Pets (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pets is a card game released in 2012 by designer Florian Racky and published by Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag. The game is designed for 2-5 players and has a runtime of around 30 minutes. With its animal-themed cards and simple gameplay mechanics, Pets is targeted towards players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Pets

Cards: Love, Health, and Food cards to care for the animals.

Animal Cards: Representing various sad animals that need care.

Shelter Cards: Provide bonuses and points.

Player Boards: For managing the animals and shelters.

How To Setup Pets

To set up the game, players shuffle the decks of animal cards, love, health, and food cards, and shelter cards. Each player starts by drawing two sad animal cards, and three cards from each deck are placed face-up on the table. Three shelter cards are also laid out. The first player is determined randomly or by the last person to pet an animal.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Draw Cards: Players draw two cards per turn from either the animal or care decks.

Care for Animals: Use love, health, and food cards to make animals happy.

Shelter Placement: Place happy animals under shelters to earn points and bonuses.

End Goal: The game ends when a player has a combination of 10 healthy animals and shelters. The player with the most points, earned from happy animals and shelters, wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Pets** is a delightful experience, especially for animal lovers. The game involves strategic planning to collect the right cards to care for the animals and maximize points. It is relatively light and family-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of various ages.

Easy to Learn: Simple gameplay mechanics.

Cute Theme: Adorable animal designs and caring mechanics.

Interactive: Encourages player engagement through caring for animals.

Cons

Limited Depth: May lack complexity for experienced gamers.

Randomness: Card draws can be unpredictable.

Setup Time: Initial setup can be a bit lengthy.

Personal Thoughts on Pets

**Pets** is an excellent game for families and casual gamers who enjoy light, thematic games. It’s perfect for those who love animals and are looking for a game that promotes nurturing and care. While it may not offer the depth that hardcore gamers seek, it provides a fun and heartwarming experience that is hard to resist. It is particularly suitable for younger players due to its simple mechanics and appealing theme.

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