VivaJava: The Coffee Game: The Dice Game (2014) Board Game

VivaJava: The Coffee Game: The Dice Game is a standalone dice game version of the original VivaJava board game released in in 2014. Designed by T. C. Petty III and published by Dice Hate Me Games, this game offers a fast-paced and engaging experience for 1-4 players.

Game Components of VivaJava: The Coffee Game: The Dice Game

10 ivory-colored custom coffee bean dice

5 black coffee bean dice

Featured Blend, Rainbow Blend, and Flavor coasters

Solo/Lite and House/Wild coasters

Ability Chips and associated reference cards

3 wooden tokens and reference coasters in the 4 player colors

Burlap storage bag

Score pad, and “Brewple” shaped eraser

Rule Book.

How To Setup VivaJava: The Coffee Game: The Dice Game

Setup involves placing the ten coffee dice and five flavor dice in the middle of the table. The Featured Blend and Rainbow Blend coasters are also placed centrally. Each player selects a player reference coaster, three tokens of their chosen color, a score/research sheet, and a writing utensil. The first player is determined by rolling one coffee die, with the highest value going first. Other players cross off one research point on the color bean they rolled.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Dice Rolling

Deck/Pool Building

Modular Board

Press Your Luck.

Game Objective:

Players aim to score points by creating the best coffee blends. On each turn, players score if they have the Featured Blend or Rainbow Blend coaster, roll five dice, and choose to either research or blend coffee. Researching involves using up to five dice of one bean color to gain abilities, while blending involves creating either the Rainbow Blend (five different beans) or the Featured Blend (at least two beans of the same color). The game ends when a player reaches 21 points.

Player Experience

**VivaJava: The Coffee Game: The Dice Game** offers a dynamic and engaging experience, blending the simplicity of a dice game with strategic elements. Players must balance the randomness of dice rolls with strategic decisions on whether to research for abilities or create blends. The game is quick, lasting about 30 minutes, making it suitable for lunch breaks or multiple games in an evening. It supports 1-4 players and includes a solo mode where the player competes against an evil corporation.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Allows for varied strategies through research and blending.

High Replayability: Over 50 research abilities and the ability to mix and match them keep the game fresh.

Balanced Luck and Strategy: Player choices mitigate the randomness of dice rolls.

Quick Playtime: Games last about 30 minutes.

Solo Mode: Includes a well-designed solo variant competing against an evil corporation.

Cons

Luck Factor: Dice rolls can significantly impact the game, though balanced by strategic choices.

Initial Learning Curve: Not as simple to learn as some other dice games.

Personal Thoughts on VivaJava: The Coffee Game: The Dice Game

**VivaJava: The Coffee Game: The Dice Game** is ideal for those who enjoy dice games with a twist of strategy. It’s perfect for fans of Yahtzee and deck/pool building games, offering a unique coffee-themed experience. The game’s ability to balance luck and strategy makes it appealing to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to those seeking more depth. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or not, this game provides a fun and engaging experience that won’t get stale quickly.

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