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Velonimo (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

Velonimo is a card game designed by Bruno Cathala and published by Studio Stratosphères in in 2020. The game is suitable for 2 to 5 players, with a recommended age of 7 and above. It falls under the categories of animals, card games, and number games, with gameplay mechanics involving betting and bluffing, as well as ladder climbing.

Game Components of Velonimo

  • Deck of racer cards with various colors and numbers
  • Breakaway specialist cards
  • Leader cards (special 1-value cards)
  • Hare cards (high-value single cards)
  • “Leader of the Pack” jersey card (yellow jersey)
  • Score tracking mechanism

    How To Setup Velonimo

    To set up Velonimo, shuffle the deck and deal 11 cards to each player. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The objective is clear from the start: be the first player to get rid of all your cards.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Gameplay Mechanics:**
    – Trick-taking: Players play cards in combinations of the same color or same number.
    – Ladder Climbing: Each stage represents a different mountain summit.
    – Card Shredding: Players aim to empty their hand completely.

  • Game Objective:**
    – Score as many points as possible over 5 stages.
    – Win the stage by being the first to get rid of all your cards.
    – Earn the “Leader of the Pack” jersey for scoring the most points in a stage.
    – Scoring is based on the stage number and the number of players remaining when a player plays their last card.

    Player Experience

    Velonimo offers a simple yet addictive gameplay experience. Initially, the scoring system can be confusing, but once understood, the game flows quickly. Players must strategically decide when to play or pass, leveraging Leader cards to disrupt opponents’ combinations and Hare cards for high scores. The game’s dynamic rounds and the ability to influence the starting point of the next attack add layers of strategy, making it more than just a straightforward card game.

    Pros

  • Accessible Rules:** Easy to learn and play, suitable for ages 7+.
  • Strategic Depth:** More complex than it initially seems, with opportunities for strategic plays.
  • Fast-Paced:** Games typically last between 30-40 minutes.
  • Family-Friendly:** Appropriate for all ages and a great addition to family game nights.
  • High Replayability:** Encourages multiple plays due to its addictive nature.

    Cons

  • Minimal Theme Adherence:** The cycling theme is somewhat superficial, with little immersive feel of an actual cycling race.
  • Scoring Complexity:** The scoring system can be confusing at first, requiring some practice to understand fully.

    Personal Thoughts on Velonimo

    Velonimo is an excellent choice for those who enjoy trick-taking card games with a strategic twist. It is ideal for families or casual gamers looking for a fun, quick game that doesn’t require a significant time commitment. While it may not fully immerse players in a cycling experience, it offers a delightful and competitive gameplay experience that will keep you coming back for more.

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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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