SWAT! (2010) Board Game – Board Game Guys

SWAT! is a real-time card game that was released in in 2010. Designed by Charlie Bink and another designer, the game is published by Eagle-Gryphon Games. It is suitable for 2-7 players aged 7 and above. The game falls under the categories of Animals, Card Game, and Real-time, with gameplay mechanics including Memory, Push Your Luck, and Set Collection.

Game Components of SWAT!

Deck of cards featuring wacky cartoon bugs and numbers

Negative cards (minus one, two, three, or four points)

Cards worth points individually or when paired

Cards that score points based on the number collected

One special card type worth 7 points for the player with the most and -7 points for the players with the fewest

How To Setup SWAT!

To set up SWAT!, the cards are shuffled, and one player is assigned as the first dealer. The dealer cannot “swat” on their turn but instead flips the cards over one at a time. There are no turns; players can choose to take the cards by slapping their hand down on the table at any time.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Real-time Action: Players react quickly to take cards.

Memory: Keeping track of the cards that have been flipped.

Risk Management: Deciding when to swat to maximize points.

Hand Management: Each player can swat three times per round.

Game Objective

The objective is to collect the most points by strategically swatting at the right moment to get the most valuable cards while avoiding negative ones.

Player Experience

SWAT is a simple yet engaging game that requires quick reflexes and a bit of strategy. Players must balance the need to act fast with the risk of missing out on valuable cards or picking up negative ones. The game is dynamic, with the pace controlled by the dealer’s speed in flipping the cards. It’s a great starter or ending game for a group, offering comic dramatic potential and in-built unpredictability.

Pros

Quick Setup and Playtime: Learning time is 5 minutes, and the first playtime is about 30 minutes.

Interactive and Dynamic: Encourages player engagement and quick reactions.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but requires strategic thinking.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for both kids and adults.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game may not offer enough complexity for serious gamers.

Fidgety Scoring: The process of scoring can be slightly fiddly.

Short Sessions: Adults might find it too light for extended play sessions.

Personal Thoughts on SWAT!

SWAT is ideal for those looking for a light-hearted, fast-paced game that can be played in short sessions. It’s perfect for families or as a quick filler game for groups. While it may not appeal to gamers seeking deep strategic games, it excels as a fun, interactive experience that requires quick thinking and timely reactions. Designer Reiner Knizia has successfully crafted a dynamic, engaging game out of simple rules, making it a great addition to any game collection.

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