mint Works

    Mint Works is ideal for those new to worker placement games or looking for a quick, portable game to fill short gaps. It excels as a gateway game, teaching the basics of worker placement without overwhelming complexity. However, experienced players might find the game too simplistic and lacking in strategic depth. Despite its limitations, Mint Works remains a charming and efficient addition to any board game collection, particularly for its unique compact design and ease of play.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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