Planet of the Apes - Planet of the Apes, IDW Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Planet of the Apes - Planet of the Apes, IDW Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
  1. Planet of the Apes - Planet of the Apes, IDW Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
  2. Planet of the Apes - Planet of the Apes, IDW Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

Planet of the Apes Review

Planet of the Apes offers thrilling player interaction and teamwork. Despite some repetitive scenarios, the stunning artwork and engaging mechanics make it a solid choice for dedicated gamers.
  • Game Mechanics
  • Player Interaction
  • Artwork and Components
  • Replayability
4/5Overall Score

Planet of the Apes board game review: engaging mechanics, stunning artwork, high player interaction, despite some repetitive scenarios. Worth trying!

Specs
  • Number of players: 1-4
  • Playing Time: 120-180 minutes
  • Recommended player age: 14+
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Game Type: Cooperative Adventure
  • Publisher: IDW Games
  • Release Year: 2017
Pros
  • Engaging player interaction
  • Stunning artwork
  • Solid replayability
  • Teamwork focus
Cons
  • Repetitive scenarios
  • Dominant players overshadow others
  • Needs more card variety
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Welcome, fellow gamers! Today, I’m reviewing Planet of the Apes, a game that takes you on a wild adventure filled with apes, danger, and excitement. With its detailed artwork, high player interaction, and immersive game mechanics, this game promises a lot but does it deliver? Let’s swing through the vines and find out!

How It Plays

Setting Up

First, set up the board and place the cards in their respective areas. Each player picks a character and takes their matching figure and cards. Arrange the action and event decks, and you’re ready to go!

Gameplay

Players take turns exploring the board, completing missions, and facing off against enemies. Roll dice for combat and skill checks. Work together to overcome challenges and progress through the game’s story. Keep an eye out for special events that can shake things up!

Winning the Game

To win, you must complete the game’s final mission before running out of time or resources. Teamwork is key! If you can outsmart the game’s challenges and avoid being overwhelmed by enemies, victory is yours!

Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for Planet of the Apes.

Game Mechanics and Balance in Planet of the Apes

So, you want to know about the nuts and bolts of Planet of the Apes? Buckle up, because this game is a roller coaster in monkey business!

The game mechanics in Planet of the Apes are both exciting and engaging. You play through the events of the classic movie series, and each turn feels like you’re in the middle of the action. The game uses a cooperative mechanic, meaning all players work together to prevent the apocalypse. This leads to some pretty intense team discussions and strategies. Trust me, friends will be made and lost here… temporarily, of course.

The balance? Well, here’s where it gets interesting. The designers did a fantastic job of making sure that no one player feels more important than another. Each character has unique abilities, making every role vital. It’s an intricate puzzle where everyone matters. However, the game’s difficulty can sometimes feel a bit off. There were moments when we felt like we were steamrolling through the challenges, while other times, it felt like the game was just out to get us!

One minor gripe is the randomness factor. Certain events and challenges are determined by dice rolls and card draws. I’ve had games where luck was not on my side, and it felt a bit unfair. But, overall, the game’s mechanics and balance make it a thrilling experience.

Ready to go bananas over the game’s core design? Hold that thought! Next up, let’s swing into the jungle of Artwork and components quality.

Planet of the Apes - Planet of the Apes, IDW Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

Artwork and Components Quality in Planet of the Apes

So, let’s talk about the shiny stuff first – the artwork and components in Planet of the Apes. If you’ve ever thought board games can’t be gorgeous, this one will change your mind. The artwork is straight out of a comic book. Or maybe a blockbuster movie. Either way, it’s stunning. The illustrations nail the post-apocalyptic vibe without making you feel like you’ve been wandering aimlessly in a devastated world. That’s a win in my book!

The components are top-notch too. The miniatures, for instance, are incredibly detailed. I spent more time admiring those little plastic apes than I did worrying about my game strategy. And the cards? They’re thick and glossy, perfect for your inevitable snack breaks. Even the board itself feels premium. It’s like they knew we’d be eating chips over it and designed it to withstand that sort of abuse. Bravo, monkey makers!

But, of course, not everything is perfect in ape-land. A bit more variety in the cards would have been the cherry on top. After a few games, you might feel like you’ve seen the same card artwork a dozen times. It’s a small gripe but worth mentioning. Also, some miniatures could use a bit more color. They’re great but could be even better with a splash more vibrancy.

So, all in all, Planet of the Apes delivers an eye-catching visual experience. If you’re a sucker for good-looking games, you won’t be disappointed. Next, we’ll swing right into the jungle of Player Interaction and Engagement. Trust me, it’s a wild ride!

Player Interaction and Engagement in Planet of the Apes

So, you’ve gathered your friends, grabbed some snacks, and cracked open Planet of the Apes. Now, how does it play out? Let me tell you, this game does not disappoint when it comes to player interaction. You’re not just playing against the game; you’re playing with and sometimes against each other. The cooperative nature of the game means you all need to work together, but there are moments when individual decisions can swing the course of the game. This kept us all on our toes and very much engaged.

Each player takes on a different character, each with their own unique abilities. The teamwork required to survive the different scenarios of the game makes it feel like you’re part of an epic adventure. We had a blast debating over which strategy to take and who would tackle which challenge. The tension ramps up as you progress, making each decision feel critical.

There were moments of genuine laughter, like when our friend Dave got overly confident and caused a minor disaster. It’s moments like these that make the game so memorable.

However, it isn’t all perfect. Sometimes, a dominant player can take over the game, making it less fun for others. But as long as everyone gets a say, the game flows well and keeps everyone involved.

Next up, let’s talk about replayability and game length, because everyone loves a game that brings them back for more!

Replayability and Game Length of Planet of the Apes

When it comes to board games, replayability and game length can make or break your game nights. ‘Planet of the Apes’ brings a unique blend of both these elements. First up, let’s talk replayability. This game has a lot going for it in this department. Each playthrough feels different due to the branching storylines and the way the game reacts to player decisions. Plus, the varying hero abilities keep things fresh.

However, even with all this variety, some scenarios can feel repetitive after a few rounds. You might find yourself facing similar challenges, which can lower its replay value over time. To keep things interesting, I recommend switching up your player group or trying different strategies each game.

On to game length—prepare yourself for an evening! ‘Planet of the Apes’ is not a quick game. It takes around 2-3 hours to complete a session, depending on how fast your group makes decisions. This is perfect for hardcore gamers or a dedicated game night, but might be a bit too long for casual players. Keep snacks and drinks handy because you’ll be glued to the table for a while.

If you’re looking for a game with high stakes and an epic narrative, ‘Planet of the Apes’ is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a lengthy adventure. Will you conquer or be left in the dust? Only one way to find out!

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but mainly for dedicated gamers. Casual players might want to sit this one out unless you’ve really got the time and patience.

Conclusion

This wraps up the review of Planet of the Apes. The game offers a thrilling journey with engaging player interaction and solid replayability. The artwork and components stand out despite a few minor issues. However, some scenarios get repetitive, and the game length may not suit everyone. Overall, it’s an exciting adventure worth a try. Happy gaming!

4/5Overall 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.