Captain Flip: Review
Information:
Player Age: 8+
Player Count: 2 - 5 Players
BGG Weight: 1.20
Time to Play: 20 Minutes
Year Published: 2024
Disclaimer: A review copy for the game was provided by the VR Distribution.
Introduction:
Captain Flip is a push-your-luck game where players fill their ship with their chosen crew. Each turn a player will draw one character tile and choose to either keep and place the character as they are, or push their luck and flip the character to the other side. The catch is that there are no backsies to this decision so to flip is a permanent choice and may be worse than the first option.
Game Anatomy:
Character Tiles:
There are nine different characters portrayed throughout the character tiles. Each character tile is double-sided and has either a yellow immediate effect, a grey end-game effect, or both. The character combinations on a tile are randomised so constantly flipping the same character will produce different results.
Adventure Boards:
The adventure board is where the character tiles will be played. There are five columns and when a player has four columns filled the game will end. There are four varying adventure boards with unique bonuses at the top of a couple of the columns.
My favourite would be board C which awards players with different bonus coins based on whether they are first to finish the column or not. This adds a race element to the game.
Coins:
Throughout the game, and at the end, players will earn coins. Whoever has the most coins will win the game.
Additionally, there is a treasure map that players will be fighting to control during the game. If you are the player with the treasure map you will gain one coin at the end of each turn.
Setup:
- Place the coins within reach of all players.
- Make sure the player aid boards are visible to all (they are used to explain the icons on the boards and characters).
- Place all character tiles in the bag.
- The player with the pirate flag on the upper left of the board will be the first player.
How to Play:
The game end will trigger when one player has filled out four columns. When this occurs the round will play out, all the end game scoring will occur and the player with the most coins will win. Until this, Each turn the active player will draw a character tile from the bag and either select to place this character or flip it once to the other side before placing. The character is to be placed at the bottom-most empty spot in any column. When played, yellow abilities will activate and if the column is filled the column bonus will activate too.
Final Thoughts:
- Variation in adventure boards.
- Easy to learn and perfect for families or as a filler.
- Doesn't have too much complexity or layered decision making.
Captain Flip is a game that compels you to play multiple times in one setting as the game is very easy to play. You draw a tile and either keep that side or push your luck and flip it over. There is also some set collection and careful placement included. Captain Flip wouldn’t be your main game for game night but it is perfect for players looking for a filler to start their night or for families looking to intrigue children. The rules are light and there are enough decisions to belong as a 'one more time’ game that has you coming back multiple times in pursuit of a higher score.
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