Whistle Mountain (2020) Board Game

Whistle Mountain is a board game released in 2020 by Bézier Games. Designed by Scott Caputo and Luke Laurie, this game is set in the industrial age, where players compete to build airships and factories using innovative technology. With stunning artwork by Mila Harbar, Alanna Kelsey, and T. B. (II), Whistle Mountain offers a unique gaming experience in the industry/manufacturing category.

Game Components of Whistle Mountain

Game board featuring a mountain

Blimps, dreadnoughts, and hot air balloons

Tiles for building and resource collection

Worker meeples

Resource tokens

Player boards

Scaffolds and machines

Award cards

Random upgrade awards

How To Setup Whistle Mountain

To set up Whistle Mountain, begin by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a player board and places their starting workers and resources on it. Shuffle and distribute the award cards, and prepare the tiles and machines according to the instructions. The game also requires setting up the resource tokens and the mountain’s initial state.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place workers to collect resources and use machines.

Tile Laying: Building upwards on the mountain by placing tiles.

Engine Building: Gaining player powers and combining machines for resource efficiency.

Game Objective: Build higher on the mountain, collect resources, and use them to buy scaffolds and machines. The goal is to accumulate the most points by strategically placing machines and managing resources before the snow melts and potentially washes away your workers.

Player Experience

In Whistle Mountain, players take on the role of entrepreneurs using airships to collect resources from a mountain. The game is dynamic, with players needing to adapt their strategies as the mountain changes due to melting snow and actions by other players. The spatial dynamic of worker placement is enhanced by the multiple uses and sizes of workers, adding complexity and interest. As players build higher, they must balance resource collection with the risk of losing workers to the melting snow.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: Combines worker placement, tile laying, and engine building for a rich gameplay experience.

Dynamic Environment: The melting snow and opponent actions create a changing environment that requires strategic adaptation.

Visually Appealing: The game features well-designed components, including detailed gears and player boards.

Variable Player Powers: Players can gain different powers through awards and upgrades, adding variety to each game.

Cons

Swingy Outcomes: Random awards and upgrades can lead to significant disparities in player scores, making the game feel swingy.

Complex Setup: Setting up the game requires careful preparation of many components.

Space Requirements: The game needs a substantial amount of space, especially for resources and the board.

Personal Thoughts on Whistle Mountain

Whistle Mountain is ideal for fans of complex strategy games who enjoy combining different mechanics like worker placement and engine building. It is best suited for players who appreciate dynamic gameplay and are willing to adapt their strategies as the game progresses. The game’s visual appeal and the satisfaction of building a well-oiled machine make it a compelling choice for those who enjoy strategic depth and a bit of unpredictability. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those who prefer simpler, more straightforward gameplay.

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