Tribulation (1974) Board Game

Tribulation is a board game that was released in 1974 by designer Heinz Wittenberg and publisher Éveil & Jeux. The game is a math-based, real-time game that can be played by 1-6 players, with a runtime of about 30 minutes. The game is intended for players aged 10 and up and features a square grid as its main mechanism.

Game Components of Tribulation

Number Tiles: 49 tiles, each marked with a number from 1 to 9, with the 9 tile also serving as a 6.

Game Board: A 7 x 7 grid where the number tiles are laid out.

Instructions: Included to guide players through the game.

How To Setup Tribulation

To set up the game, players arrange the number tiles randomly in the 7 x 7 grid on the game board. This setup is similar to the layout in games like Boggle, where the tiles are scattered to create a numerical grid.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Numerical Patterns: Players search for specific number patterns within the grid.

Formula: The goal is to find three numbers that fit a given mathematical formula.

Competition: Players race to identify these patterns first.

Pattern Recognition: The game emphasizes quick thinking and numerical reasoning.

Player Experience

Playing Tribulation is an engaging and mentally stimulating experience. It challenges players to think quickly and make mathematical connections between numbers in a grid. The game is competitive, making it fun for those who enjoy puzzles and number games.

Pros

Mental Stimulation: Encourages mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Competitive: Adds a fun element of competition among players.

Portable: The game is relatively compact and easy to transport.

Cons

Repetitive: The gameplay can become repetitive as players continue to search for patterns.

Limited Complexity: The game mechanics are straightforward and may not offer enough complexity for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Tribulation

Tribulation is ideal for those who enjoy numerical puzzles and quick-thinking games. It is a great option for families or groups of friends looking for a mental challenge that is easy to learn but challenging to master. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking games with deep strategic layers or complex rules.

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