Polarity (1986) – Board Game Guys

Polarity

Polarity is a board game that requires strategic thinking and dexterity to control hovering magnetic discs. It was invented in 1985 by Canadian artist and designer Douglas Seaton and was first published in 1986. The game has had a tumultuous past, with production changing hands several times over the past four decades. The game has been published by Telemotion Technologies, Irwin Toy, briefly with Mattel, and most recently by Temple Games.

Why is Polarity Popular?

Polarity is a unique game that combines strategy and dexterity, making it a popular choice for players who enjoy a challenge. The game has won several awards, including the Vanguard Innovative Game Award at the 2005 Origins Awards.

Game Components of Polarity

Magnetic Discs: 52 magnetic discs, with one side white and the other black, and one neutral red central disc.

Board: A circular playing field.

Rulebook: A paper rulebook.

Canvas Sleeve: For storage and transport.

How To Setup Polarity

To set up the game, players divide the black and white discs into two equal stacks of 26 each. The red magnet is tossed to determine the fundamental polarity of the playing field, deciding which player plays with which color. Each player places five foundation discs of their color flat on the playing field within the circular boundary. The red magnet is then placed in the center of the field, and players must avoid causing any disc to contact it.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Gain points by forming stacks (towers) of discs.

Placement: Players alternate turns, placing one disc at a time within the playing area, using the magnetic fields to balance and lean discs.

Leaners: Discs can be balanced on the magnetic fields of preceding pieces.

Faults: Moves that disrupt the pieces and cause them to fall or stick together end a player’s turn and may allow the opponent to capture pieces.

Capture: Opponents can capture pieces by forming them into towers when faults occur.

Scoring: Points are scored based on the number of discs in towers of a player’s color and the pieces remaining in the opponent’s hand.

Game End: The game ends when one player exhausts their supply of pieces or a piece touches the center red disc.

Player Experience

Playing Polarity requires patience, skill, and a steady hand. It is not a quick game, but it becomes easier to play after a few tries. The game challenges players’ mental and physical resources, making it an engaging and dynamic experience. The magnetic interactions create a unique and ever-changing game environment, akin to a living sculpture created by the players themselves.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: Utilizes magnetic principles for a distinctive gameplay experience.

Strategic Depth: Requires tactical thinking and dexterity.

Dynamic Setup: Each game is different due to the magnetic interactions.

Artistic Element: The game can be seen as an ever-changing work of art.

Cons

Complex Rules: Can be overwhelming for beginners.

Physical Skill Required: Players need a steady hand and good dexterity.

Lengthy Game: It is not a quick game and requires commitment.

Personal Thoughts on Polarity

Polarity is ideal for those who enjoy strategic games with a physical element. It’s a great choice for Christmas or special occasions to showcase something different from the average board game. However, it may not be suitable for younger children due to the complexity and the need for fine motor skills. For players looking for a game that combines strategy, dexterity, and a unique magnetic mechanic, Polarity is an excellent choice.

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