Newsboys (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Newsboys is a board game released in 2023 by Saashi & Saashi. Designed by Saashi and illustrated by Takako Takarai, this game is a unique combination of dice rolling, flip-and-write, and roll-and-write mechanisms. It is suitable for 1-4 players, with a runtime of about 20 minutes and an age recommendation of 10+.

Game Components of Newsboys

2 Player boards

1 Map board (double-sided)

6 White dice

1 Black die

1 First player marker

1 Correspondence table

2 Pens + 2 spare pens

Rule books (Japanese / English)

Timing cards for solo play.

How To Setup Newsboys

To set up the game, each player receives a player board and a pen. The map board is placed in the center, and the deck of cards is shuffled and placed within reach. Each player rolls their three dice to determine the starting icons. The first player marker is given to the player who rolled the highest number on their dice. For solo play, the timing cards are added to create a time limit on achieving high-point bonuses.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Flip-and-Roll Mechanic: Each turn, a card is flipped from the shared deck, revealing three icons. Players then roll their three dice and choose one icon to mark on their board based on the number of times it appears on both the card and their dice.

Expanding Delivery Area: Players mark Xs on their player board to expand their newspaper delivery area.

Strike Gauge: Players must balance expanding their delivery area with filling their strike gauge to demand higher wages.

Bonuses: Perfectly completing blocks of different types (offices, homes, schools, factories, shops) earns bonus marks and high-point bonuses.

Objective: The goal is to earn the most points by expanding the delivery area faster than other players while managing strikes to maintain higher wages.

Player Experience

Newsboys offers a smooth and action-packed gameplay experience with no traditional turns, allowing players to play largely independently before checking big bonuses at the end of each round. The game requires strategic planning to chain actions and achieve high-point bonuses. Even in solo mode, the game maintains a similar level of tension and engagement as in multiplayer mode.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple gameplay mechanics make it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: The game offers a good balance between expanding delivery areas and managing strikes.

Solo Play: The game includes timing cards to create a challenging solo experience.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last about 20 minutes.

Cons

Limited Player Interaction: Players mostly play independently, which might reduce direct player interaction.

Luck Element: The roll of the dice introduces a luck element that can affect strategy.

Component Quality: Some players might find the components, such as the dice and pens, to be basic.

Personal Thoughts on Newsboys

Newsboys is an excellent choice for fans of flip-and-roll-and-write games who enjoy a blend of strategy and luck. It is particularly suited for families or casual gamers due to its easy-to-learn mechanics and short playtime. However, players seeking more complex or highly interactive games might find it less engaging. The addition of solo play makes it a versatile option for those who enjoy playing games alone or with a group. Overall, Newsboys is a fun and strategic game that captures the essence of being a paperboy in the 1890s with a modern twist.

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