An image of a game flyer or advertisement for "Safari Jack," which is described as a cheapass card game for 2 to 4 players. It features black and white illustrations of a parrot on the top right and a zebra at the bottom. Text on the flyer includes phrases like "Land of Adventure, Africa," and "Where a rich man in a ridiculous hat can turn a cap into a rutting rhino and nip back to camp for tea. And little sandwiches with cucumbers and cheese. Africa." Contact information and a website link are also shown at the bottom.
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Safari Jack (1998)

ByMichail

Safari Jack

Safari Jack is a board game published by Cheapass Games in 1998. The game is designed for 2-4 players and involves building a safari landscape using cards and then hunting the animals that live there.

Why is Safari Jack Popular?

Safari Jack is a clever and simple design with lots of replay value, lots of animals with silly names, and enough strategy to keep most gamers interested. The game has received positive reviews for its unique Gameplay Mechanics of Safari Jack and the fun experience it provides.

Game Components of Safari Jack

  • 60 cards: These include Map cards, Move cards, End Cap cards, and Base Camp cards.
  • Rulebook**
  • Tokens and pawns: Players need to provide these, which can be coins or any other small objects.

    How To Setup Safari Jack

    To set up the game, each player starts with their pawn on a Base Camp card. Any card can be used as a Base Camp if played face down. Each player begins with a hand of six cards. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Map Building: Players create the safari landscape by connecting Map cards, which represent different terrains like forest, mountain, desert, and water.
  • Movement: Players draw a card, play a card, and move their pawn. Movement is typically limited to one space per turn but can be extended with special Move cards.
  • End Caps: These cards depict terrain with three walls and contain high-point values. They are essentially cul-de-sacs where players can collect points.
  • Special Cards: Jump cards allow teleportation to any non-end cap space, while Bump cards can move an opponent’s pawn to any unoccupied space.
  • Objective: The goal is to be the first player to accumulate 15 points by reaching unclaimed End Caps. The point threshold decreases in games with three or four players.

    Player Experience

    Safari Jack offers a fun and competitive experience, especially in its two-player format. The game requires strategic thinking and a bit of luck, making it engaging without being overly complex. Players enjoy the “jam your buddy” aspect, which adds a layer of competitiveness without making the game too aggressive.

    Pros

  • Simple yet strategic gameplay**
  • High replay value**
  • Affordable price point**
  • Easy to learn but challenging to master**
  • Fun and competitive**

    Cons

  • Limited player interaction in larger games**
  • Dependence on luck with card draws**
  • No extensive rules or complex mechanics for some players’ tastes**

    Personal Thoughts on Safari Jack

    Safari Jack is perfect for those who enjoy light-hearted, quick strategy games. It’s ideal for gamers who appreciate a game that doesn’t require a significant time commitment but still offers enough depth to keep them engaged. If you’re a fan of Cheapass Games or Hip Pocket Games, you’ll likely find Safari Jack to be a delightful addition to your gaming collection. It’s a great choice for casual game nights or as a quick diversion between more complex games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl