Giants: Box Cover Front
Giants - Men without (and with) hats - Credit: kneumann
Giants - 3 player finish - Credit: kneumann
Giants - Giants - Credit: Wizzy Parkerir
Giants - Are we not men? Massive statues were erected on Rapanui by bored DEVO fans. - Credit: Friendless
  1. Giants: Box Cover Front
  2. Giants - Men without (and with) hats - Credit: kneumann
  3. Giants - 3 player finish - Credit: kneumann
  4. Giants - Giants - Credit: Wizzy Parkerir
  5. Giants - Are we not men? Massive statues were erected on Rapanui by bored DEVO fans. - Credit: Friendless

Giants Review

Ever played 'Giants' and felt like a strategic genius, only to be humbled by your 8-year-old cousin? It's a mix of laughs, groans, and triumphs. Gorgeous artwork, but bring your A-game or get ready to be schooled.
  • Gameplay Mechanics
  • Artwork and Components
  • Strategy vs Luck
  • Fun with Friends
4.5/5Overall Score

'Giants' excels in blending strategy and luck, with stunning art, ensuring fun, competitive game nights with friends and family.

Specs
  • Number of players: 2-5
  • Playing Time: 60-120 minutes
  • Recommended player age: 10+
  • Strategy level: High
  • Luck factor: Moderate
  • Artwork and Components Quality: Excellent
  • Replay Value: High
Pros
  • Strategic gameplay
  • Stunning artwork
  • High replay value
  • Fun with friends
Cons
  • Luck can frustrate
  • Learning curve steep
  • Long playtime
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Overview

Ever found yourself rummaging through your board game collection, looking for something that truly stands out? Well, let me guide you to a treasure you might have overlooked: Giants. This isn’t just any ordinary board game review. Oh no, we’re embarking on an adventurous critique that promises to highlight why this game could be the giant among men at your next game night. From its strategic gameplay mechanics, breathtaking artwork, and components, to the delicate balance of strategy versus luck, all the way to the laughter-filled evenings it promises with friends. Let’s see if Giants stands tall or if it’s all just a tall tale.

How It Plays

Setting Up

First things first, grab your board and pieces. Scatter those giant statues around the island’s edges. Each player picks a tribe color and grabs their tribe members and a chief. Place your tribe’s tents on those starting spots. Don’t forget to shuffle those action cards! They’ll keep things spicy. And hey, make sure those precious stones are within reach. You’re gonna need ’em to win those statues’ favor.

Gameplay

Here’s where the fun starts. You’re aiming to be the master mover of statues. Take turns, starting with the youngest player (or the one who looks most like a tribal chief, your call). You can move your tribe members, grab stones, or get those statues moving towards their pedestals. Oh, and those action cards? Play them to shake things up or mess with your friend’s plans. Just keep it friendly, alright?

Winning the Game

How do you win? Simple. Get the most points. Points come from placing statues, collecting colored stones, and having the fanciest necklace by the end. Once all statues are cozy on their pedestals or the action cards run out, count up those points. Highest score wins. Boast a little, you’ve earned it! Just remember, it’s all in good fun.

Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for Giants.

Unpacking Gameplay Mechanics and Replay Value in Giants

Giants is more than just a pretty face; it’s a deep dive into strategic thinking and planning. The gameplay mechanics are smooth like butter, and they make you feel like a real tactician. Each turn feels like a new challenge, making you think on your feet. And talk about replay value! Every game feels like a new adventure because of the varied strategies you can employ. It doesn’t get stale. The best part? It’s not all about luck. Your brain gets the real workout here, folks. With giants as your chess pieces, every move counts. It keeps my friends and I coming back for more, proving that it’s not just a one-hit wonder.

And speaking of wonders, let’s march towards the realm of visual delights with a little talk about the artwork and components quality next.

Giants - Men without (and with) hats - Credit: kneumann

The Visual Feast of Giants: A Closer Look at Artwork and Components

When you first lay eyes on Giants, it’s like stepping into an artist’s dream. The attention to detail on the board and the pieces is just stunning. Each giant has its own unique style, making them not just game pieces but a collection of miniature artworks. The components are top-notch too. Thick, durable, and they just feel good in your hands. You know that feeling when you’re unboxing a game and everything just screams quality? That’s Giants. It’s clear that the designers put a lot of love into this aspect, making the game a feast for the eyes as well as the mind.

But what’s beauty without brains? Next up, we’ll explore how Giants strikes a balance between strategy and luck.

Giants - 3 player finish - Credit: kneumann

The Fine Line Between Strategy and Luck in Giants

In Giants, the balance between strategy and luck is like walking a tightrope in a gusty wind. You’ve got your strategy hat on, planning two steps ahead, but then luck blows in and mixes things up. This isn’t a bad thing, though. It keeps the game fresh and exciting. You’re not just relying on a good dice roll to win; you need to think, adapt, and sometimes just cross your fingers. However, Giants leans more towards strategy, giving that satisfying feeling when your plan comes together.

But don’t fret if luck isn’t on your side. The game is designed in such a way that smart strategic moves can often cushion a bad luck blow. You’re in for a real treat when it comes to figuring out the best path to victory.

Now, let’s switch gears and see how this strategic dance plays out when you’re laughing around the table with friends.

Giants - Giants - Credit: Wizzy Parkerir

Why Playing ‘Giants’ Is a Blast with Your Buddies

Let’s cut to the chase, nothing beats the fun of a game night with friends, especially when ‘Giants’ hits the table. This gem takes you on a whirlwind adventure, filled with hearty laughter and friendly competition. Imagine trying to be the best giant on the block, but your best mate keeps outsmarting you with a clever move. That’s ‘Giants’ in a nutshell.

The joy of strategizing together, or sometimes even against each other, creates memorable evenings. It’s not just about winning; it’s the jokes shared, the alliances formed, and the playful banter that truly captures the essence of fun in ‘Giants’.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a game that promises a good time with the gang, ‘Giants’ is a definite recommendation from me. It’s a game night staple that never grows old.

Giants - Are we not men? Massive statues were erected on Rapanui by bored DEVO fans. - Credit: Friendless

Conclusion

Alright, folks, we’ve circled the board, toppled over a few strategies, and shared more laughs than I can count. Wrapping up this review of ‘Giants,’ it’s clear this game has carved its place on my shelf. From its eye-catching artwork and top-notch components to the engaging blend of strategy and just a sprinkle of luck, ‘Giants’ keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re plotting to outmaneuver your friends or just laughing at the chaos that ensues, it delivers fun times aplenty. Sure, it’s not perfect—no game where I lose this often could be—but it’s darn close. So, if you’re hunting for a game that’s as fun as it is gorgeous, with enough depth to keep your gaming nights fresh, ‘Giants’ might just be your next big hit. Just remember, it’s all fun and games until someone claims victory with a sneaky move. Then, it’s game on!

4.5/5Overall Score
Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.