Scrooge – The Board Game

Scrooge – The Board Game brings the world of Charles Dickens classic tale to the table in a brilliant blend of classic roll & move games and new game mechanics.  Players take on the role of a character from one of Dickens works and attempt to maneuver the mean streets of London and help Ebenezer Scrooge change his ways before its too late.  Players race to the end of the board in what feels like a standard roll & move but the cards, decision, and other additions to the game take it beyond that and make it a great time even if its not snowing outside.   The classic artwork adds a festive feel to the game making it that much more fun for the whole family.

Players start at one end of the board and roll one or two dice (a standard D6 and modified D6) deciding whether they will push forward towards the end or move backwards to try and collect some much needed gold to continue the journey.  Along the way they encounter different tiles (streets) that present unique challenges each turn.  

Scrooge’s Bag of Tricks spaces give cards to the player currently in the lead designed to slow them down and trip them up by making them pay money or move backwards.  Ghost spaces/cards help the players in their attempt to show Scrooge the error of his ways and aid them in their journey.  Nightmares allow the players to earn a little extra gold and teach Scrooge a moral lesson but may hinder the players at the end of the game if they have not been able to get rid of them.  Scrooge’s Money Box spaces/cards give the players a chance to see if they will collect or lose money that turn.  In  addition to this there are many other interesting interactions the on the board waiting for the players to stumble across them.  

Upon reaching the end of the board players must face off against Scrooge in a final Moment of Truth challenge using the last of their precious resources in a final match.  If they fail they must fall back, regroup, and if possible try again on their next turn.  The first player (if any) to successfully defeat Scrooge and help him become “a better man” wins the game.    

Blynken Thoughts:

I liked the ability to choose whether you will go forward or backwards and choosing whether to roll one or two dice.  The mini-games  (all play street actions) were a fun way to get (lose) money.  I liked the ghosts special abilities that helped you during the game.

9/10 Stars

Wynken Thoughts:

I liked theme of the game and that you could be the first person to the end but still not win.  I had a lot of fun deciding what actions to take to make sure I didn’t run out of money (something that we did not realize was a distinct possibility at first and quickly lost because of it).  The artwork looked really cool and the board was a lot of fun.  I liked being able to go backwards (away from your goal) because it was an easy way to earn money.  

9/10 Stars