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Techlandia (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

Techlandia is a board game released in 2020 by 11231 Games. It is a game that combines elements of adventure, exploration, horror, and humor, making it a unique and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Techlandia

  • Player Mats:** Smartphone-shaped mats called “Dashboards” to track progress.
  • Gear Cards:** Provide buffs or negate certain events.
  • Investigation Cards:** Determine success or failure of room investigations.
  • Encounter Cards:** Trigger negative effects or spawn enemies.
  • Enemy Cards:** Represent cultish goons and other adversaries.
  • QR Code Fragments:** Necessary for accessing the elevator.
  • Decryption Codes:** Used to retry QR code scanning.
  • Doomsday Clock:** A timer with its own deck, marking the game’s progression.
  • Modular Board:** Comprised of eight hex tiles representing the Techlandia headquarters.

    How To Setup Techlandia

    Setup involves arranging the eight hex tiles to form the map of the Techlandia corporation’s headquarters. Players start with five Gear cards each and their smartphone-shaped player mats. Decks of Investigation cards, Encounter cards, Enemy cards, and the Doomsday Clock deck are placed within reach. Each player’s objective is to infiltrate the headquarters, so the initial layout is straightforward and quick to establish.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** Reach the Elevator by investigating rooms, collecting QR code fragments, and submitting them to security.
  • Turn Structure:** Players take up to two actions per turn, which can include moving, investigating rooms, picking up QR codes, fighting enemies, and reloading gear.
  • Investigation:** Draw Investigation cards to determine success or failure, which can trigger Encounter cards.
  • Combat:** Resolve combat by rolling a die and comparing the score to the enemy’s combat rating. Gear cards can influence combat outcomes.
  • QR Code Scanning:** Use collected QR code fragments to scan and gain access to the elevator. Decryption codes can be used to retry scanning if initial attempts fail.

    Player Experience

    Playing Techlandia feels like a quirky, fast-paced adventure. The game is designed to be accessible, with simplified combat and movement mechanics, making it easier to get started and play through a full game in about 60-90 minutes. The modular board and limited number of tiles streamline the gameplay, reducing the complexity often associated with dungeon crawlers. However, the game’s reliance on card draws introduces a significant element of luck, which can either add fun and unpredictability or frustration, depending on the player’s preferences.

    Pros

  • Accessible Gameplay:** Easy to learn and play, making it suitable for new players.
  • Quirky Theme:** Blends Silicon Valley satire with Lovecraftian horror, offering a unique and humorous setting.
  • Quick Playtime:** Games typically last 60-90 minutes.
  • Compact Design:** The game does not take up much table space.
  • Gear Cards:** Provide useful buffs and mitigation against negative events.

    Cons

  • Limited Replay Value:** Once all cards have been seen, the game offers little new content.
  • Luck-Heavy Mechanics:** The success of investigations and combat is heavily reliant on card draws.
  • Minimal Lovecraftian Impact:** The Lovecraftian elements do not significantly impact the gameplay or overall experience.
  • Room Uniformity:** Investigating rooms lacks variety, as the only difference is the level of punishment for failure.

    Personal Thoughts on Techlandia

    Techlandia is ideal for those who want a light, fun dungeon crawl experience without the complexity of more traditional games in the genre. It is perfect for new players or those looking for a quick, entertaining game that combines familiar tech culture references with a hint of cosmic horror. While it may not offer extensive replay value, its unique blend of themes and accessible mechanics make it a great choice for casual gamers or those interested in a quirky, humorous adventure.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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