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Waffle Time (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Waffle Time is a delightful abstract strategy board game designed by eggbuttertoast and published by Alderac Entertainment Group. Released in 2023, this game is designed for 1-4 players aged 10 and up, with a playtime of 25-30 minutes. The game features end game bonuses, grid coverage open drafting, pattern building, square grid, and variable set-up mechanics.

Game Components of Waffle Time

  • Draft Board:** Central board with 9 double-sided topping tokens.
  • Turn Order Tile:** Determines player order and evolves each round.
  • Fruit Pattern Cards:** Five cards, each representing a different fruit, used to create patterns.
  • Goal Cards:** Three cards with specific goals to achieve during the game.
  • Butter Tokens:** Placed on Goal Cards, awarded to players who complete goals first.
  • Waffle Boards:** 5×5 grids for each player to place their toppings.
  • Syrup Dispenser Cards:** Unique starting setups for each player’s waffle.
  • Toppings:** Fruit, cream, and syrup tokens.
  • Syrup Beads:** Used to mark syrup on the waffle.
  • Player Pawns:** For tracking turn order.

    How To Setup Waffle Time

    To set up Waffle Time, place the draft board in the center of the table and randomize the 9 draft tokens on it. Each player receives a waffle board, a syrup dispenser card, and 6 syrup beads. Shuffle and place one fruit pattern card for each of the five types of fruit, and three random goal cards, each with a butter token. Players’ pawns are randomized onto the turn order tile. The backside of the syrup dispenser card shows the starting arrangement of cream and fruit toppings on each player’s waffle.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Drafting:** Players take turns placing their pawn on the draft board and collecting two toppings closest to their pawn.
  • Placement:** Toppings must be placed in orthogonally adjacent spaces on the waffle board, with specific restrictions (cream only on empty spaces, fruit on empty or cream-filled spaces, syrup only on the dispenser card).
  • Pattern Completion:** Players check for completed patterns on their waffle based on the fruit pattern cards and place syrup accordingly.
  • Goal Achievement:** Players check if they have met any of the goal card criteria and claim the butter token if they are the first to do so.
  • Scoring:** Points are awarded for spaces with syrup on fruit, syrup on fruit on cream, and butter tokens. Additional points for completed goals and no syrup left on the dispenser card.
  • Game End:** The game ends after eight rounds, with the player having the highest score declared the winner.

    Player Experience

    Waffle Time offers a fun and light puzzle experience with meaningful interaction between players. The game is quick to learn but involves strategic thinking, especially in planning ahead and managing turn order and syrup availability. The drafting mechanism adds tension and strategy, making it engaging for both casual and experienced players.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** Simple rules that are quick to grasp.
  • Strategic Depth:** Requires planning and strategy, especially in managing turn order and syrup.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for players aged 10 and above.
  • Replayability:** Different fruit pattern and goal cards ensure varied gameplay each time.
  • Attractive Theme:** The waffle theme is well-integrated with the mechanics, making the game visually appealing.

    Cons

  • Analysis Paralysis:** Players prone to overthinking may struggle with the limited choices.
  • Rulebook Issues:** Some reviewers found the rulebook lacking in detailed explanations and examples.
  • Limited Randomness:** The lack of randomness can make the game less exciting for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Waffle Time

    Waffle Time is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a light yet engaging puzzle game. It is also suitable for experienced players who enjoy abstract strategy and drafting mechanics. While it may not be the best fit for game nights with very slow players or those seeking high randomness, it is a great addition to any gaming collection for its unique blend of simplicity and strategic depth. For families, it’s an excellent way to introduce children to more complex game mechanics in a fun and accessible way.

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    • 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

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