Set Cubed (2008) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Set Cubed is a board game that was released in in 2008. It is designed by Marsha J. Falco and has been published by various companies such as 999 Games, AMIGO, Nordic Games GmbH, and Set Enterprises, Inc. The game falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy and Dice games, with gameplay revolving around dice rolling, pattern building, and pattern recognition.

Game Components of Set Cubed

Board: A 400-square grid.

Pieces: 84 pieces in four different colors, each color having 21 pieces of varying shapes and sizes (1 square, 2 squares, 3 squares, 4 squares, and 5 squares).

How To Setup Set Cubed

To set up the game, each player chooses a color and places their set of 21 pieces in front of them. The order of play is predetermined: blue, yellow, red, and green. The first piece played by each player must cover a corner square of the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Fit as many of your pieces onto the board as possible.

Mechanics: Each new piece must touch at least one other piece of the same color at the corners, but cannot be in contact along edges. Pieces of different colors have no contact restrictions.

Game End: The game ends when all players are blocked from laying down any more pieces.

Scoring: Players count the number of unit squares in their remaining pieces (each unit square = -1 point). A bonus of +15 points is awarded if all pieces are placed, and an additional +5 points if the last piece was the smallest one.

Player Experience

Set Cubed is a game that demands strategic thinking and spatial awareness. Players need to plan ahead to maximize their space on the board and block their opponents effectively. The game encourages a mix of offensive and defensive strategies, making each play a thoughtful and engaging experience.

Pros

Challenging and Engaging: Requires strategic planning and spatial reasoning.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of various ages and skill levels.

Replayability: Different piece placements ensure unique games each time.

Short Gameplay: Games typically last 20 to 30 minutes.

Cons

Visual Clutter: The board can become complex and visually overwhelming.

Luck in Piece Distribution: The shapes and sizes of the pieces can sometimes limit strategic options.

Blocking Mechanism: Can be frustrating if an opponent blocks your potential moves effectively.

Personal Thoughts on Set Cubed

Set Cubed is an excellent choice for those who enjoy puzzles and strategic board games. It is particularly suited for families or groups of friends looking for a game that is both challenging and relatively quick to play. The game’s emphasis on spatial reasoning and strategic planning makes it an engaging and mentally stimulating experience. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer games with a strong narrative or simpler rules.

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