Passo (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Passo is an abstract strategy board game designed by Katie Burk and Ajša Zdravković. It was released in 2023 and is designed for 2 players. The game features area movement and a square grid, making it a challenging and engaging experience for players aged 7 and above.

Game Components of Passo

Grid: A 5×5 grid of 25 tiles

Pieces: Each player has five discs

Optional: 12 power tokens (six in each color) for advanced gameplay

How To Setup Passo

To set up Passo, start with the 5×5 grid of tiles and place each player’s five pieces on their respective starting rows. The game begins with a random selection of the starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Players move one piece orthogonally or diagonally to an adjacent tile.

Tile Removal: The tile left behind by the moving piece is removed from the game.

Stacking: Pieces can stack up to three high on a tile.

Winning Conditions:
– Jump past the opponent’s final row.
– Trap the opponent so they have no valid moves.

Advanced Variant: Use power tokens to perform special moves like jumping over empty spaces, landing on a full stack, or leaving the tile behind.

Player Experience

Passo offers a quick and easy-to-learn yet challenging gameplay experience. The dynamic nature of the game, where tiles disappear as players move, adds a layer of strategic depth. Players must constantly adapt and plan ahead to outmaneuver their opponent. Games typically last between 5 to 10 minutes, making it ideal for multiple plays in a single session.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Despite simple rules, the game requires careful planning and strategy.

Dynamic Board: The disappearing tiles create a changing environment that keeps the game fresh.

Quick Games: Short playtime allows for multiple games in a short period.

Perfect Information: All game state is visible to both players, enhancing the strategic element.

Cons

Limited Components: The game’s simplicity might make it less visually appealing or complex for some players.

Advanced Variants: While the power tokens add variety, they may not be to everyone’s taste.

Personal Thoughts on Passo

Passo is perfect for fans of abstract strategy games who appreciate the purity of design and the challenge of adapting to a constantly changing board. It’s ideal for those who enjoy games like chess or checkers but are looking for a more dynamic experience. The game’s quick learning curve and short playtime make it accessible to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to experienced strategists. However, it might not appeal to those seeking complex gameplay mechanics or elaborate game components.

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