Outfoxed! (2014) Board Game
Outfoxed! is a cooperative children’s board game designed by Colt Tipaton-Johnson, Shanon Lyon, and Marisa Peña. It was released in 2014 by Gamewright and has since become a popular choice for family game nights. The game features adorable artwork by Mélanie Grandgirard and is suitable for players aged 5 and above.
## Game Components of Outfoxed!
– 16 suspect cards
– 16 thief cards
– 12 clue markers
– 4 detective hat pawns
– 3 custom dice
– 1 fox figurine
– 1 clue decoder
– 1 game board
– Rules of Play.
## How To Setup Outfoxed!
To set up the game, place the gameboard in the center of the table. Each player chooses a detective hat and places it on the center space of the gameboard. The fox pawn is placed on the start space (fox icon). Shuffle the Suspect cards and place them face down randomly around the edges of the gameboard, with four cards on each side, and turn two of them face up. Shuffle the Thief cards, randomly draw one, and insert it into the Clue Decoder without looking at it. Shuffle the Clue markers and place them face down in a pile next to the gameboard. Set the dice on the table where everyone can reach them.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– **Cooperative Game**: Players work together to solve the mystery.
– **Deduction**: Use clues to rule out suspects.
– **Dice Rolling**: Roll dice to search for clues or reveal suspects.
– **Objective**: Figure out who stole Mrs. Plumpert’s pot pie before the thief escapes.
– Players move around the board to gather clues, use the special evidence scanner to rule out suspects, and must work quickly as the guilty fox moves towards the exit.
## Player Experience
Outfoxed is designed to be a fun and educational experience, particularly for children aged 5 and above. It promotes collaboration, deductive reasoning, and visual discrimination. Players learn valuable skills such as estimating probability and paying attention to details while working together to solve the mystery. The game is relatively short, lasting about 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for family game nights or quick play sessions.
### Pros
– **Cooperative Play**: Encourages teamwork and collaboration.
– **Educational Value**: Enhances deductive reasoning and problem-solving skills.
– **Family-Friendly**: Suitable for children as young as 5 years old.
– **Short Playtime**: Games last approximately 20 minutes.
– **Engaging Mechanics**: Combines dice rolling and clue gathering for an exciting experience.
### Cons
– **Luck Factor**: The game involves moderate luck due to dice rolling.
– **Simple Complexity**: May be too easy for older children or adults.
– **Limited Replayability**: The game’s simplicity might reduce its replay value for some players.
## Personal Thoughts on Outfoxed!
Outfoxed is an excellent game for families with young children, as it introduces them to cooperative gameplay and deductive reasoning in a fun and accessible way. It is also a great option for schools looking to integrate educational games into their curriculum. While it may not offer the complexity that older players seek, it remains a delightful and engaging experience for its intended audience.
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