Portal: The Uncooperative Cake Acquisition Game (2015) Board Game

Portal: The Uncooperative Cake Acquisition Game is a board game adaptation of the popular video game series, Portal. Designed by Jeep Barnett and published by Cryptozoic Entertainment in 2015, this game brings the iconic puzzle-solving and humor of the video game to the tabletop.

Game Components of Portal: The Uncooperative Cake Acquisition Game

18 double-sided Test Chamber Panels

20 double-sided Aperture/character cards

4 oversized Portal Gun cards

32 Test Subject miniatures (8 for each player)

32 cake slice miniatures (8 for each player)

One Turret miniature

One Weighted Companion Cube miniature

2 portal tokens

One GLaDOS token

A resource board

A manual

A Steam activation code for *Portal 2*.

How To Setup Portal: The Uncooperative Cake Acquisition Game

The game is set up with 15 interlocking hexagonal test chamber tiles arranged in three rows of five. Each player places four of their test subjects on the left hand side of the board (the new edge), while a couple of portal tokens are placed on the right hand side (the old edge). The game starts with the player who has most recently eaten cake, a nod to the quirky humor of the Portal series.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Modular Board: The board changes as tiles are removed from the right edge and moved to the left edge after each turn.

Test Subjects: Players move their test subjects to claim rewards on activated tiles.

Aperture Cards: These cards provide various actions and rule changes when discarded.

Portal Tokens: Players can use portal tokens to move test subjects between chambers.

GLaDOS Piece: Activates a test chamber, destroying test subjects and rewarding the player with the most subjects on that tile.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most cake slices by controlling the majority of test subjects in activated chambers. Players must balance acquiring cake with protecting it from being incinerated as the board tiles move towards the incinerator. The game ends when one player has no test subjects left, and the player with the most cake slices wins.

Player Experience

**Portal: The Uncooperative Cake Acquisition Game** offers a fun and fast-paced experience that captures the essence of the Portal series. Players engage in strategic maneuvering of their test subjects and use Aperture cards to outwit their opponents. The game is designed to be enjoyable for both fans of Portal and new players, though non-fans might miss some thematic references. Games typically last about an hour, but can extend longer with experienced players.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: The game requires strategic planning and adaptation.

Unique Mechanics: The modular board and Aperture card system add a layer of complexity and fun.

Thematic Integrity: The game stays true to the Portal atmosphere and humor.

Short Playtime: Most games last under an hour, making it a great addition to family game nights or office breaks.

Cons

Complexity for New Players: The game can be confusing for new players, leading to premature ends.

Wear and Tear: The cardboard tiles can become damaged over time.

Potential for Long Games: Experienced players can drag out the game, especially in the second phase where players focus on subverting each other.

Personal Thoughts on Portal: The Uncooperative Cake Acquisition Game

This game is perfect for fans of the Portal series and those looking for a fun, strategic board game. It’s ideal for family game nights or casual gaming sessions with friends or coworkers. While it may not fully replicate the video game experience, it captures the spirit and humor, making it a great addition to any game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a highly similar experience to the video games, as it introduces unique mechanics that diverge from the original gameplay.

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