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In Episode 9 we went over some of our favorite IPs used in board games. This is why I am excited to talk about "The Golden Ticket Game" by Buffalo Games & Puzzles.
While we didn't talk about Willy Wonka as an IP, It is one of my childhood favorite movies and books. I felt a literal jolt of joy when opening up this game.
So come with me and you'll be in a world of pure imagination.
The Golden Ticket Game by Buffalo games & Puzzles is an amazing little gem.
Clocking in at between 20-30 minutes each play. This quick and easy family-friendly game is a great foundation to build on if you are new to the hobby or as a quick in-between game.
First off I just have to talk about how gorgeous all of the components are. While the star of the game is the Wonka Bars, I appreciate the stickers used on the character meeples. It really helps give them that extra pop.
Besides the Wonka bars and the meeples, the cards and player boards have such beautiful art. From a Fudge Mallow card to the iconic Everlasting Gobstopper, each piece of art is a perfect nostalgic trip. Even the tiles take time to depict scenes from the childhood classic movie and book.
I was really impressed with what you got right out of the box. Lots of well made components with the previously mentioned art. Simple mechanics and satisfying gameplay I think we have a real solid board game on our hands.
The goal is simple.
Find a Golden Ticket.
You get to choose 1 out of the 5 children from the iconic movie. Each with their own unique ability and "allowance".
Of course, the way you determine who the starting player will be is the last person who ate Chocolate. Cheesy, But I like it!
After you set up your starting hands, each player during their turn gets to take two actions. They can be done in any order and you can take the same action twice.
1.) Discard a card to move one space.
Take a card from your hand and place it into the discard Pile and move you meeple 1 space up, down, left, Or right. Then you may use the ability on the tile you move to.
2.) Play a card.
Take a card from your hand and place it below your character and follow the instructions on the card.
3.) Refill your hand.
you draw up to your hand limit. Which in most cases is 4.
Finally, after you have taken your actions. You will check if you are in the same space as the great Willy Wonka. If you are, he rewards you with a free Wonka Bar. Then you must roll the Wonka die to see where he moves to next. if you are not in the same space nothing happens. Then it is the next player's turn.
The game ends when a player takes the last Wonka bar.
Then it's time to search the Wonka Bars for the golden ticket. The player/s who discover a golden ticket are the winners!
And that's the game. EZ PZ.
Okay, maybe not that easy. With many different cards, character abilities, and double-sided tiles. There is plenty of room for variance in your games for replayability and stratagy.
Now don't get me wrong. This is still a intro level type game. (In my opinion) But it still has enough meat on the bones that seasoned players will still enjoy their time in the world of Chocolate that is The Golden Ticket Game.
Let us get to the pros and cons of this game.
First the pros:
Amazing art and excellent use of its IP
High production value - all the pieces are exceptional. Some great attention to detail. A literal piece of eye candy.
Excellent intro game for families or people just getting into the hobby.
Solid gameplay and mechanics for such a simple game. That entertains beginners and veterans alike.
Price point - Did I forget to mention that this game, if you can find it at your store, retails for $20usd!!!
Now the Cons:
The insert does not take sleeves into account - So you have to choose either, don't sleeve or sleeve and figure out a place for the cards in or out of the box.
The money is all the same - They are the same color and size. So there may be times when someone over or underpays for some money by accident.
Luck Based - Even with how simple it is. The most unattractive thing for some will be that the ending is ultimately determined by luck as this is meant to be a fun and casual game.
NO MINT COPIES!!!!! - The biggest issue I have with this game is the fact that I have not come across one mint copy. NOT ONE. Every target that has them (as far as I can tell that is the only place you can buy them) they are always jacked up. From the corners being crushed to the front being scratched or peeled. Even the copy that I ended up picking for myself wasn't in perfect shape. As shown in the pictures.
It really feels like I am nitpicking at this game. But that is honestly the only issues I have with it.
While the contents are amazing on the inside, I couldn't overlook the flaws with the packaging. Most of which could have been prevented if it was just plastic wrapped. But just like in real life, what is inside is what truly matters. Which is why The Golden Ticket Game gets 8/10 tentacles from me here at the NGD podcast.
8/10 Tentacles
For my audio review of this game follow any of the links below.
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