Quartex (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Quartex is an abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2012. It is designed by Oliver Freudenreich and Matthew Wellman, and features artwork by CSE Games and Game Factory. The game is categorized as an abstract strategy and puzzle game, with gameplay centered around pattern building and tile placement mechanics. Quartex is designed for 2–5 players, with an optimal player count of 2–3. The game has a runtime of about 30 minutes and is suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Quartex

55 tiles (1.5″ x 1.5″)

40 tokens

5 shields

1 velvet bag

Illustrated instructions

How To Setup Quartex

To set up Quartex, players start with an empty table or play area. Each player draws a few tiles from the velvet bag to begin their turn. There is no initial board or grid; the game field expands as players place their tiles. The game does not require any specific setup beyond shuffling the tiles and distributing them among the players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players take turns placing a tile next to other tiles already in play, ensuring the corners of the new tile match the corners of the adjacent tiles.

Shape Completion: When a tile completes a four-corner shape, the player earns a point token of that color.

Token Value: The value of each token is determined by the number of tokens of that color not claimed at the end of the game. Each color has only 10 tokens, so if all tokens of a color are claimed, they are worth zero points.

Game End: The game ends when all tiles have been placed or no one can add a tile to the field.

Scoring: Players tally their points based on the remaining tokens of each color.

Player Experience

Quartex offers a unique blend of simplicity and strategic depth, making it accessible to players of all ages. The game requires logical and critical decision-making, as well as visuo-spatial skills. Each game is unique due to the dynamic placement of tiles, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a great family game.

Strategic Depth: Combines simple mechanics with complex strategic possibilities.

Repeat Playability: High replay value due to the unique shape of the game field each time.

Educational: Develops counting, math, logical, and critical decision-making skills.

Cons

Token Management: The decreasing value of tokens as they are collected can be challenging to manage for some players.

Luck Element: Drawing the right tiles at the right time can be crucial, introducing an element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Quartex

Quartex is ideal for those who enjoy abstract strategy games and puzzles. It is a great choice for families and casual gamers looking for a game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. The game’s unique scoring mechanism adds a layer of strategy that appeals to both new and experienced gamers. If you’re looking for a game that combines the simplicity of dominoes with the strategic depth of games like Blokus and Qwirkle, Quartex is an excellent option.

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