Taiwan Monsters Brawl (2016) Board Game

Taiwan Monsters Brawl is a board game released in 2016 by Chiaos Creative. It is an abstract strategy game that combines elements of dice rolling, hand management, pattern building, tile placement, and variable player powers. The game is set in a fantasy world inspired by Taiwanese mythology, featuring unique monsters and creatures.

Game Components of Taiwan Monsters Brawl

8 different Monster boards, each with a special ability board

Monster boards are bilingual

Illustrated player markers

Rune tokens with colored and used sides

Spell cards with special actions and Chi token costs

Territory cards with runes, Chi symbols, and Victory Points (VP)

Rune Die

Chi tokens

How To Setup Taiwan Monsters Brawl

To set up the game, each player chooses a monster and its corresponding special ability board and monster board. Players start with some rune tokens placed on their monster board and one spell card. The game is played over a number of rounds equal to the number of players, with the start player rotating each round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Phase: Players claim territory cards to gather runes and Chi tokens.

Challenge Phase: Players can challenge other monsters on territory cards, using runes and spell cards to win battles and gain VP.

Cleanup Phase: Score points for held territory cards, flip used runes for Chi tokens, and discard used runes.

Objective: The player with the most points at the end of the rounds wins. In case of a tie, the player with the most colored runes on their monster board wins.

Player Experience

In Taiwan Monsters Brawl, players engage in strategic battles and resource management. Each round involves careful planning to maximize rune placement on the monster board, which acts as a puzzle to solve. Players must balance attacking other monsters to gain VP and defending their own territory to avoid penalties. The game requires hand management and pattern building skills, as players need to match runes to activate powerful abilities.

Pros

Original Art and Design: The game features a wholly original look and style.

Strategic Depth: Combines resource management, pattern building, and strategic combat.

Variable Player Powers: Each monster has unique abilities and strengths.

Engaging Mechanics: The puzzle-like monster boards and rune matching add a fun and challenging element.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has multiple phases and rules that can be cumbersome for new players.

Luck Element: The use of dice and random territory cards introduces an element of luck.

Potential for Analysis Paralysis: The strategic depth can lead to lengthy decision-making.

Personal Thoughts on Taiwan Monsters Brawl

Taiwan Monsters Brawl is ideal for players who enjoy abstract strategy and pattern-building games. It is a great choice for those looking for a game with unique mechanics and a high level of replayability due to the variable player powers and random elements. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those who prefer simpler rules, as it requires a good understanding of the game’s intricate systems.

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