Venture Angels (2018) Board Game

Venture Angels is a board game released in 2018 by Mandoo Games. Designed by Bruno Faidutti and featuring artwork by Ian O’Toole, it falls into the categories of bluffing and economic games, with gameplay centered around auction/bidding, betting, bluffing, and set collection mechanics. The game is designed for 3 to 5 players, with a runtime of approximately 20 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Venture Angels

Tokens valued 0 – 4 for bidding

Project tiles with various costs and thresholds

Bonus Token

Player tokens for tracking bids and ownership

How To Setup Venture Angels

To set up Venture Angels, reveal tiles from the deck until the total cost reaches or exceeds the threshold for the player count: 28 for 3 players, 36 for 4 players, and 45 for 5 players. This determines the number of active projects for the round. Each player receives tokens for bidding.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Blind Bidding: Players place tokens face-down to bid on projects.

Project Funding: Sum the costs of revealed tiles to determine active projects.

Token Values: Tokens are valued 0 – 4, with at least one being a bluff.

Game Objective: The goal is to invest in projects that will pay off by successfully funding them without overfunding, which can make projects “frothy” and unsuccessful.

Rounds: The game consists of three rounds; the player with the fewest tiles at the start of Round 3 gets the Bonus Token.

Fame Calculation: Calculate fame by awarding points for the highest value of each color of tile and additional points for other tiles of the same color.

Winning Condition: The player with the most fame at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

In Venture Angels, players engage in a fast-paced and strategic game of blind bidding. The game is quick, lasting about 20 minutes, and is easy to teach. The whimsical art by Ian O’Toole adds a charming touch to the game. Players need to balance their bids carefully to avoid overfunding projects, while also trying to deceive other players about their true investments.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Lasts about 20 minutes.

Easy to Learn: Simple and straightforward rules.

Whimsical Art: Attractive and thematic illustrations.

Catch-Up Mechanic: The Bonus Token helps players who are behind.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and bluffing.

Cons

Limited Box Design: Not as compact as some other games.

Potential for Overcompetition: More players competing for the same projects can lead to issues.

Personal Thoughts on Venture Angels

Venture Angels is ideal for fans of blind bidding and fast-paced games. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy strategic gameplay with a touch of luck and social interaction. The game’s short playtime and easy-to-learn mechanics make it accessible to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to those looking for a quick, engaging experience. However, players who prefer longer, more complex games might find Venture Angels too light. Overall, it’s a delightful addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate cute and efficient game design.

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