Rafter Five (2023) Board Game

Rafter Five is a dexterity-based board game released in 2023 by Oink Games. Designed by ましう (Mashiu) and Jun Sasaki, the game is suitable for players aged 7 and above. With a playing time of around 20 minutes, Rafter Five challenges players to stack and balance wooden beams to create the tallest structure possible.

Game Components of Rafter Five

5 Wooden Rafters

42 Wooden Treasure Chests

6 Penalty Boards

1 Raft Card

42 Lumber Cards

4 Game Manuals (English, Spanish, German, French).

How To Setup Rafter Five

To set up the game, players start by stacking the box top and bottom to create a base. Then, they place the five wooden rafter pieces on the starting card on top of the base. This initial setup is crucial for the stability of the raft as the game progresses.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to build as large a raft as possible while being the only player able to board it.

Turn Structure: On a turn, a player lifts a rafter, places a raft card on the playing area, replaces the rafter, and then places one of their treasure chests on the raft, ideally in a precarious position.

Penalty: If a player causes five treasure chests owned by other players to fall off the raft, they are out of the game. However, if their own treasure chests fall, there is no penalty.

Strategic Placement: Players can strategically place their treasure chests to put pressure on opponents, adding a tactical layer to the game.

Player Experience

Rafter Five offers a dynamic and engaging experience suitable for players of any generation. The game is filled with excitement and suspense as the raft collapses in unexpected places, making each turn unpredictable and thrilling. The simple rules make it accessible to younger players, while the need for strategic thinking keeps it challenging for adults. The game also includes advanced rules and single-player modes for added complexity and solo play.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 7 and above, making it a great family game.

Quick Playtime: The game lasts approximately 20 minutes, ideal for short gaming sessions.

Simple yet Challenging: Easy to learn but requires skill and strategy to master.

Versatile: Includes advanced rules and single-player modes for varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Luck Element: The game involves a degree of luck, as the stability of the raft is unpredictable.

Space Requirements: The game requires a relatively large playing area to accommodate the expanding raft.

Limited Depth: Some players might find the gameplay mechanics too simple or repetitive.

Personal Thoughts on Rafter Five

Rafter Five is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, interactive game that combines physical dexterity with strategic thinking. It’s perfect for those who enjoy games that are quick to play but still offer a challenge. However, players seeking complex, deeply strategic games might find Rafter Five a bit too light. Overall, it’s a great addition to any game collection for its unique blend of balance and strategy.

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