[GDS] AUGUST 2013 "Atomic Intelligences" - Critiques

Re: Atomic Goats

This has an interesting application of the RPS dynamic combined with a lottery mechanic, since the irradiation pattern of the goat pasture is essentially random.

(+) Thematically, I love the idea of goat farmers desperately attempting to scrub their herd free from radiation poisoning. Using the colored meeples to track the progression of a goat’s rad sickness is also visually appealing.

(-) Mechanically, I failed to see how an “A.I.” is used in the game. Irradiating the pasture is random, not structured opposition. Although there are a lot of components, setup seems like it would go quickly. I foresee quite a long duration for each of the ten rounds as players compete to scrub their goats. Thematically, I think the competition for scrubbing should be tied a little more closely to the rest of the game, as the RPS component seems to come out of nowhere.

Re: Where’s My Lunch?

The combination of setting, premise, and movement makes this game more than a little on the whimsical side. I can easily envision an old, broken down reactor full of cats and mice tearing around all over the place. Probably in Springfield. Any chance Homer is in the control room?

(+) Whimsical = fun. Thematically I could engage my kids very easily with this game. The tactical play borders on the frenetic. The setting ought to provide for some interesting visuals. Handling components is something I enjoy.

(-) The “A.I.” mechanic is poorly implemented with the motion of the mice in response to the cats. I’m frustrated that the cats will never catch the mice, something I want to see happen. Having the mice arbitrarily chase after the custodians’ lunch boxes seems counter-intuitive. Shouldn’t there be traps and cheese? Aside from setting, the theme is poorly implemented and the action doesn’t really match the premise.

(*) This game would benefit from magnetic components, perhaps mounting the mice on rollers with a repelling charge to the cat pieces and an attractive charge to the lunch.

Re: Nuclear Family

The best of atomic cinema meets classic mathematical models. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for anything that starts with the words “giant atomic monster”.

(+) Textbook use of both theme and mechanic, both are spot on the nose. The story could have drawn directly from any classic atomic horror film. Marking mutations with colored cubes is a natural match, and the different scenarios and gene types are perfectly themed. The A.I. implementation is mathematically appropriate if not exactly intuitive.

(-) The premise of the game lacks a logical conclusion; simply counting points at the end of a few rounds doesn’t feel like a satisfactory end. Mutating the genes adds undesirable randomness to the creations, which the player seems unable to influence aside from the initial round.

(*) I’d like to see the mutations have some correlation to existing cubes. I also want to influence the mutation of my monster in response to the previous Environment card and in anticipation of the next Environment card.

I start with a compliment for the elaborate reviews by Mindspike! Very thoughtfull and helpfull. Much appreciated!

My top 3 for the month:
Gold - State of matter
I fell in love with the them. Much trading (movement) means it turns into liquid or gas. With a return after some inactivity. I did not like the electronic device though. Too much fingers on the same place, and distraction while doing the trade.
I figured this might be done by letting everyone use his smartphone to keep track of trades, and maybe even display the cards.
Mindspike might be right that not doing anything is the best. Maybe another scoring mechanism is needed as well, for instance, to reward bigger sets more than their state (I mean if I have 4 gas molecules of the same type I do better than your 3 solid molucules). Keeping track of who has what, and trade those molecules could make an interesting game.

Silver - Missile dice
Solid. Good implementation of AI and the theme. It is just that I fell in love with the theme of State of matter that stole first place.

Bronze - Strange matter
If this is good depends on the implementation of the laws of physics. Could be a real brainburner, and that is a compliment!

The others:
Atomic goats
I have read the rules a couple of times, but I fail to connect it all together. The scrubbing phase seems a very complicated way to find a winner, who can then place a goat of specific colour.
The scrubbing phase in itself might be a game on its own?! Maybe with 4 suits instead of 6.

Nuclear family
I understand the mechanic, I wondered if there are any interesting decisions for the players to make. There are decisions in phase 2 and phase 4. I have the feeling that in most cases there is one obvious best choice, which could mean that the game plays itself.

Mine:
Where is my lunch?
I agree with Mindspike the A.I. is poorly thought out. Thinking about it now I would introduce my favourite game element: cards. One when a cat is almost trapping a mouse which can be: go through nearest hole, run away straight, caught, jump over the cat, etc. And one for moving towards the lunchbags for each mouse: run (3 squares), sleepy, picky (run towards one with a specific number on it).
It is debatable if this still is A.I. though. The magnetic idea is nice, I think that would make for a whole other dexerity type of game.

The cards look good, asakurasol. Good luck with the prototype!
Actually, I would steer clear of the dexterity component. I was just waxing nostalgic for the old Missile Command stand up arcade machine.
I think the worker-placement aspect of the game is your strongest element. The A.I. of the missiles takes a back seat to the ability of the workers to make strategic alterations. That's the part that intrigues me the most.