BGA Winter of Games #3 - REVIEW - Trike!
Trike (2020)
Players - 2Playtime - 2-5 minsAbstract game that is tough to win yet rewarding
Day three of the, so far, excellent 'Winter of Games' from Board Game Arena is Trike. From what I gather, despite porotypes and play and print versions (see below) being in existence, this game as not received an official physical release and therefore is labelled as a web game.
Trike is an abstract strategy game for two players in which you must essentially trap the meeple being moved around the board, at just the correct time, so you win. On every turn you chose to move the one meeple in play, this may be one hex at a time or a number of hexes as long as they are in a straight line. Once you land you leave your marker (either black or white) at the scene. Once the meeple is trapped, the winner is the player with the most number of markers on and around the meeple. Sounds simple?
Well, at the core this is a game that involves simply moving a meeple around a triangular board. But thats where the simplicity stops. The game is highly and deeply strategic with every move making a difference. You are always trying to play three moves ahead, making sure you have good board coverage and ensuring that a the game ends you are in the driving seats.
Games are over quickly and can end easily in under 2 minutes. BGA suggest 8 minutes play time per game, but usually I am get 2-3 games done easily in that time.
There is something deeply satisfying about these short, sharp burst on strategic abstractism and with the game being so short, this certainly comes under that 'just one more play' category and if you enjoy it, before you know it, your game sessions count will be in double figures!
Trike is not going to be for everyone but its so short and quick to learn that it is certainly worth a little slice of your time.
I keep asking each day of the Board Game Arena Winter of Games, is this a game I will be going back to after the day is over? I think so....its ideal to pick up and play on a short bus ride and the strategic element does engage players. Give it a whirl and see if Trike can get you hooked the way it has me....
7/10
Pros - Easy to Learn, Quick games, satisfying strategic elements
Cons - Not for everyone, longevity, Seemingly no official release physically
Board Game Arena 'Winter of Games 2023' Ranking so far -
1. Gift of Tulips
2. Oasis: A New Hope
3. Trike
You are always trying to play three moves ahead, making sure you have good board coverage and ensuring that a the game ends you are in the driving seats
ReplyDeleteThere is something deeply satisfying about these short, sharp burst on strategic abstractism and with the game being so short
ReplyDeleteTrike is not going to be for everyone but its so short and quick to learn that it is certainly worth a little slice of your time
ReplyDeleteToo out there for me
ReplyDeleteI was looking for a two players board game for a while now, and I think this one ticks all the boxes. I think it won't be for everyone to play, that's my kind of game.
ReplyDelete