Viking See-Saw (2021) Board Game

Viking See-Saw is a dexterity board game designed by Reiner Knizia and published by itten in in 2021. The game is inspired by the Viking era and challenges players to stack and balance wooden pieces on a wobbly see-saw board.

Game Components of Viking See-Saw

Miniature Boat: A purple, dry-docked boat with a central fulcrum.

Items to Place: Metal cubes (brass and aluminum), ball bearings (plastic and steel), a meeple, and an awkward plastic gem.

Chests: Small rectangular cubes used as penalties and game timers.

Flag: A small flag extending from the center of the boat.

Player Tokens: Hair-ties to corral each player’s collection of items.

How To Setup Viking See-Saw

To set up the game, place the miniature boat on a flat surface. Each player receives a set of items (metal cubes, ball bearings, a meeple, and a plastic gem) and a hair-tie to manage their items. The boat has recessed spaces for the chests, with one chest on the lower side and three on the higher side. Players are ready to start once all items are distributed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dexterity Stacking: Players take turns placing one item at a time on the high side of the boat without tipping it.

Penalty for Tipping: If the boat tilts, the player must take a chest from the center as a penalty.

Item Retrieval: Items that fall off the boat are taken by the player who caused them to fall.

Game End: The game ends when all chests are taken from the center or when a player has placed all their items on the boat.

Winning Condition: The player with the fewest items remaining or the first to place all their items on the boat wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Viking See-Saw** is an engaging and suspenseful experience. The game requires a good understanding of physics, as players need to carefully select and place items to avoid tipping the boat. The variety in item weights and shapes adds complexity, making each turn a challenge. The game is enjoyable with two to four players, with minimal downtime as players are constantly observing and reacting to each other’s moves.

Pros

Portable and Compact: The game comes in a slim box, making it easy to carry and store.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules allow players to start playing immediately.

High Replay Value: The game’s randomness and physical challenge ensure it remains fun over multiple plays.

Engaging Physics: Taps into players’ innate sense of physics, making each turn exciting.

Cons

Limited Box Quality: The box is small but not very secure, which can lead to pieces falling out.

Simple yet Repetitive: Some players may find the gameplay too simple or repetitive after several plays.

Personal Thoughts on Viking See-Saw

**Viking See-Saw** is ideal for those looking for a quick, fun, and physically engaging game that can be played in short sessions. It’s perfect for families, casual gamers, and anyone who enjoys dexterity games. The compact design makes it a great addition to any game collection, especially for those with limited storage space. While it may not offer deep strategy, it excels in providing immediate gratification and laughter, making it a delightful game to have around.

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