Panic Lab (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Panic Lab is a real-time puzzle game designed by Dominique Ehrhard and published by Albi in in 2012. The game is known for its fast-paced gameplay and challenging puzzles that require quick thinking and pattern recognition skills.

Game Components of Panic Lab

Dice to determine which amoeba to find and from which lab it escaped

Amoeba tiles with various shapes, colors, and patterns

Lab tiles (yellow, blue, and red)

Mutation cards that change the color of the amoebas

Air vent cards that cause the amoebas to escape and reappear later

Tokens for scoring

How To Setup Panic Lab

To set up Panic Lab, players start by arranging the lab tiles and placing the amoeba tiles within them. Each player receives a set of dice. The mutation and air vent cards are placed within reach of all players. The objective is clear, but the setup is simple and quick, making it easy to get started.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: Players roll dice to identify the target amoeba and the lab from which it escaped.

Puzzle: Players must navigate through the lab tiles to find the correct amoeba.

Memory: Keeping track of the mutations and new locations of the amoebas is crucial.

Real-Time: The game is played in real-time, adding a layer of urgency.

Pattern Recognition: Identifying the correct shape, color, and pattern of the amoeba is key.

Objective: The first player to find and claim the correct amoeba earns points.

Player Experience

Panic Lab is a “brain burning” challenge that requires cool heads, sharp eyes, and fast hands. Players scramble to locate the correct creature amidst shifting tiles, unraveling mazes, and mind-bending challenges. The mutations and air vents add a layer of complexity, making the game exciting and unpredictable. It’s a game that keeps players on their toes, combining speed and logic in a fun and engaging way.

Pros

Fast-paced and exciting: The real-time aspect keeps the game thrilling.

Challenging but rewarding: The combination of logic and memory makes it satisfying to win.

Family-friendly: Can be adapted for younger players by omitting the mutation and air vent cards.

Replayability: The random dice rolls and changing conditions ensure each game is unique.

Cons

Complexity for young players: The mutations and air vents can be confusing for younger kids if not simplified.

Luck factor: Dice rolls can sometimes give players an unfair advantage or disadvantage.

Personal Thoughts on Panic Lab

Panic Lab is ideal for anyone who enjoys a mix of logic, memory, and real-time action. It’s perfect for families looking for a game that challenges both kids and adults, as well as for groups of friends who enjoy competitive, brain-teasing games. With its quick setup and fast-paced gameplay, Panic Lab is a great addition to any game night collection.

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