Now Boarding (2018) Board Game

Now Boarding is a cooperative real-time board game designed by Ryan Goldsberry and published in in 2018. The game is set in the aviation industry, where players act as airline owners managing their fleet of planes to transport passengers to their destinations in a timely manner. With a unique blend of pick-up and deliver mechanics, real-time gameplay, and variable player powers, Now Boarding offers a fast-paced and engaging experience for 2 to 5 players.

Game Components of Now Boarding

Game board featuring a map of the United States

Player planes with varying seat capacities

Passenger cards with destination and special requirements

Weather cards affecting travel efficiency

Money tokens

Score chart

Movement pips and branded shortcuts

VIP modifier cards

How To Setup Now Boarding

To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a plane and places it on the starting airport. Passengers are placed on their designated starting locations on the map. Weather cards and money tokens are also prepared for use during the game. The score chart is set up to track players’ progress.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Cooperative pick-up and deliver game

Mechanics: Real-time, pick-up and deliver, resource management

Objective: Players must collect passengers from various airports and deliver them to their desired destinations before they become too angry.

Real-Time Element: Players plan their moves during a preparation phase, then execute them simultaneously within a time limit.

Weather Effects: Weather cards can introduce tailwinds or storms, altering travel distances.

Player Upgrades: Players can use money to buy more seats, increase movement speed, or access new routes.

VIP Passengers: Special passengers with unique requirements, such as flying alone or requiring extra seats.

Player Experience

In Now Boarding, players are immersed in a tense and dynamic environment where coordination and quick decision-making are crucial. The game starts with a manageable number of passengers but escalates as the game progresses, introducing more passengers and challenges. Players must strategically plan their routes, take advantage of weather conditions, and manage their resources efficiently to succeed.

Pros

High Replayability: The game includes random elements like weather and passenger spawn locations, ensuring each game is unique.

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork and communication among players.

Tense Gameplay: The real-time element adds a thrilling aspect to the game.

Strategic Depth: Allows for complex planning and strategic upgrades.

Cons

Learning Curve: Requires some time to understand the rules and mechanics.

Time Pressure: The real-time aspect can be stressful for some players.

Component Management: Managing the various components and upgrades can be cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on Now Boarding

Now Boarding is ideal for fans of cooperative games who enjoy real-time challenges and strategic planning. It is suited for players who like to work together, think quickly, and manage resources efficiently. The game’s escalating difficulty and random elements make it a great choice for those looking for a dynamic and engaging gaming experience. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more relaxed or competitive games.

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