Turbo Drift (2017) Board Game

Turbo Drift is a card game released in 2017 by designer Mark Boardman. It is a racing game that can be played by 2-4 players and has a runtime of around 30 minutes. The game is categorized as a card game and print & play, with mechanics such as action queue and open drafting.

Game Components of Turbo Drift

4 race car cards

5 barrier cards with orange boost icons

6 double-sided movement cards

1 start sign

1 checkered flag

1 boost card

First Player Card (stoplight)

How To Setup Turbo Drift

To set up Turbo Drift, designate a 3×3 foot playing area, though the size can be adjusted for tighter or more spaced-out gameplay. Place the start sign and checkered flag at opposite ends of the playing field. Shuffle and lay out the barrier cards in an obstructive manner to create obstacles. The movement cards are arranged in a 2×3 grid. Ensure all car cards are on their A side and not overlapping with any obstacles or other cars.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Selecting Movement Cards: Players can choose 1, 2, or 3 path cards from the grid.
– Option 1: Pick any 1 card from the grid.
– Option 2: Pick any 2 cards from a single row.
– Option 3: Pick any 3 cards from a single column.
– Option 4: Pick all 6 cards (once per game, using Nitro).

Playing Movement Cards: Cards must be played in order, connecting via tire tracks. If a card overlaps a barrier or another car, the player’s turn ends.

Boost Mechanic: If a card overlaps a boost icon, players can add a boost card to their path, allowing them to jump over obstacles.

Nitro Mechanic: Players can use all 6 cards once per game, shuffling them and playing in the drawn order. However, crashing with Nitro results in elimination.

Game Objective: The first player to cross the finish line wins.

Player Experience

Playing Turbo Drift involves a dynamic and interactive experience where players navigate through a real-space racecourse, avoiding obstacles and leveraging boost mechanics to gain an edge. The game is praised for its easy-to-learn rules and fast-paced turns, making it a fun filler game for any gaming session. However, the game can be fiddly, with constant card adjustments and potential for slow progress due to card placement issues.

Pros

Cool Theme: Captures the essence of drifting with a retro 80s feel.

Neat “Real-Space” Mechanics: Uses the table or floor as the racing area.

Reasonably Easy to Teach: Short rules explanation makes it accessible.

Boost Mechanic: Adds an exciting element that feels like a racing game.

Vaguely Expandable: Potential for variable player powers or themed obstacles.

Cons

Fiddly Cards: Constantly moving and adjusting cards can be frustrating.

Game Length: Games can take longer than expected due to card placement issues.

Nitro Risk: Using Nitro can lead to elimination if not managed carefully.

Personal Thoughts on Turbo Drift

Turbo Drift is ideal for players looking for a quick, portable, and engaging racing game. It’s perfect for those who enjoy micro-games and are seeking a fun, light-hearted gaming experience. The game’s innovative real-space mechanics and boost features make it stand out, despite some minor drawbacks. At a low price point, Turbo Drift is a great addition to any gaming collection, especially for fans of racing and drifting themes.

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