Raid the Pantry (2012) Board Game

Raid the Pantry is a card game released in 2012 that involves players strategically collecting ingredients to complete recipes. The game was designed by Aaron Barron, Anne Heidsieck, Amanda Milne, and Julia Schiller, and features artwork by Cheeky Parrot Games and SchilMil Games, Ltd. Raid the Pantry falls under the categories of card games and negotiation games, and includes mechanics such as auction/bidding, hand management, rock-paper-scissors, set collection, and team-based gameplay.

Game Components of Raid the Pantry

Dish cards: Represent various dishes players aim to complete.

Ingredient cards: Necessary for completing the dishes.

Action cards: Can be used immediately or stored for later use, featuring icons like a whisk or a canister to indicate their timing.

Wild card: Can stand in for any ingredient.

Rubbish Bin: A discard pile for ingredient cards.

Pantry: The draw pile for ingredient cards.

How To Setup Raid the Pantry

To set up the game, first shuffle the Dish cards and deal 3 to each player. Then, shuffle the ingredient cards and place the first 3 face up in the middle of the table to form the “Rubbish Bin”. Each player is dealt 6 ingredient cards, and the rest form the “Pantry”. Finally, shuffle the action cards to prepare for play. The youngest player starts the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Actions: Players can either take the top action card or, if they have 3 or fewer cards, take the top action card and two ingredient cards. Alternatively, they can discard 2 ingredient cards into the “Rubbish Bin” and take the top ingredient card from the “Pantry”.

Action Card Effects: Action cards can take immediate effect (whisk icon) or be played at any time (canister icon).

Completing Dishes: Players use the collected ingredient cards to complete dishes by matching the required ingredients with the corresponding Dish card.

Game Objective: The game ends when a player meets the required amount of points, determined by the number of players. That player is declared the winner.

Player Experience

**Raid the Pantry** offers a light and enjoyable gaming experience with a strong focus on hand management and set collection. The game starts slowly but gains pace as players collect ingredients and complete dishes. The interaction between players through action cards adds a dynamic layer to the game, making it engaging and fun. The game’s aesthetic, featuring photographs of dishes and ingredients, is also highly praised for its quality and appeal.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: The interaction through action cards keeps the game engaging and dynamic.

Easy to Understand: The rules are clear and easy to follow.

High-Quality Components: The cards are well-made, smooth to the touch, and feature appealing photographs.

Award-Winning: Won several awards, including New Zealand Games Association’s New Game of the Year for 2013 and Creative Child magazine’s New Game of the Year for 2013.

Cons

Initial Slow Pace: The game starts slowly, which might not appeal to players seeking immediate action.

Limited Complexity: It is a relatively light game, which might not satisfy players looking for deeper strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Raid the Pantry

**Raid the Pantry** is ideal for families, casual gamers, and those who enjoy light, fun games with a cooking theme. It is easy to learn and play, making it accessible to a wide range of players. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking complex strategies or intense competition. The game’s ability to evoke hunger with its appetizing dish photographs is a delightful bonus, adding to its charm and appeal.

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