The Way of the Bear (2018) Board Game

The Way of the Bear’ is a board game released in 2018 by Mandoo Games. Designed by Frank Crittin, Grégoire Largey, and Sébastien Pauchon, the game invites 2 to 4 players to compete in a strategic battle for dominance in the animal kingdom.

Game Components of The Way of the Bear

Game board

Player boards

Bear tokens

Influence markers

Set collection cards

Action cards

First player token

How To Setup The Way of the Bear

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding player board and tokens.

Shuffle the Influence markers and place them face down on the designated spot on the board.

Shuffle the Set collection cards and place them face down on the designated spot on the board.

Shuffle the Action cards and deal a certain number to each player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns placing their Bear tokens on the board to gain influence in different territories. They can collect sets of cards to earn points and utilize Action cards to strategically outmaneuver their opponents. The objective is to have the most influence in each territory at the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Strategic gameplay with a good balance of luck and skill.

Beautiful artwork by Jakub Rebelka.

Quick playtime of 25-35 minutes.

Cons:

Limited player interaction.

Some may find the game mechanics repetitive after multiple plays.

Personal Thoughts on The Way of the Bear

‘The Way of the Bear’ offers a unique take on area majority and set collection mechanics, making it an engaging experience for those who enjoy strategic board games. The components are well-designed, and the artwork adds to the overall immersion in the theme. However, the lack of player interaction may not appeal to everyone, and the repetitive nature of the gameplay could be a turn-off for some players.

Overall, ‘The Way of the Bear’ is worth a try for fans of animals-themed board games and those looking for a quick and tactical gaming experience. It may not be suitable for players seeking high levels of player interaction or those looking for a more complex gaming experience.

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