Super-Skill Pinball: Holiday Special (2022) Board Game

Super-Skill Pinball: Holiday Special is a tabletop board game released in 2022 by WizKids. It is part of the Super-Skill Pinball series, which combines the excitement of pinball with strategic gameplay elements. The Holiday Special edition adds a festive twist to the game, perfect for those looking for a seasonal gaming experience.

Game Components of Super-Skill Pinball: Holiday Special

3 copies of 3 different pinball tables (Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and A Christmas Story)

Dry-erase markers

Dice

Score sheets

Rulebook

How To Setup Super-Skill Pinball: Holiday Special

To set up the game, each player selects a pinball table and takes the corresponding score sheet and dry-erase marker. The dice are placed within reach of all players. The game is ready to start once each player has their materials. The setup is straightforward, making it easy to dive into the game quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll and Write Mechanics: Players roll two dice and choose one to determine the movement of their ball on the table.

Simultaneous Play: All players use the same dice roll, allowing for simultaneous actions.

Nudge Mechanism: Players can “nudge” the table to adjust their ball’s position, but beware of tilting.

Multiball Bonus: Activate the multiball by completing specific sets on the table.

Backglass Bonuses: Send the ball to the backglass for additional points.

Objective: The goal is to score the most points by completing various tasks and bonuses on the table before losing two or three balls, depending on the table.

Player Experience

The game offers a fun and thematic experience, especially for fans of the featured Christmas movies. Each table is uniquely designed to reflect its respective movie, such as hanging lights in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation or scoring an air rifle bonus in A Christmas Story. The gameplay is fast-paced and engaging, with players constantly making decisions to maximize their scores. The ability to play solo or with friends adds to the game’s versatility.

Pros

Thematic and True to IP: The game is very thematic and stays true to the spirit of the Christmas movies.

Easy to Teach: Simple to learn and teach, making it accessible to new players.

Fast Gameplay: Quick gameplay with little downtime, especially at lower player counts.

Portable: Travels well, making it a great option for on-the-go gaming.

Nudge and Multiball Mechanics: Engaging mechanics that add strategy and excitement.

Cons

Limited Tables: Only includes three tables, unlike other releases which have four.

Table Length: Some tables, like Christmas Vacation, last only one round, which might be too short for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Super-Skill Pinball: Holiday Special

This game is perfect for fans of the featured Christmas movies and those who enjoy roll-and-write games. If you’re new to the Super-Skill Pinball series and love these IPs, this is an excellent introduction. For veterans of the series, it’s a fun addition, although the limited number of tables might be a minor drawback. However, for those who don’t care for these movies or are new to roll-and-write games, it might be better to start with a different title in the series. Overall, it’s a great game to break out during the holiday season for some festive fun.

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