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Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Funny Pages: A Comical Puzzle Game in Tabletop Games
May 26, 2021
I have been intellectually burned by Enigma Emporium before. So it was with a bruised ego that I agreed to check out their next game, Funny Pages. Now, I don’t fancy myself a fool, but boy did their previous offerings knock me down a peg. But what about an innocently-titled game about (and containing) comic book panels? So far I have solved two of the seven provided to me. Here we go again.
Funny Pages is a puzzle game for any number of players and any gaming skill level. In fact, as there are so few rules, this may be a somewhat perfect game (game?) for non-gamers. Read on.
DISCLAIMER: We were provided a prototype copy of the Promo Pack for the purposes of this preview. These are preview copy components, and I do not know for sure if the final components will be any different from these shown. You are invited to back the game through the Kickstarter campaign, or through any retailers stocking it after fulfillment. -T
To setup, open the envelope (or box, if playing the boxed final version) and display the cards. Done. Easy like Sunday morning.
Funny Pages is not a turn-based game, but rather an exercise in visual clue-hunting and some amount of Google-fu. In this Promo Pack, each card represents a day of the week, and some must be on Easy mode, because I was able to solve them pretty quickly. Others, I believe, echo the difficulty of the aforementioned Wish You Were Here.
In any case, the goal of this Promo Pack is to match up the puzzle with the correct day of the week. And while that sounds very easy, the puzzles certainly are not. Good luck to all who attempt!
Components. Well, these are large, oversized cards with linen finish and obviously amazing art. I am unable to speak on the final components, but have been assured that the game is 100% ready to go, so if it mimics the provided Promo Pack, these are a great size and feel.
I will be poring over these cards much much more until I absolutely figure every one of them out. I am still a bit away from that goal, but these puzzles are definitely more my speed than what I experienced previously. Some of the comics are actually funny, even when taken out of context of the game. I like the comic art style (naturally), and having clever puzzles embedded just makes them even more enjoyable.
I must admit that after solving a few of these I am feeling more confident in my ability to solve the others. I just need to take more time and think with alternate logic. Is alternate logic a thing? If not, I call dibs on coining the term. I very much enjoy these, and I think it is partly due to the fact that they look great and all seem to offer a different type of puzzle on each card. If this is something that piques your interest, then I recommend you check out the upcoming Kickstarter campaign to add this little gem to your collection. If nothing else, use it as a distraction for unwanted guests on your coffee table. Challenge them to solve the lot in a time frame and watch them go to town.
PS – Please do not ask me for hints. I may be wrong on some of my solutions.
Funny Pages is a puzzle game for any number of players and any gaming skill level. In fact, as there are so few rules, this may be a somewhat perfect game (game?) for non-gamers. Read on.
DISCLAIMER: We were provided a prototype copy of the Promo Pack for the purposes of this preview. These are preview copy components, and I do not know for sure if the final components will be any different from these shown. You are invited to back the game through the Kickstarter campaign, or through any retailers stocking it after fulfillment. -T
To setup, open the envelope (or box, if playing the boxed final version) and display the cards. Done. Easy like Sunday morning.
Funny Pages is not a turn-based game, but rather an exercise in visual clue-hunting and some amount of Google-fu. In this Promo Pack, each card represents a day of the week, and some must be on Easy mode, because I was able to solve them pretty quickly. Others, I believe, echo the difficulty of the aforementioned Wish You Were Here.
In any case, the goal of this Promo Pack is to match up the puzzle with the correct day of the week. And while that sounds very easy, the puzzles certainly are not. Good luck to all who attempt!
Components. Well, these are large, oversized cards with linen finish and obviously amazing art. I am unable to speak on the final components, but have been assured that the game is 100% ready to go, so if it mimics the provided Promo Pack, these are a great size and feel.
I will be poring over these cards much much more until I absolutely figure every one of them out. I am still a bit away from that goal, but these puzzles are definitely more my speed than what I experienced previously. Some of the comics are actually funny, even when taken out of context of the game. I like the comic art style (naturally), and having clever puzzles embedded just makes them even more enjoyable.
I must admit that after solving a few of these I am feeling more confident in my ability to solve the others. I just need to take more time and think with alternate logic. Is alternate logic a thing? If not, I call dibs on coining the term. I very much enjoy these, and I think it is partly due to the fact that they look great and all seem to offer a different type of puzzle on each card. If this is something that piques your interest, then I recommend you check out the upcoming Kickstarter campaign to add this little gem to your collection. If nothing else, use it as a distraction for unwanted guests on your coffee table. Challenge them to solve the lot in a time frame and watch them go to town.
PS – Please do not ask me for hints. I may be wrong on some of my solutions.
Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated BANG! The Dice Game: Undead or Alive in Tabletop Games
Jul 17, 2021
In the expansion review series, we take a look at a game expansion to discuss whether it is a necessary purchase/addition to one’s collection.
