Moby Pick (2004) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Moby Pick is a card game designed by Alessandro Pierangelini and released in in 2004. The game revolves around memory and animal themes, making it suitable for players aged 7 and above. With its simple rules and quick gameplay, Moby Pick has become a popular choice for families and casual gamers.

Game Components of Moby Pick

Playing deck: Contains various cards including friends (kid, parrot, whale), Crazy Dream cards, and action cards.

Alarm Clock card: Marks the end of the game.

Player cards: Each player has a set of face-down cards.

How To Setup Moby Pick

To set up Moby Pick, the owner of the game or a randomly chosen player selects the starting player. The playing deck is shuffled, and each player draws a set of face-down cards. The Alarm Clock card is placed on top of a small pile of 15 cards, and the rest of the deck is placed on top of this pile. Players keep their face-down cards clearly separated in front of them.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drawing and Revealing: Each player’s turn involves drawing the topmost card from the deck and placing it face-up in the middle of the table.

Friends Cards: If a friend card is revealed, the player must say a specific rhyme aloud. Other players with face-down cards can try to grab the revealed card.

Action Cards: If an action card is revealed, the player discards it and draws a replacement.

Matching Cards: Players who grab a card try to match it with one of their face-down cards to form pairs based on illustration and color (or just illustration for Crazy Dream cards).

Game End: The game ends when the Alarm Clock card is turned face-up. Points are tallied, with each Crazy Dream card worth two points and other dream cards worth one point. The player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Moby Pick offers a fast-paced and engaging experience, combining elements of quick reflexes, memory, and strategy. Players must pay close attention to the cards being revealed and be ready to act swiftly to grab the card. The game’s simple rules make it immediately playable, while the action cards add an element of surprise and unpredictability.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple and intuitive rules.

Fast Paced: Quick gameplay keeps players engaged.

Interactive: Encourages player interaction and competition.

Suitable for Families: Appropriate for children aged 7 and above.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game mechanics are straightforward and may lack complexity for experienced gamers.

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck in drawing and grabbing cards.

Personal Thoughts on Moby Pick

Moby Pick is ideal for families, casual game nights, or as a filler game between more complex games. It is particularly suited for younger players due to its simple rules and quick gameplay. However, experienced gamers might find it too light and lacking in strategic depth. Overall, Moby Pick is a fun, energetic game that promotes quick thinking and fast reflexes.

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