Planes (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Planes is a board game released in 2014, designed by Banu Andaru. It falls under the category of aviation/flight and transportation games, allowing players to experience the thrill of managing their own airline. With a runtime of 30 minutes and suitable for players aged 14 and above, this game is a perfect blend of strategy and fun.

Game Components of Planes

5 wooden cubes per player

Action and goal cards

Player aid cards

Board representing an airport

Blockage cones

Optional airport add-ons (e.g., restrooms)

How To Setup Planes

To set up the game, each player starts with a group of 5 wooden cubes of their color. The board is laid out to resemble an airport, and each player has their own set of action and goal cards. Player aid cards are also provided to help explain the game’s icons and rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Mancala mechanism, card play with dual roles (actions and goals)

Objective: The goal is to have the most Victory Points (VP) by boarding your cubes onto your plane.

Game End: The game ends after a round in which any player has boarded all 5 of their cubes or a total of 12 cubes of any color have been boarded.

Card Play: Players can use cards for either actions before moving their cubes or for goals after meeting specific conditions. Using a card for an action discards it, preventing the player from gaining points from the goal.

Customization: Players can separate cards by player colors for a personal draw deck or adjust the game length by playing to different numbers on the boarding track.

Player Experience

Playing **Planes** involves a light yet strategic experience. Players must balance the use of action cards to improve their cube positions against the potential for bonus points from meeting goal conditions. The game is easy to teach and plays quickly, typically under an hour, making it suitable for 2-4 players.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and player aid cards make it easy to teach others.

Replayability: Customizable features such as personal draw decks and adjustable game length enhance replay value.

Quick Games: Plays in under an hour.

Visual Appeal: Colorful components and a compact game footprint.

Strategic Depth: Balancing actions and goals adds strategic complexity.

Cons

Limited Complexity: Some players might find the game too light or simplistic.

No Air Traffic Control System: Some players feel the game lacks a comprehensive Air Traffic Control mechanism.

Personal Thoughts on Planes

**Planes** is ideal for players who enjoy light strategy games with a touch of complexity. It’s perfect for those looking for a quick, engaging game that can be played in a variety of settings, such as a local cafe, due to its compact size. The game’s ability to balance simplicity with strategic depth makes it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking highly complex or lengthy games.

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