Parade (2007) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Parade is a card game designed by Naoki Homma and published by Arclight Games in in 2007. The game is known for its unique combination of hand management and set collection mechanics, making it a popular choice for both casual and strategic gamers.

Game Components of Parade

66 beautifully illustrated cards, each featuring characters from *Alice in Wonderland*

Six colors of cards, each numbered from 0 to 10

A draw pile and a parade line of face-up cards

How To Setup Parade

To set up Parade, each player starts with five cards, and six cards are lined up in the middle of the table to form the parade. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile. This initial setup is the foundation for the colorful and dynamic parade that will unfold during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Placement: Players lay a single card from their hand at the end of the parade.

Card Appraisal: The number on the played card determines how many cards in the parade are safe. Cards beyond this number that match the color or have a number equal to or less than the played card are removed from the parade and added to the player’s collection.

Collection: Players aim to collect the fewest points by avoiding cards or strategically collecting cards to gain majorities in specific colors.

Game End: The game ends when a player collects one card of each of the six colors or when the draw pile is exhausted. Players then discard two cards and add two to their tableau for final scoring.

Scoring: For each color, the player with the most cards scores one point per card; other cards are scored at face value. The player with the lowest total score wins.

Player Experience

Playing Parade is a delightful yet challenging experience. The game starts with a simple objective of avoiding card collection, but as it progresses, players must strategically decide when to collect cards to gain majorities in specific colors. This transition from avoiding cards to seeking them adds a layer of complexity and excitement. The game encourages social interaction and strategic thinking, making each playthrough engaging and unpredictable.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Despite its simple setup, Parade offers deep strategic gameplay.

Social Interaction: The game fosters social engagement and conversation among players.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last under 45 minutes.

Beautiful Artwork: The cards feature memorable and colorful characters from *Alice in Wonderland*.

Cons

Analysis Paralysis: Some players may experience decision overload due to the complex strategic options.

Steep Learning Curve: Understanding the scoring mechanics and optimal strategies can be challenging for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Parade

Parade is perfect for those who enjoy strategic card games with a touch of whimsy. It’s an excellent choice for players who appreciate games that balance simplicity with depth, and it’s particularly appealing to fans of classic card games. While it may not be the best fit for players who prefer straightforward, quick decisions, it is a must-play for anyone looking to add a unique and engaging game to their collection. If you’ve ever loved a game that challenges you to think ahead and adapt quickly, Parade is definitely worth your attention.

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