Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
A wacky blend of western and sci-fi that will test your ability to improvise!
Highlights
- Super creative and unique theme
- Fun hand-passing mechanic
- Engaging mix of mechanics
- Fast-paced and intense play
Keep in mind
- Heavy reliance on dice luck
- Might be too chaotic for some
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Ever wondered what the Wild West would look like with high-tech gadgets and aliens? In Area 1851, you step into the boots of one of the area's top five 'Tinkerers,' aiming to prove your worth to the citizens of a frontier town. It's a mix of innovation and controlled chaos! Each turn, you must navigate random events that can shake things up before focusing on your real mission: building amazing contraptions.
The gameplay flow is quite snappy. First, you replenish your hand with Tinker cards and then roll dice to see what resources you've got to work with. With those resources, your goal is to build new gadgets or upgrade your existing ones with modifications. Successfully delivering these creations to the townsfolk will send your reputation soaring! But the fun doesn't stop there; you can also complete 'Feats' to snag extra points at the end of the game.
To help you out, you'll acquire assistants as the game progresses, providing strategic bonuses across different locations in town. If your hand gets too cluttered or you end up with useless cards, you can simply scrap them to remove them from circulation. A unique twist is the mechanic of passing your hand of cards to your neighbor at the end of each turn, adding a layer of planning and unpredictability. Ultimately, the player who earns the most reputation through deliveries and epic feats wins. It's a frantic blend of science fiction and gritty western vibes, perfect for those who love resource management and dealing with the unexpected!
The gameplay flow is quite snappy. First, you replenish your hand with Tinker cards and then roll dice to see what resources you've got to work with. With those resources, your goal is to build new gadgets or upgrade your existing ones with modifications. Successfully delivering these creations to the townsfolk will send your reputation soaring! But the fun doesn't stop there; you can also complete 'Feats' to snag extra points at the end of the game.
To help you out, you'll acquire assistants as the game progresses, providing strategic bonuses across different locations in town. If your hand gets too cluttered or you end up with useless cards, you can simply scrap them to remove them from circulation. A unique twist is the mechanic of passing your hand of cards to your neighbor at the end of each turn, adding a layer of planning and unpredictability. Ultimately, the player who earns the most reputation through deliveries and epic feats wins. It's a frantic blend of science fiction and gritty western vibes, perfect for those who love resource management and dealing with the unexpected!
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
BEST
4
BEST
5
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Five24 Labs, Game Salute
Designer
Justin Blaske
Artist
Dann May, Lucas Soriano, Sara Machajewski
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
310owners
124wishlist
15want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a game last?
Usually between 60 to 75 minutes, depending on the player count.
How complex is the game?
It's a medium-weight game, ideal for those familiar with card games and resource management.
How many players is it best for?
It works great for 2 to 5 players.
Is there a lot of luck involved?
Dice rolling and random events add a luck element that requires you to be adaptable.
Is the theme really science fiction?
Yes! It's a unique mix of futuristic technology set in the Wild West.
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