This breakdown is for the push-your-luck dice game BANG! The Dice Game‘s modular expansion Undead or Alive.
The Undead or Alive expansion offers several modules that can be added or left out at the players’ discretion. Module 1 is entitled “Look Me in the Eyes” and cannot be used unless Module 2 is also included. This module replaces two normal white dice for the new black Duel dice. On the Duel dice is a new icon of crossed pistols signifying a duel. The player who rolled this symbol chooses another player and they engage in a roll-off using the Duel die. Whichever player loses will need to take a random Wound Token found in this expansion. Module 2 is “Two Bullets Are Enough” and references the new Rage cards included. Every time a player suffers two or more lost hit points they must draw a Rage card to be used at the start of their next turn. Module 3 is “A New Posse in Town” and simply add in the new character cards to the base game characters. The catch is that some characters have special abilities that only trigger if the appropriate expansion module is being used, so character choices may need to be adjusted.
If you have been wondering why it is called Undead or Alive because no undead anything has yet to be mentioned, you are now in luck. Module 4 is “Undead or Alive?” and can only be used when playing with four or more players. This module has players revealing Boneyard cards when eliminated from the game. Once the number of zombie hands depicted on revealed Boneyard cards equals the number of players a zombie outbreak is initiated. At this point all eliminated characters now become zombies and are tasked with a new goal: eliminate all living characters. Zombies only use three white dice during their turns and do not gain life from beers or other effects. The survivors now switch focus to eliminating all zombies and their Zombie Master (I will let you discover this on your own).
The final module is Module 5 “Wild West Legacy.” This module is only used when playing multiple games of BANG! The Dice Game in succession. This module introduces a method of determining which player will become the next Sheriff in the next game and rules for changing characters between games.
Is it necessary to include the Undead or Alive expansion to enjoy BANG! The Dice Game? Absolutely not. It adds a lot of new content and ways to play the original game, but is not an absolute need.
Official recommendation: I categorize this as an expansion that I am super glad I have now in my collection because I know exactly the gamers with whom I want to play it. I don’t think I will use it every time I play BANG! The Dice Game, but I certainly think it is something that regular players of the base game should pick up. Being able to re-enter the game and gang up on those that were playing without you is a huge step up from typical player elimination style games. I hate being eliminated right away and waiting a long time to get back into a game. Luckily, BANG! The Dice Game is short to begin with, but coming back as a zombie is mega sweet.
This breakdown is for the push-your-luck dice game BANG! The Dice Game‘s modular expansion Undead or Alive.
The Undead or Alive expansion offers several modules that can be added or left out at the players’ discretion. Module 1 is entitled “Look Me in the Eyes” and cannot be used unless Module 2 is also included. This module replaces two normal white dice for the new black Duel dice. On the Duel dice is a new icon of crossed pistols signifying a duel. The player who rolled this symbol chooses another player and they engage in a roll-off using the Duel die. Whichever player loses will need to take a random Wound Token found in this expansion. Module 2 is “Two Bullets Are Enough” and references the new Rage cards included. Every time a player suffers two or more lost hit points they must draw a Rage card to be used at the start of their next turn. Module 3 is “A New Posse in Town” and simply add in the new character cards to the base game characters. The catch is that some characters have special abilities that only trigger if the appropriate expansion module is being used, so character choices may need to be adjusted.
If you have been wondering why it is called Undead or Alive because no undead anything has yet to be mentioned, you are now in luck. Module 4 is “Undead or Alive?” and can only be used when playing with four or more players. This module has players revealing Boneyard cards when eliminated from the game. Once the number of zombie hands depicted on revealed Boneyard cards equals the number of players a zombie outbreak is initiated. At this point all eliminated characters now become zombies and are tasked with a new goal: eliminate all living characters. Zombies only use three white dice during their turns and do not gain life from beers or other effects. The survivors now switch focus to eliminating all zombies and their Zombie Master (I will let you discover this on your own).
The final module is Module 5 “Wild West Legacy.” This module is only used when playing multiple games of BANG! The Dice Game in succession. This module introduces a method of determining which player will become the next Sheriff in the next game and rules for changing characters between games.
Is it necessary to include the Undead or Alive expansion to enjoy BANG! The Dice Game? Absolutely not. It adds a lot of new content and ways to play the original game, but is not an absolute need.
Official recommendation: I categorize this as an expansion that I am super glad I have now in my collection because I know exactly the gamers with whom I want to play it. I don’t think I will use it every time I play BANG! The Dice Game, but I certainly think it is something that regular players of the base game should pick up. Being able to re-enter the game and gang up on those that were playing without you is a huge step up from typical player elimination style games. I hate being eliminated right away and waiting a long time to get back into a game. Luckily, BANG! The Dice Game is short to begin with, but coming back as a zombie is mega sweet.
