| | | | |

Waddle (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Waddle is a board game released in 2021 that revolves around adorable penguins waddling around the icy landscape. Designed by Jacki Li and published by WizKids, this game is suitable for players aged 10 and above, with a playtime of around 30 minutes.

Game Components of Waddle

  • Neighborhood tiles (configured differently based on player count: 5-tile for 2 players, 8-tile for 3 players, 10-tile for 4 players)
  • Player decks (with cards to direct penguin movements)
  • Copy Card (removed from each player’s deck during setup and given to the start player)
  • Red and yellow penguin tokens
  • Scoreboard/round tracker tokens
  • Player tokens

    How To Setup Waddle

    To set up Waddle, start by configuring the neighborhood tiles based on the player count. For example, use a 5-tile configuration for two players, an 8-tile configuration for three players, and a 10-tile configuration for four players. Next, remove the Copy Card from each player’s deck and shuffle the remaining cards. The start player draws four cards and takes the Copy Card, while each player receives four red and four yellow penguin tokens. Place the player tokens on the scoreboard/round tracker, and you’re ready to start.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Count:** 2 – 4 players
  • Playing Time:** 30 minutes
  • Game Objective:** Score points by moving penguins into patterns that match your cards.
  • Turn Structure:** Play a card from your hand to move or introduce penguins, score points if applicable, draw a new card, and end your turn.
  • Rounds:** Play 8 rounds with two players, 7 rounds with three players, and 6 rounds with four players.
  • Winning Condition:** The player with the most points at the end of the set number of rounds wins. In case of a tie, continue until a player has the most points at the end of a round.

    Player Experience

    In Waddle, players navigate a bustling city filled with curious penguins. Each turn, you direct these penguins to different locations around the city, aiming to create patterns that match the cards in your hand. The game’s colorful and upbeat art style, along with the chunky and cute penguin tokens, add to the fun and lively atmosphere. However, the game can sometimes feel predictable, with players following similar strategies, and it can be challenging to catch up if you fall behind.

    Pros

  • Engaging Art and Components:** The game features entertaining art and colorful, chunky penguin tokens.
  • Dynamic Neighborhoods:** The multi-neighborhood setup changes with different player counts, adding variety to the game.
  • Fun and Upbeat:** The art style is fun, colorful, and upbeat, making the game enjoyable to play.

    Cons

  • Flimsy Cards:** The cards are of lower quality compared to the other components.
  • Limited Player Differentiation:** There are no specialty cards to differentiate players, which could add more variability.
  • Follow the Leader Issue:** Games can sometimes result in players following similar card chains, reducing the uniqueness of each player’s strategy.
  • Difficulty in Catching Up:** It can be hard to catch up if you fall behind in points.

    Personal Thoughts on Waddle

    Waddle is a light-hearted, family-friendly game that is perfect for those looking for a fun, quick play experience. It is ideal for families with children aged 10 and above, as well as casual gamers who enjoy animal-themed games with simple yet engaging mechanics. While it lacks some depth and player differentiation, it remains an enjoyable game that can be played in under 30 minutes, making it a great addition to any game night or family gathering.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • 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

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *