Nine Tiles Panic (2019) Board Game

Nine Tiles Panic is a real-time tile placement game designed by Jens Merkl and Jean-Claude Pellin and published by Oink Games in in 2019. The game is suitable for 2 to 5 players and has a recommended age of 7 and up. With a runtime of 20 minutes, Nine Tiles Panic is known for its fast-paced gameplay and strategic thinking.

Game Components of Nine Tiles Panic

26 theme cards that dictate scoring conditions

9 double-sided tiles per player, each with various elements like roads, agents, citizens, houses, UFOs, dogs, and hamburgers

A sand timer

Numbered turn order chips

A three-part scoreboard

Wooden alien scoring meeples

How To Setup Nine Tiles Panic

To set up the game, players receive identical sets of nine tiles and a matching wooden alien scoring meeple. The three-part scoreboard is assembled sequentially, with all scoring meeples placed at the bottom. The sand timer and numbered turn order chips are prepared and placed within reach. The deck of 26 theme cards is shuffled, and three cards are dealt face up for all players to see. These theme cards outline the specific scoring conditions for the round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players build a 3×3 square town grid using their nine tiles, ensuring all road segments connect and do not form closed loops or dead ends.

Real-Time Element: The first player to complete their town grid grabs the lowest-value turn order chip and starts the sand timer, pressuring other players to finish within the remaining time.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on how well each player’s town matches the scoring conditions on the theme cards. The player who best satisfies each theme card scores the most points, with subsequent players scoring one less point.

Game End: The game ends when a player reaches a score threshold, which varies based on the number of players.

Player Experience

Nine Tiles Panic is a joy to play, blending familiar mechanics into a pure and palatable form. It combines elements of puzzlers, tile-layers, and real-time speeders with a dash of dexterity and interaction. The game is designed to be swift and agile, playing in just 20 minutes, and scales well for 2 through 5 players. The variability in theme cards ensures high replayability, making each round unique.

Pros

Fast-Paced and Exciting: The real-time element adds a thrilling layer of urgency.

High Replayability: With 26 different theme cards, each round offers new challenges.

Accessible: Suitable for players aged 7+, making it a great family game.

Portable: The game comes in a compact box, easy to take on the go.

Quality Components: Oink Games is known for producing high-quality, compact games.

Cons

Visual Clarity: Some players might find it confusing to distinguish between the finishing tiles and player colors on the scoreboard.

Time Pressure: While the timer adds excitement, it can also cause stress for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Nine Tiles Panic

This game is ideal for those who enjoy puzzle games, real-time challenges, and competitive environments. It’s perfect for families due to its accessibility and short playtime, and it’s also a great filler game for gamers looking for a quick, engaging experience. With its unique blend of mechanics and high replayability, Nine Tiles Panic is an excellent addition to any game collection.

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