Time Arena (2017) Board Game

Time Arena is a real-time board game designed by ann&seb and Shanshan Zhu, released in in 2017. It is a fast-paced game that pits 2-4 players against each other in a battle arena setting. With a playtime of 3-10 minutes, Time Arena is suitable for players aged 10 and above. The game features dice rolling and grid movement mechanics, adding a layer of strategy to the frantic gameplay.

Game Components of Time Arena

Game Board: An 8×10 grid representing the Time Arena.

Fighters: 12 different characters, each with unique abilities and recharge times.

Hourglasses: Used to track the recharge time for each fighter.

Energy Tokens: Each player’s Totem starts with 6 Energy tokens.

Transporter Squares: For advanced play, allowing fighters to move quickly around the board.

Smartphone App: Required for tracking the 5-minute time limit for each player.

Summoning Squares: Designated areas where fighters can be summoned onto the board.

How To Setup Time Arena

To set up the game, each player positions their Totem on their side of the board, each with 6 Energy tokens. Fighters start off the board on their respective colored gates. The hourglasses for each fighter are in their empty state, ready for summoning. The smartphone app is downloaded and set up to track the 5-minute time limit for each player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Fighting, Real-time.

Mechanics: Grid Movement, Dice Rolling (though not the primary mechanic).

Objective: Destroy the opponent’s Totem by reducing its Energy tokens to zero within the 5-minute time limit.

Turn Structure: Players take turns activating one or more of their fighters, which can be summoned, moved, or made to fight. Each fighter can only be activated once per turn.

Recharge System: When a fighter is destroyed, its hourglass is turned over, and it reappears after the sand has run out.

Advanced Rules: Includes transporter squares for quick movement and an additional end game criterion where occupying all opponent’s summoning squares can win the game.

Player Experience

Playing Time Arena is a thrilling and time-pressured experience. Players must balance strategy with the need for quick decision-making, as each turn is timed and the 5-minute clock can run out swiftly. The game requires players to constantly survey the board, plan their moves efficiently, and adapt to changing circumstances. As players gain experience, decision-making becomes quicker and more intuitive.

Pros

Fast-paced and Engaging: The time limit adds a layer of excitement and urgency.

Strategic Depth: Each fighter has unique abilities, allowing for diverse strategies.

Visual Appeal: Brightly colored hourglasses and a well-designed board enhance the game’s aesthetic.

Team Play Option: Allows for teamwork and coordination between players.

Cons

Time Pressure: Can be stressful, especially for players who prefer more time to think.

App Requirement: The need for a smartphone app might be inconvenient for some players.

Limited Player Count: Best with two players or two teams, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Time Arena

Time Arena is ideal for players who enjoy real-time strategy and fast-paced action. It’s perfect for those who can think quickly and make decisive moves under pressure. The game’s unique blend of time management and strategic fighter deployment makes it a great addition to any collection focused on competitive, real-time games. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more leisurely game experiences or those who are frustrated by time limits.

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