Summit: The Board Game (2017) Board Game

Summit: The Board Game, released in 2017, is a thrilling adventure game that simulates the challenges of climbing a mountain. Designed by Conor McGoey and published by Inside Up Games, this game has received praise for its unique mechanics and immersive gameplay experience.

Game Components of Summit: The Board Game

Over 190 unique cards

Nearly 100 tiles

Dual-layer asymmetrical player mats

Different colored wooden meeples for player tokens

Karma track and Karma cards for competitive mode

Sherpa track for cooperative mode

Event cards

Dice

How To Setup Summit: The Board Game

To set up the game, players first choose the mode of play: competitive, cooperative, or solo. For the competitive mode, each player starts with 5 Karma points and a player board. The Karma track is placed on the board, and players draw initial cards. In cooperative mode, each player uses a Sherpa track for resource management. The game board is composed of tiles that represent different mountain routes, and players place these tiles as they progress. Resources such as oxygen and food are managed on the player mats.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile-Laying: Players create the mountain route by placing tiles.

Card-Playing: Use cards for various actions, including hindrance and kindness in competitive mode.

Dice-Rolling: Used for resolving certain events and movements.

Resource Management: Manage oxygen, food, and other resources on the player mats.

Objective:
– Competitive: Be the first to ascend and descend the mountain while managing Karma points.
– Cooperative: Work together to ensure all players ascend and descend the mountain safely.
– Solo: Survive the ascent and descent alone.

Player Experience

The game offers a unique blend of strategy and luck, with high replayability due to the large number of cards and variable tile placements. In competitive mode, players must balance their progress with Karma points, which can significantly impact the final score. Cooperative mode focuses on teamwork and resource management, though it has been noted to have limited player interaction. The solo mode provides a challenging experience but is somewhat random with limited decision-making.

Pros

High Replayability: With over 190 unique cards and nearly 100 tiles, each game is different.

Excellent Production Quality: Card thickness, player boards, and tile quality are praised.

Variable Mechanics: Supports competitive, cooperative, and solo play.

Unique Theme: Survival mountain climbing with strategic and social elements.

Cons

Limited Player Interaction in Co-op: Cooperative mode lacks significant player interaction.

Random Solo Mode: Limited decision-making in solo play.

Basic Gameplay: Some players find the core mechanics of moving and placing tiles somewhat repetitive.

Personal Thoughts on Summit: The Board Game

**Summit: The Board Game** is ideal for those who enjoy survival and adventure themes combined with strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate variable mechanics and high replayability. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking deep, complex gameplay or robust cooperative experiences. The game’s unique Karma system in competitive mode adds a social dynamic that can enhance player interaction, making it a fun addition to a board game collection for those who enjoy a mix of strategy and social play.

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