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Unstable Unicorns (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Unstable Unicorns was released in 2017 by Breaking Games and quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of humor and strategy. Designed by Ramy Badie, the game features whimsical artwork and quirky gameplay mechanics that appeal to a wide range of players.

Game Components of Unstable Unicorns

  • 135 cards
  • Rulebook

    • How To Setup Unstable Unicorns

  • Shuffle the deck of cards
  • Deal each player 5 cards
  • Place the rest of the deck in the center of the play area
  • Choose a first player

    • Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    In Unstable Unicorns, players must build a stable of unicorns while sabotaging their opponents’ stables. The goal is to be the first player to collect seven unicorns in their stable.

    Player Experience

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    Pros:

  • Easy to learn and teach
  • Engaging gameplay that encourages player interaction
  • Humorous and whimsical artwork

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    Cons:

  • Can be heavily reliant on luck of the draw
  • Limited strategic depth compared to other card games

    • Personal Thoughts on Unstable Unicorns

    Unstable Unicorns is a fun party game that is perfect for casual gatherings or game nights. The build quality of the cards is good, and the artwork adds to the overall enjoyment of the game. However, the pricing for the game may be a bit high for the amount of content included.

    Overall, Unstable Unicorns is worth your time if you enjoy light-hearted card games with a humorous twist. It is recommended for players who appreciate games with a mix of strategy and luck. However, those looking for more complex gameplay may want to explore other options.

    Game Components of Unstable Unicorns

  • Cards: The game includes various types of cards, such as baby unicorn cards, basic unicorn cards, and magic unicorn cards. There are also upgrade, downgrade, and magic cards.
  • Expansions: Multiple expansion packs are available, including the Nightmares Expansion, Adventures Expansion, Unicorns of Legend Expansion, and more.
  • Player Count: Supports 2-8 players.
  • Age Range: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.
  • Playing Time: Games typically last between 30-60 minutes.

    How To Setup Unstable Unicorns

    To set up the game, each player starts with 6 cards and a baby unicorn. If playing with two players, certain cards are removed to balance the game. Players shuffle the deck, draw their starting cards, and place their baby unicorn in their stable. The remaining cards are placed face down within reach of all players.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Turn Phases: Each turn consists of four phases: Beginning, Draw, Play, and End.
  • Card Types:
  • Baby Unicorn: Cannot be discarded and returns to the nursery if removed.
  • Basic Unicorn: Fills the stable without extra effects.
  • Magic Unicorn: Has an effect that is activated when the card enters the stable.
  • Upgrade Cards: Provide advantages and can be activated at the beginning of a turn.
  • Downgrade Cards: Disadvantage other players.
  • Magic Cards: One-use items with various effects.
  • Win Condition: The first player to get 7 unicorns in their stable wins the game. If the deck runs out, the player with the most unicorns in their stable wins.

    Player Experience

    Unstable Unicorns offers a fun and strategic experience for players of all ages. The game is easy to learn, with clear rules and a straightforward gameplay structure. The phases of each turn help maintain rule clarity, and the game scales well from two to eight players. As players become more familiar with the cards, the game moves more smoothly, making it a great choice for casual game nights.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn: Simple rules and clear phases make it accessible to new players.
  • Strategic Depth: Use of upgrade, downgrade, and magic cards adds complexity and strategy.
  • Fun for All Ages: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a family-friendly game.
  • Portable: Does not require a large space to set up and is easy to carry around.
  • Expansions Available: Multiple expansion packs add new effects and cards to the game.

    Cons

  • Initial Familiarization Time: New players may need some time to learn the effects of each card.
  • Setup for Two Players: Requires removing certain cards from the deck, which can be a minor hassle.
  • Luck Element: The draw of cards can introduce an element of luck that may affect game outcomes.

    Personal Thoughts on Unstable Unicorns

    Unstable Unicorns is an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a fun and strategic card game. It is particularly appealing to those who enjoy a mix of luck, strategy, and interactive gameplay. The game’s ability to scale from two to eight players makes it versatile for different social settings, and the expansions offer a way to keep the game fresh and exciting over time. If you’re looking for a game that combines whimsy with strategic depth, Unstable Unicorns is definitely worth considering.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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