Paradox

Split Second Games · Board game · 2016
7.8 Ludopedia 6.9 BGG 2–4 · best 3 40–120 min Weight 2.5/5
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7.8 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy a spatial puzzle with a sci-fi twist and love optimizing every move, Paradox is for you! It blends familiar mechanics with a dose of innovation, putting you in the shoes of a multiverse superhero scientist. The experience is a delightful challenge that makes you think on multiple layers simultaneously.

Highlights
  • Familiar mechanics with innovative twist
  • Engaging spatial puzzle
  • Challenging and rewarding
  • Time travel theme
  • Varied and vibrant art
Keep in mind
  • Can be abstract for some
  • Playtime may vary
  • Initial learning curve
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In the not-so-distant future, the universe is in deep trouble! A sinister space-time anomaly, known as The Quake, is fracturing the timelines of entire worlds, threatening to erase them from existence. That's where you come in, my dear scientist! In Paradox, 2 to 4 players take on the roles of brilliant minds racing against the clock to repair these temporal connections. Your mission is to create new time strands, reconnecting the past, present, and future of these worlds. But, as in all good science fiction, every repair has its consequences: it sends ripples through space-time, which paradoxically, fuel The Quake itself, making the challenge even greater. When the cosmic storm finally subsides, only the most astute and successful scientist will be hailed as the great hero of the multiverse. Paradox takes elements we already know and love in board games – like card drafting, set collection, and resource management – and supercharges them with a super interesting mechanic. Imagine an individual board in the style of 'Bejeweled' or 'Candy Crush', with a grid of colorful disks that each player needs to manipulate. Added to this, we have a universe of world and timeline cards that must be protected at all costs. The result is a unique gaming experience that's easy to pick up but challenging to master, as you try to balance three interlocking systems to save these worlds from the chaotic forces of The Quake. Get ready to think fast and plan shrewdly!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

5 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Theme: Time Travel
Publisher Split Second Games
Designer Brian Suhre
Artist Adam P. McIver, Gene Ha, Hilary Barta, Jenny Frison, Kyle Bice, Mike Norton, Randy Field, Ryan Browne (III)

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

827owners
233wishlist
38want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can play Paradox?
Paradox is a game for 2 to 4 players. The experience changes slightly depending on the number of people at the table, but the core challenge remains.
What is the average playtime for a game of Paradox?
A game of Paradox usually lasts between 40 and 120 minutes. The time varies greatly with the number of players and the group's familiarity with the game.
Is Paradox a complex game to learn?
It's considered a medium-complexity game (BGG weight 2.5/5). The basic rules are easy to grasp, but mastering the interactions between mechanics and optimizing your moves might take a few plays.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find world and timeline cards, plus an individual player board for each player with a grid of colorful disks that you manipulate. It's a visual feast!
Who is Paradox for? What kind of player will enjoy it?
Paradox is ideal for those who enjoy games with puzzle mechanics, action optimization, and set collection, all wrapped in a science fiction and time travel theme. If you like a strategic challenge and aren't afraid to think a bit, you'll love it!
Are there any expansions for Paradox?
As of now, there are no official expansions listed for Paradox. The base game already offers plenty of depth and replayability.
Is the game's art a highlight?
Absolutely! Paradox was illustrated by 15 different artists, each with their unique vision for one of the worlds. This ensures incredible visual diversity and greater immersion in the multiverse.

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