The Perfumer (2016) Board Game

The Perfumer, released in 2016, is a board game designed by Chu-Lan Kao and published by Big Fun Games. It is a game that falls under the industry/manufacturing category, where players take on the role of perfumers trying to create the perfect scent. The game is designed for 2-5 players, with a recommended age of 12 and above.

Game Components of The Perfumer

Game board

Fragrance cards

Scent bottles or flasks

Player tokens

Dice (for certain mechanics, though not the primary focus)

Educational booklet (in some versions)

Scent pens and blotter cards (in the Master Parfums version, but not standard in The Perfumer)

How To Setup The Perfumer

To set up the game, players begin by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting point on the board. The fragrance cards are shuffled and distributed according to the game’s rules. Players also receive their initial set of ingredients or scent components.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Olfactory challenges: Players use their sense of smell to identify different fragrances.
– Strategic planning: Players must create perfumes that meet the preferences of potential buyers.
– Competitive element: Players compete to be the first to create and sell their perfumes.

Game Objective:
– The objective is to become the most successful perfumer by creating and selling perfumes that match the preferences of the customers.

Player Experience

The Perfumer offers a unique gaming experience that combines strategy with a sensory element, as players must use their sense of smell to identify and mix fragrances. The game encourages creative thinking and strategic planning, making it engaging for players who enjoy both the intellectual and sensory aspects of gaming.

Pros

Unique Gameplay: Integrates the sense of smell into the gameplay, making it a standout among other board games.

Educational: Provides an educational booklet that teaches about fragrance history and perfume secrets.

Creative Thinking: Encourages players to think creatively about mixing fragrances.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 12 and above, making it a great family game.

Cons

Niche Theme: The perfume theme might not appeal to everyone.

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be a bit complex due to the various components involved.

Dependence on Scent: The game’s effectiveness can be impacted by players’ sensitivities or allergies to certain scents.

Personal Thoughts on The Perfumer

The Perfumer is ideal for those who appreciate unique gaming experiences and have an interest in perfumes or fragrances. It is a great choice for families or groups looking for a game that combines strategy with a sensory element. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more traditional board game mechanics or those with sensitivities to strong scents.

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