Penguin Brawl: Heroes of Pentarctica (2018) Board Game

Penguin Brawl: Heroes of Pentarctica is a card game released in 2018, designed by Charlie Campbell. The game features adorable penguin characters engaging in a fierce battle in the fantasy world of Pentarctica. With its mix of humor, strategy, and player interaction, Penguin Brawl has gained popularity among fans of party games.

Game Components of Penguin Brawl: Heroes of Pentarctica

Cards: Penguin cards, Action cards, Weapon cards, Armour cards, Trinket cards, Curse cards, Spell cards, and Instant cards.

Box: Sturdy box, though it does not accommodate sleeved cards.

App: A basic app available to track players’ points.

Artwork: Fun and engaging art style.

How To Setup Penguin Brawl: Heroes of Pentarctica

Setup involves shuffling two decks of cards and dealing out the initial hand. Each player starts with 3 Penguin cards, 3 Action cards, and 5 points. The rulebook, while functional, has a layout that can make it difficult to find specific rules quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drawing Cards: Players draw 2 cards from either deck or 1 from each on their turn.

Playing Cards: Players can play as many cards as they like in any order.

Equipping Penguins: Penguins can be equipped with Weapons and Armour that match for bonus effects.

Attacking: Penguins cannot attack the turn they are played but can attack at any other time. Direct attacks on the player are possible if they have no Penguins.

Card Types:

Trinkets: One active Trinket per player, replaceable if not activated.

Curse Cards: Played when drawn.

Spells: Played on the player’s own turn.

Instants: Played at any time.

Objective: Reduce the opponent’s points to 0.

Player Experience

Teaching the basics of Penguin Brawl is relatively easy, but some rules can be confusing, especially regarding Curse cards. The game is fairly accessible, with most rules printed on the cards. However, new players may take some time to get used to the different card types and combat mechanics. The game can be quite lengthy, especially with the strong armour and weapons making Penguins almost invincible, which may require more than two players to maintain engagement.

Pros

Engaging Theme: Fun and playful theme with humorous penguin names.

Quality Components: Decent quality cards and a sturdy box.

Artwork: Enjoyable art style.

Basic App: Helps in tracking points.

Cons

Rulebook Layout: Difficult to navigate and find specific rules.

Game Length: Can be very long due to strong armour and weapons.

Complexity in Some Rules: Curse cards and other special mechanics can be confusing.

Personal Thoughts on Penguin Brawl: Heroes of Pentarctica

Penguin Brawl is ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced, light-hearted PvP combat card games. It is particularly suited for players looking for a less complex alternative to games like Magic the Gathering. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a quick game, as matches can be lengthy. The game’s fun theme and artwork make it an enjoyable experience, but the need for multiple players to avoid lengthy matches is a consideration.

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