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Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Ninja: Silent But Deadly in Tabletop Games
Aug 20, 2020
Playing games is so much fun, sometimes I wish I could play two games at the same time! Enter Ninja: Silent But Deadly. From the people who brought us Pretense, Button Shy Games delivers again with another meta-game card game that lasts the entire game night. So don’t get too caught up in the current game on the table, because there are Ninjas out to get you!
Ninja: Silent But Deadly (referred to simply as Ninja from here on out) is a party game of player elimination in which the goal is to be the last player standing. The setup is simple – each player receives 1 Ninja card. Yeah, that’s it. The gameplay is the fun part. Each player has until the end of the game night to hide/place their card in a spot where another player will be forced to see/find it. For example, maybe you drop some dice on the floor and ask your neighbor to pick it up for you. When they lean down, they see you also dropped your Ninja card as well! Upon their discovery, they are eliminated from the game and must forfeit their own Ninja card. The game continues with players being eliminated, until there is only one player left. That player is the winner! Be careful, though, because if another player sees you trying to sneak your Ninja card somewhere, they can call out “Ninja!” and you are eliminated from the game. It’s a game of stealth, cunning, and mistrust, and it makes for an entertaining experience.
Based on the above description, I’m sure you are thinking that Ninja is just a silly game. And you would be correct. It is no brain burner or king of strategy, but rather a fun way to keep the party engaged throughout the entire game night. Everyone has to be on their toes, and everyone is trying to come up with the most clever way to trick someone into finding their card. You have to be innovative and sly when hiding your card, as well as being wary of anything someone might ask you to do all night. Although games of player elimination can sometimes be cutthroat, Ninja feels light-hearted enough to be enjoyed by all gamers.
That being said, the problem with player elimination games is that only the players who have yet to be eliminated get to participate in the game to the fullest. If you are the first player out, the magic is kind of over and you just get to spend the rest of the game night as normal, watching others continue playing a game while you sit on the sidelines. That’s probably my biggest qualm with this game.
So overall, how is Ninja? I think it’s a cute little game. It is silly, light-hearted, and easily accessible to all ages and types of players. Having played Button Shy’s other meta-game, Pretense, however, I would say that Ninja falls a little flat. In Pretense, players are eliminated only if they have fulfilled the requirement on your individual role card. In Ninja, you are just automatically eliminated if you find a Ninja card. Pretense takes a little bit more strategy, and that makes the game more engaging for me. But all in all, Ninja: Silent But Deadly is a cute game that I will definitely bring out at larger game nights for some light-hearted fun! Purple Phoenix Games gives it a stealthy 5 / 12.
Ninja: Silent But Deadly (referred to simply as Ninja from here on out) is a party game of player elimination in which the goal is to be the last player standing. The setup is simple – each player receives 1 Ninja card. Yeah, that’s it. The gameplay is the fun part. Each player has until the end of the game night to hide/place their card in a spot where another player will be forced to see/find it. For example, maybe you drop some dice on the floor and ask your neighbor to pick it up for you. When they lean down, they see you also dropped your Ninja card as well! Upon their discovery, they are eliminated from the game and must forfeit their own Ninja card. The game continues with players being eliminated, until there is only one player left. That player is the winner! Be careful, though, because if another player sees you trying to sneak your Ninja card somewhere, they can call out “Ninja!” and you are eliminated from the game. It’s a game of stealth, cunning, and mistrust, and it makes for an entertaining experience.
Based on the above description, I’m sure you are thinking that Ninja is just a silly game. And you would be correct. It is no brain burner or king of strategy, but rather a fun way to keep the party engaged throughout the entire game night. Everyone has to be on their toes, and everyone is trying to come up with the most clever way to trick someone into finding their card. You have to be innovative and sly when hiding your card, as well as being wary of anything someone might ask you to do all night. Although games of player elimination can sometimes be cutthroat, Ninja feels light-hearted enough to be enjoyed by all gamers.
That being said, the problem with player elimination games is that only the players who have yet to be eliminated get to participate in the game to the fullest. If you are the first player out, the magic is kind of over and you just get to spend the rest of the game night as normal, watching others continue playing a game while you sit on the sidelines. That’s probably my biggest qualm with this game.
So overall, how is Ninja? I think it’s a cute little game. It is silly, light-hearted, and easily accessible to all ages and types of players. Having played Button Shy’s other meta-game, Pretense, however, I would say that Ninja falls a little flat. In Pretense, players are eliminated only if they have fulfilled the requirement on your individual role card. In Ninja, you are just automatically eliminated if you find a Ninja card. Pretense takes a little bit more strategy, and that makes the game more engaging for me. But all in all, Ninja: Silent But Deadly is a cute game that I will definitely bring out at larger game nights for some light-hearted fun! Purple Phoenix Games gives it a stealthy 5 / 12.
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