Transmissions (2022) Board Game

Transmissions is a board game that was released in 2022 and is designed by Matt Dixon, Peter Gifford, and Chad Hoverter. The game is published by CrossCut Games and falls under the category of hand management, rondel, set collection, variable player powers, and worker placement. The theme of the game revolves around robots, making it an interesting choice for sci-fi enthusiasts.

Game Components of Transmissions

Game Board: A large, beautiful board featuring a rondel with 14 spaces divided into 7 distinct areas.

Robots: Four mechanical robots that serve as shared workers.

Player Boards: Double-layered boards for each player to manage Ideas, Items, Engrams, and Energy.

Cards: A deck of cards with images of robots or locations.

Engrams and Energy: Colored acrylic cubes and acrylic lightning bolts used as currency.

Items and Ideas: Tokens that provide bonuses and scoring opportunities.

Pipe Tiles: Tiles that players assemble into a network.

Forest Cards: Cards featuring butterflies and birds for additional scoring.

Transformers: Optional modules that allow players to discard items for points.

How To Setup Transmissions

To set up Transmissions, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Randomly place the four robots on the board, ensuring they are at least two spaces apart. Each player receives a double-layered player board, a starter Pipe tile, and a deck of seven cards from which they keep a running hand of three. Distribute the Engrams, Energy, Items, and Ideas according to the game’s instructions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players share influence over four robots moving around a rondel board.

Resource Management: Manage Engrams and Energy to acquire Items, Ideas, and Pipe tiles.

Set Collection: Collect Items and Ideas which score points and provide bonuses.

Rondel Mechanic: Robots move through seven distinct areas, each offering different resources or actions.

Card Play: Players use cards to move robots or interact with specific locations.

Objective: Score the most points by collecting and combining Items, Ideas, and Pipe tiles efficiently.

Player Experience

Transmissions offers a relaxed and casual gaming experience, similar to *Tokaido*. Players engage in a constant stream of resource collection and spending, with a focus on efficiency and strategic planning. The shared robot mechanism adds a unique twist, as players must coordinate their moves without direct conflict. The game is fairly straightforward, with simple rules and clear graphic design, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Pros

Variability: Different combinations of Ideas and Items each game keep the experience fresh.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and clear gameplay mechanics.

Relaxed Atmosphere: A casual, non-competitive environment.

Resource Management: Engaging cycle of collecting and spending resources.

Multiple Scoring Paths: Various ways to score points, including Pipe tiles and forest cards.

Cons

Lack of Direct Interaction: Limited ability to hinder opponents directly.

Not for Competitive Players: The game is fairly forgiving and not “tight,” which may not appeal to players seeking high tension.

Calming to a Fault: Some players might find the game too calming or lacking in intense moments.

Personal Thoughts on Transmissions

Transmissions is ideal for players who enjoy light to medium-weight games with a focus on resource management and set collection. It’s perfect for those seeking a relaxed gaming experience without the high-stakes tension of more competitive games. The game’s accessibility and variability make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate beautiful illustrations and a unique rondel mechanism.

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