Pocket Ops (2017) Board Game

Pocket Ops is a two-player abstract strategy game designed by Josh Cappel and released in in 2017. The game is published by Grand Gamers Guild and falls under the categories of Deduction and Spies/Secret Agents. With a playtime of around 20 minutes, Pocket Ops is suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Pocket Ops

Game board

Player markers

Specialist cards with tricky abilities

Doomsday Device token (in some versions)

How To Setup Pocket Ops

To set up Pocket Ops, each player chooses their markers and places them on the board. The Specialist cards are shuffled and distributed, adding a layer of strategy and unpredictability. The game board is compact, reflecting its pocket-sized design.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Achieve a 3-in-a-row, similar to tic-tac-toe.

Mechanics: Deduction, Area Control, and bluffing.

Specialists: Each player has access to Specialist cards that can alter the game state, such as moving an opponent’s piece or blocking an opponent’s move.

Guessing Moves: Players can attempt to guess their opponent’s moves to revert them, adding a layer of psychological strategy.

Player Experience

Pocket Ops is praised for its fast-paced and intensely replayable nature. It is lightweight, easy to teach, and broadly appealing, making it a great choice for both children and adults. The game fosters a competitive atmosphere, often leading to intense staredowns between players.

Pros

Inexpensive: The game is budget-friendly.

Easy to Learn: Simple to teach and understand.

High Replayability: The addition of Specialist cards and the guessing mechanism ensures varied gameplay.

Portable: Designed to be pocket-sized, making it easy to carry around.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Only suitable for 2 players.

Simple Core Mechanic: While the twists add complexity, the core mechanic is still tic-tac-toe, which might be too simplistic for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Pocket Ops

Pocket Ops is ideal for those looking for a quick, strategic game that can be played anywhere. It’s perfect for families, as it’s easy for children to understand, and for coworkers or friends who want a competitive yet casual gaming experience. The game’s compact size and engaging gameplay make it a great addition to any board game collection.

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