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SETUP (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

SETUP is a board game designed by Jacob Berg and released in in 2023. It falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Card Game, Children’s Game, Number, and Puzzle. The game is designed for 2–4 players, with a runtime of 20–25 minutes and is suitable for players aged 8 and above. The game features mechanisms such as Connections, Hand Management, Set Collection, Team-Based Game, and Tile Placement.

Game Components of SETUP

  • 50 card tiles numbered from 1 to 10, spread across five different suits
  • 4-6 player tokens and corresponding tile holders
  • 1 game board featuring a circular track and bonus squares
  • 1 bag for tile drawing
  • Rulebook

    How To Setup SETUP

    To set up the game, each player takes a tile holder and a playing piece in their corresponding color. The playing pieces are placed on the “setup” square on the board. Four card tiles are drawn from the bag and placed on the four common squares in the middle of the board. Each player then takes four card tiles to form their personal hand, and four additional tiles are displayed beside the board as a shared resource pool.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Count:** 2-4 players
  • Age Range:** 8+
  • Playing Time:** 25 minutes
  • Game Category:** Family, Tile, Rummy
  • Objective:** The goal is to propel your scoring marker to the finish line before anyone else by creating larger sets that earn points.
  • Set Creation:** Players create sets by placing and connecting tiles with identical numbers across different suits or consecutive numbers within the same suit.
  • Tile Placement:** Tiles can be placed on the board using tiles from the personal hand, the common hand, or a mix of both.
  • Scoring:** Points are earned based on the sets created, and players can also score bonus points if their tiles are used in sets made by other players.
  • Team Mode:** The game includes a team play mode where teammates collaborate to avoid having the last scoring marker when the first one crosses the finish line.

    Player Experience

    SETUP offers a dynamic and engaging experience, blending strategy and luck. Each turn presents a new challenge, as players must strategically place tiles to maximize their points while avoiding setting up their opponents for high-scoring turns. The game keeps all players engaged, even during opponents’ turns, as they can score bonus points if their tiles are used in sets. The simple rules and quick gameplay make it accessible to a wide audience, including those new to board gaming.

    Pros

  • Quick and Engaging:** The game is fast-paced, lasting about 25 minutes.
  • Accessible:** Simple rules make it easy for new players to join in.
  • Strategic Depth:** Each turn involves solving a mini puzzle to maximize points.
  • Interactive:** Players remain engaged even when it’s not their turn due to the bonus point mechanic.
  • Team Play:** Offers a team mode for collaborative play.

    Cons

  • Limited Strategic Depth:** The game does not offer deep strategic gameplay.
  • Luck Factor:** The draw of tiles can significantly influence the game, introducing an element of luck that may not appeal to all players.
  • Components Quality:** While the components are solid, they are not of the highest quality.

    Personal Thoughts on SETUP

    SETUP is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a quick, fun, and relatively simple game. It is particularly appealing to fans of Rummikub and Five Crowns due to its similar mechanics. The game’s accessibility and short playing time make it a great addition to any game night, ensuring that everyone can enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed by complex rules or lengthy gameplay. However, players seeking a game with deep strategic depth may find SETUP a bit lacking in that department.

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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

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