The Goonies: Adventure Card Game (2016) Board Game

The Goonies: Adventure Card Game is a cooperative card game based on the popular 1985 movie “The Goonies.” Designed by Noelle Pugh and featuring artwork by Albino Dragon, the game was released in in 2016. In this game, players take on the roles of the Goonies characters as they work together to overcome obstacles and find the treasure of One-Eyed Willy.

Game Components of The Goonies: Adventure Card Game

Character Cards: Each player takes on the role of a Goonie, such as Andy, Brand, Mouth, Chunk, Mikey, Data, or Stef, each with unique abilities.

Item Cards: Used to clear obstacles and navigate through the game.

Obstacle Cards: Representing various challenges and booby traps.

Encounter Cards: Include beneficial characters like Sloth and One-Eyed Willy, as well as the antagonistic Fratellis.

Path Tiles: Where the five gems needed to win the game are stored.

Location Tiles: Representing different areas like The Restaurant, Chester Copperpot, The Well, Skeleton Organ, and The Water Slide.

How To Setup The Goonies: Adventure Card Game

To set up the game, players start by shuffling and placing the Path Tiles above each location. Each player chooses a character and receives a set of Item Cards based on the number of players. The Obstacle and Encounter decks are also shuffled and placed within reach. The game is ready to start once all components are organized and each player understands their character’s abilities.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to achieve the game’s objective.

Location Movement: Players move as a group between locations by playing Item Cards with the corresponding location number.

Obstacle Clearing: Players use Item Cards to clear obstacles, which can require specific icons or combinations of icons.

Encounter Resolution: Players draw Encounter Cards, which can provide benefits or introduce additional challenges like the Fratellis.

Gem Recovery: The goal is to find and recover five of One-Eyed Willy’s gems hidden in the Path Tiles.

Game End: The game ends if all five gems are recovered, or if too many obstacles accumulate, the Fratellis overwhelm the players, or the event cards run out.

Player Experience

In this game, players experience a dynamic and fast-paced adventure that stays true to the spirit of the movie. Each character has unique abilities that make them crucial to the team’s success. The game demands strategic card management, teamwork, and quick decision-making to overcome the ever-present threats of booby traps and the Fratellis. The cooperative nature ensures that every player has their moment to shine, making it a fun and engaging experience.

Pros

Unique Character Abilities: Each character brings a special skill to the table.

High Replayability: The randomness of obstacles and exploration tiles ensures no two games are the same.

Fast Setup and Playtime: Easy to set up and play within 30-45 minutes.

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork and strategy.

Thematic Integrity: The game’s theme and graphics are well-done and faithful to the movie.

Cons

Potential for Randomness Overload: The game can sometimes feel too random, leading to unfair outcomes.

Limited Complexity: Some players might find the gameplay mechanics too simple.

Personal Thoughts on The Goonies: Adventure Card Game

This game is perfect for fans of the original movie and those who enjoy cooperative card games. It’s an excellent choice for families or groups of friends looking for a light, yet engaging gaming experience. The game’s short playtime and easy setup make it accessible to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to those seeking a quick, fun challenge. However, players seeking deep strategic complexity might find this game a bit too straightforward.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.