That Time You Killed Me (2021) Board Game

That Time You Killed Me is a two-player abstract strategy board game released in 2021 by Pandasaurus Games. Designed by Peter C. Hayward and illustrated by Jor Ros, the game combines elements of murder mystery with strategic gameplay. Players take on the roles of two time-traveling assassins trying to outwit each other in a battle of wits and skill.

Game Components of That Time You Killed Me

Three 4×4 gridded boards representing the Past, Present, and Future

Detailed player pawns and a central well

Four tuck boxes containing new scenarios and components

Rulebook with narrative and humorous content

Focus Tokens for each player

Various tokens for time travel and interaction.

How To Setup That Time You Killed Me

To set up the game, players start by placing one pawn in each of the three time eras (Past, Present, and Future) and positioning the Focus Tokens accordingly. One player’s Focus Token is in the Past, while the other’s is in the Future. The rulebook guides players through the setup process, which is integrated into the narrative of the game. Players must read the rulebook and follow the instructions step-by-step to unlock new mechanics and components as they progress through the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Time travel between Past, Present, and Future boards

Creation of copies of players when traveling backward in time

Planting seeds that grow into bushes and trees across different eras

Moving orthogonally within an era or jumping to another era

Pushing opponent’s pawns into walls, bushes, trees, or other copies of themselves to eliminate them

Game Objective

Eliminate all of the opponent’s pawns from at least two of the three boards

Use time travel and strategic moves to outsmart and sabotage the opponent.

Player Experience

**That Time You Killed Me** offers a unique and evolving gameplay experience. Players delve into a narrative where one inventor of time travel is hunted by their rival across different timelines. The game is divided into four chapters, each introducing new rules, components, and complexities. The rulebook is engaging and humorous, adding to the game’s charm. However, the game requires a significant commitment to play through all the chapters to fully appreciate its depth and variety. Each new mechanic and component adds a fresh layer of strategy, making the game engaging but also potentially overwhelming for newcomers.

Pros

Engaging Narrative: The game has a compelling and humorous storyline.

Evolving Gameplay: New mechanics and components are introduced as players progress.

Strategic Depth: The game offers complex strategies involving time travel and resource management.

Unique Theme: A time-travel themed game with a twist of murder and paradoxes.

High Replayability: With multiple scenarios and increasing difficulty, the game offers high replay value.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s complexity and new mechanics introduced at each chapter can be daunting.

Legacy Format: Requires a commitment to play through the entire campaign to fully enjoy.

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only, which may limit its appeal for larger gaming groups.

Potential for Stalemate: Some strategies might lead to a stalled game state if players focus on undoing each other’s moves.

Personal Thoughts on That Time You Killed Me

**That Time You Killed Me** is ideal for those who enjoy thematic abstracts, legacy games, and have a good sense of humor. It is particularly suited for couples or gaming buddies who are willing to commit to an ongoing series of duels. While it may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer larger player counts or simpler rules, it stands out as one of the best two-player games due to its unique blend of time travel mechanics and strategic gameplay. If you’re up for a challenge and enjoy uncovering new layers of complexity, this game is definitely worth exploring.

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