Donuts: Review
Information:
Mechanics: Abstract, Modular, Two-Player
Player Age: 8+ Player Count: 2 Players Time to Play: 10 - 15 Minutes
Game Designer: Bruno CathalaPublisher: FunforgeYear Published: 2023BGG Weight: 1.55Disclaimer: A review copy for the game was provided by the publisher and Lets Play Games.
Player Age: 8+
Game Designer: Bruno Cathala
Introduction:
Donuts is an abstract game where you are aiming to get five of your donuts in a row. This is easier said than done as throughout the game the previous donut played by your opponent will determine where you can play yours. With careful placement the donuts will constantly be flipping sides.
Game Anatomy:
Boards:
Each board contains a three by three grid with each square depicting either a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line. Whenever someone plays a donut, the next player must place their donut in one of the avaliable squares in the direction indicated by the line.
Donuts:
Each donut features both team colours, one on either side, due to the constant flipping nature of the game.
Setup:
- Setup the four boards into a square.
- Give each player 15 donuts flipped to their colour.
How to Play:
Players will play one donut at a time until a player connects 5 donuts in a row or both players have depleted their donuts.
On the first turn of the game you can place your donut anywhere, after that you have to place your donut in accordance with the last played donut. If a player places a donut then it will determine the placement of the following donut being placed according to directional lines down on the squares.
If a player is unable to legally place they are allowed to place anywhere which gives that player the perfect opportunity to regain the upper hand. If your donut or multiple donuts is placed between two donuts of the other colour an insertion happens. This is when the two surrounding donuts will flip to match the donut placed in the middle, effectively changing the team it belongs to.
This can happen if there are multiple directions from which your donut is surrounded, inverting all the legal surrounding at once.
If all of the donuts are used and no player has won then the player with the biggest connected group of donuts will win.
Final Thoughts:
- Determining a couple of placements ahead of time is very important and challenging.
- Insertion was challenging to learn but pivotal to the game.
- Players also have to hedge their bets and play towards the tie breaker.
- Great components.
Donuts is a great abstract game that, like most abstract games, has you planning multiple moves ahead. In Donuts, the focus is trying to force your opponent into moves that gives you the opportunity to either place anywhere or create an insertion. While the core essence of the game is locking your opponent into certain placements you don’t ever feel like the game plays itself. If you enjoy forward thinking and tactical play then be sure to give Donuts a try, maybe even with an accompanying cup of coffee.
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