Splat! (1990) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Splat! is a children’s game first released in in 1990. Designed by Paul J. Gruen, this game is all about fun and excitement as players race to be the first to splat their opponents’ bugs. With a colorful and engaging design, Splat! has been a favorite among families for decades.

Game Components of Splat!

Board: Bright, colorful, and cartoony with bug themes and a finish line.

Bug Maker (Bug-O-Matic): A tool to create bug pieces from Play-Doh.

Splat Hand: A foot-shaped tool used to squish bugs.

Play-Doh: Four containers of Play-Doh are included to create the bug pieces.

Dice: For determining player movement.

Splat Cards: 12 cards with different colored backgrounds that trigger bug squishing.

Bug Pieces: Made from Play-Doh using the Bug-O-Matic.

How To Setup Splat!

To set up Splat!, players start by creating their bug pieces using the Bug-O-Matic and Play-Doh. Each player must have two bugs in play at all times. The board is laid out, and the Splat Cards are shuffled and placed within reach. Players choose their starting positions, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The first player to get both of their bugs past the finish line wins.

Movement: Players roll dice to determine how many spaces they can move their bugs.

Splat Spaces: Landing on certain spaces may require drawing a Splat Card, which can lead to squishing bugs of a specific color.

Safe Spaces: Certain spaces on the board are marked as safe, protecting bugs from being squished.

Bug Creation: When a bug is squished, the player must make a new bug using the Bug-O-Matic and return it to the starting position.

Strategic Choices: Players can choose to move their bugs or squish opponents’ bugs, especially when rolling doubles.

Player Experience

Splat offers a highly interactive and entertaining experience, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The use of Play-Doh adds a tactile and creative element to the game. Players must navigate the risks of landing on Splat Spaces while strategizing their moves to reach the finish line first.

Pros

Interactive and Fun: The game’s use of Play-Doh and the Splat Hand makes it highly engaging.

Easy to Learn: The game can be learned in under five minutes.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide age range, making it a great option for family game nights.

Colorful and Cartoony Board: The board’s design adds to the game’s playful atmosphere.

Cons

Limited Strategy: The game is more about luck and less about deep strategy.

Play-Doh Mess: The game can be messy due to the use of Play-Doh.

Component Durability: The bug pieces made from Play-Doh can be fragile.

Personal Thoughts on Splat!

Splat is ideal for families or groups looking for a light-hearted, fun game that doesn’t require complex strategies. It’s perfect for younger children due to its simplicity and interactive elements, but adults will also find it entertaining, especially when played with kids. However, those seeking a game with deep strategic layers may find Splat too simplistic. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection for its unique and playful mechanics.

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