Voltage (2006) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Voltage is a card game released in 2006, designed by Brian Yu and published by Mattel, Inc. It is a two-player game that falls under the card game category. The game involves hand management and pattern building as its main mechanisms, making it a strategic and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Voltage

Game Board: Features 4 colored areas with plastic terminals.

Cards: 56 in total, including 12 cards each of orange, green, blue, and purple numbered 1-3, 4 bypass cards, and 4 blown fuse cards.

Terminal Tokens: 4 tokens matching the colors of the terminals.

Score Markers: 2 markers, red and yellow.

Transformer Cards: Identified by a yellow “V” on their backs, these cards can flip the terminal blocks.

How To Setup Voltage

To set up Voltage, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player starts with a hand of cards, but any transformer cards drawn at the beginning are ignored and do not affect the terminal blocks. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile. Each player chooses a score marker and places it at the starting point on the score track.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The first player to win four sets of cards reaches the end of the score track and wins the game.

Turn Actions:
– Play a card and then draw a card.
– Play two cards to different color terminals.
– Draw two cards, but only if you have fewer than six cards in hand.

Playing Cards: Cards must be played to the matching color terminal. Bypass and blown fuse cards can be played to any terminal.

Scoring Sets: When five cards are played to a single color terminal, the set is scored. The terminal block (plus or minus) determines whether the highest or lowest total wins the set.

Player Experience

Voltage offers a quick and strategic gameplay experience, making it a great introduction to designer games. Players must tactically place their cards to either win sets directly or disrupt their opponent’s plans. The game’s simplicity and short playtime make it appealing for casual gamers and those looking for a quick, competitive match.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games are typically short, lasting around 15-30 minutes.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, there is room for strategic thinking.

Portable: The game is compact and easy to carry.

Cons

Limited Replayability: The game mechanics, while engaging, can become repetitive.

Only for Two Players: It does not support more than two players.

Luck of the Draw: Card draw can significantly impact the game’s outcome.

Personal Thoughts on Voltage

Voltage is ideal for players who enjoy quick, strategic games with a minimal learning curve. It’s a great fit for couples, friends, or anyone looking for a short but engaging gaming experience. While it may not offer the complexity of larger strategy games, its simplicity and competitive nature make it a compelling addition to any board game collection.

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