The Champion of the Wild (Second Edition) (2019) Board Game

The Champion of the Wild’ is a humorous party game that allows players to take on the role of animal coaches, competing against each other in various sporting events. The Second Edition of this game, released in 2019, features updated rules, components, and artwork to enhance the playing experience. Designed by Kevin Chapman, Dave Heaton, and Dan Misson, this game is suitable for players aged 6 and above.

Game Components of The Champion of the Wild

Cards: Representing various animals and events.

Voting Tokens: For players to secretly vote on event winners.

Event Cards: Featuring diverse competitions like hurdles, egg-and-spoon races, and break dancing.

Animal Cards: Each with unique abilities and strengths.

Upgraded Components: Introduced in the Second Edition, including new events, animals, and game variants[5/.

How To Setup The Champion of the Wild

To set up the game, players start by selecting the type of competition they will participate in, such as a Triathlon, Pentathlon, or Decathlon. Each player is dealt a hand of animal cards, from which they choose one animal to represent them in all the selected events. The event cards are then drawn and placed face up on the table. Players prepare for the discussions and negotiations that will ensue for each event.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hidden Victory Points: Players earn points based on voting outcomes.

Open Drafting: Players select their animal cards from a shared pool.

Player Judge: Players argue and vote on event winners.

Voting: Secret tokens are used to vote for event winners.

Negotiation: Players must persuade others to vote for their animal.

Objective: The player with the highest total points at the end of all events is declared *The Champion of the Wild*.

Player Experience

The Champion of the Wild is a game that balances seriousness with ridiculousness, making it a fun and creative experience. Players take on the role of animal coaches, training and competing in various events. The game encourages negotiation, persuasion, and creative arguments to sway votes. While it can be enjoyable for both kids and adults, the game may drag if played in mixed groups due to the varying levels of persuasive abilities. The Second Edition introduces a “Junior Pentathalon” mode, making it more accessible for children.

Pros

Creative and Fun: Encourages ridiculous arguments and creative thinking.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and above.

Multiple Variants: Includes different game modes like Triathlon, Pentathlon, and Decathlon.

Improved Components: Second Edition adds new events, animals, and upgraded components.

Balanced Voting: Ensures no single event guarantees a win.

Cons

Persuasion Challenge: Can be difficult for younger players to make convincing arguments.

Variable Playtime: Depending on the variant, playtime can vary significantly.

Potential for Dragging: Mixed groups of kids and adults may experience slower gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on The Champion of the Wild

The Champion of the Wild is an excellent alternative to traditional party games, offering a unique blend of negotiation, creativity, and humor. It is ideal for families and groups looking for a light-hearted, interactive game that promotes social interaction and creative thinking. While it may present challenges for younger players, the “Junior Pentathalon” mode in the Second Edition helps to make the game more inclusive. Overall, it’s a great choice for those who enjoy games like *Apples to Apples* or *Cards Against Humanity* but want a more engaging and argument-driven experience.

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