Pests! (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pests! is a board game released in 2017, designed by Todd Jakubisin and illustrated by Spontaneously Combustible Games. It is a game for 2 to 6 players, with the best gameplay experience for 4 to 6 players. The game falls under the category of Action Points, Modular Board, Open Drafting, and Variable Player Powers.

Game Components of Pests!

Player Boards: Each player has a unique exterminator board.

Modular Board: The house is composed of interlocking room tiles, creating a different layout each game.

Pest Tokens: Representing various types of pests such as flying bugs, creepy crawlies, and more.

Queen Tokens: Unique to each pest type, these tokens must be trapped to win.

Toolbox Cards: Cards with various abilities, including offensive and defensive actions.

Dice: Used for determining queen movement and pest extermination.

Nest Rooms: Special rooms where pests spawn from.

Action Point Tokens: For managing player actions.

How To Setup Pests!

To set up the game, players first construct the modular board by placing room tiles to form the house. Each player selects an exterminator with unique abilities and receives their starting toolbox cards. The pests and their corresponding queens are placed according to the specific pest type each player is dealing with. The nest rooms are integrated into the board, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Be the first player to exterminate all your pests, seal the nest, and capture the queen.

Card Drafting: Players draft toolbox cards to gain new abilities and actions.

Action Point Allowance System: Players manage their actions using action points.

Variable Player Powers: Each exterminator has unique abilities.

Modular Board: The house layout changes with each game.

Player Interaction: Players can use toolbox cards to hinder opponents or release pests from their traps.

Player Experience

Playing **Pests** feels like a lively and strategic adventure. Players must balance between focusing on their own pests and interfering with their opponents. The game is filled with thematic elements, such as using bug bombs or setting traps, which enhance the exterminator experience. The modular board and varied pest types ensure each game is unique and engaging.

Pros

High Replayability: The modular board and varied pest types ensure no two games are the same.

Engaging Theme: The game theme is well-implemented, making players feel like real exterminators.

Balanced Mechanics: The mix of strategy and luck keeps the game exciting and balanced.

Social Interaction: Players can interact significantly, adding a fun competitive element.

Cons

Luck Element: The dice rolls for queen movement and pest extermination can introduce unpredictability that some players might find frustrating.

Complex Setup: The initial setup, especially forming the modular board, can be time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on Pests!

**Pests** is ideal for fans of light strategy games who enjoy a mix of competitive and thematic gameplay. It’s a great option for families and casual gamers looking for a game with a short learning curve but enough depth to keep experienced players engaged. The game’s unique theme and engaging mechanics make it a standout in the world of board games, offering a fun and challenging experience for players of all ages.

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