The Time Machine

American Toy & Furniture Co., Inc. (ATF) · Board game · 1963
2–4
7.8 rating Ludopedia
6.0 rating BGG
Buy
7.8 rating Ludopedia
6.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy games with one foot in nostalgia and the other in family fun, The Time Machine (or its Rocket version) might be a good pick! It's a lighthearted way to travel through time and collect historical figures or cosmic items.

Highlights
  • Time travel theme
  • Fun card collection
  • Easy to learn and play
  • Light player interaction
Keep in mind
  • Roll and move mechanic
  • Spinner luck dependency
  • May seem too simple
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Prepare for a temporal adventure with "The Time Machine"! Originally released in 1963, this game invites 2 to 4 time travelers to embark on a journey through four distinct centuries: the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st. The core mechanic revolves around spinning a spinner (guaranteed to move 1-5 spaces) to advance your pawns along the board's tracks. The goal is to be the first to collect three "I.E." cards (perhaps "Idea Essentials"?) from three different decks. To achieve this, you'll need to land on green spaces, which reward you with valuable cards like "Time Boost," "Achievement," "Great Leaders," "Invention," "Peace," and "Science." But beware! Landing on red spaces can bring trouble with "Disaster," "War," or "Time Reversal" cards, which might thwart your plans or even send you back in time (metaphorically, of course!).

While the original 1963 game focuses on collecting specific cards to win, the Brazilian version "Time Machine Rocket" (released much later in 2021) offers a quicker card game experience. Here, the idea is to assemble a team of iconic historical figures, like Leonardo da Vinci and Bruce Lee, from different eras. Each turn, you draw a card from a themed deck and decide whether to recruit it for your team or risk drawing another. Drawing a "Rocket" moves you to the next deck, and drawing a character of the same type as the previous one forces you to recruit it. The game ends when someone assembles a team of 5 characters from 5 different types (Humanitarians, Military, Creative, Scientists, and Explorers). Whoever has the most points with their team wins. This version strikes an interesting balance between luck and strategy, with room for player interaction and a fun theme blending history and humor.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK
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Game details

Categories

Families

Theme: Time Travel
Publisher American Toy & Furniture Co., Inc. (ATF)
Designer (Uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players.
What is the recommended age?
The original version suggests ages 7 and up, and the Rocket version is also considered family-friendly.
How long does a game take?
The playtime isn't specified in the sources, but games with roll-and-move and set collection mechanics are generally quicker.
Is the game difficult to learn?
No, the rules are considered simple and straightforward, ideal for families or casual gamers.
What is the main objective of the game?
In one version, it's to collect specific cards to win; in the other, to assemble a team of historical figures with the highest score.
Are any extra materials needed?
The Rocket version mentions a moderate language dependency, suggesting the need for translated cards or a reference sheet.