Unfair

Board games have been a source of entertainment and fun for families and groups of friends all over the world for generations. However, in recent decades, the board game industry has undergone a remarkable shift, with designers becoming increasingly innovative and coming up with new ways to engage and challenge players. One of the most striking and daring series within this evolution is 'Unfair,' a board game series that pushes the boundaries of traditional board games by offering a perfect blend of strategy, theme and competition. In this piece we take a closer look at the 'Unfair' board game series and explore what makes these games so special.

The Birth of Unfair

'Unfair' was first introduced by Good Games Publishing in 2017 and was designed by Joel Finch. This board game series has quickly captured the attention of gaming enthusiasts around the world due to its unique combination of elements. Although the concept of building and managing your own amusement park is not new, 'Unfair' manages to add a whole new dimension to this genre.

The concept

In 'Unfair', players take on the role of amusement park owners competing to build the most successful and profitable amusement park. However, this is not a simple story of building roller coasters and attractions. What really sets 'Unfair' apart is the ability for players to perform "unfair" (hence the game's name) and sometimes downright mean actions to thwart the competition and help their own park thrive.

The Elements of Unfair

'Unfair' is played with a combination of cards and tiles, where players build their own theme parks with rides, themed areas and more. This diversity of game elements makes 'Unfair' attractive to both seasoned board game players and newcomers to the genre. Attractions One of the core components of 'Unfair' are the attraction cards. Players can build rides that range from simple carousels to terrifying roller coasters. Each type of attraction has its own advantages and strategic value. Choosing the right rides to build in your theme park is a crucial part of the game. Themes Another fascinating aspect of 'Unfair' is the themed areas. These cards allow players to personalize their theme parks and add thematic elements. From futuristic space themes to haunted houses and pirate treasure hunts, the variety of themed areas provides a deep strategic layer to the game. Events 'Unfair' wouldn't be worthy of its name if it didn't contain some "uneven" events that distort the playing field. Event cards introduce random challenges and opportunities that can drastically change the course of the game. Whether it's an unexpected health department inspection or a sudden rainstorm that drives away your visitors, these events keep players on their toes and add unpredictability and tension.

Competition and Interaction

One of the most striking aspects of 'Unfair' is the level of interaction between players. While many board games are often about efficiency and optimizing your own strategy, 'Unfair' encourages players to actively thwart and sabotage each other. This can range from stealing rides to causing trouble at each other's amusement parks using event tickets. This high level of competition makes 'Unfair' a dynamic and compelling game that is always full of surprises.

Expansions and Variants

One of the strengths of the 'Unfair' series is the availability of extensions and variants. These add new dimensions to the game and keep it fresh even after many playing sessions. Expansion packs such as 'Alien B-movies' and 'Carnival' introduce new maps, themes and features to diversify the gaming experience. Success in 'Unfair' requires deep strategic decision-making. Players must constantly weigh what actions to take, which cards to play, and which investments are the most profitable. There is a balance between building compelling attractions and disrupting the competition, and getting the balance right is the key to victory.

Theme and Artwork

Another striking aspect of 'Unfair' is the attention to detail and thematic design. The illustrations and graphics of the cards and tiles bring the theme park world to life and contribute to players' immersion in the game. This ensures that 'Unfair' is not only a challenge, but also a visual treat.

The Social Factor

In addition to the strategic and thematic elements, 'Unfair' has a strong social component. The game encourages interaction between players, both positive and negative. Laughing at each other's bad luck when an event card is revealed, or defying a friendly rival when you steal their attraction, adds to the fun and enjoyment of the game. While 'Unfair' is accessible to new players, it also has a learning curve. To be truly successful, players must become familiar with the different maps and strategic options. This makes 'Unfair' ideal for players who enjoy challenge and depth in their board game experience.

A fresh look

The 'Unfair' board game series offers an exciting and refreshing take on the theme park theme, combining strategy, theme and competition in a unique way. The game's diverse elements, such as attractions, concessions, themed areas and events, keep the gameplay engaging and provide numerous strategic options. Additionally, the high level of interaction between players encourages both cooperation and rivalry, adding to the game's social appeal. 'Unfair' isn't just a board game; it's an exciting journey into the world of theme parks, where players get the chance to build, manage and sabotage their own parks. With expansions and variants to continue to innovate the experience, 'Unfair' is a game that can be played again and again without ever getting boring. Whether you're a seasoned board game player looking for a new challenge or someone just looking for a fun and social activity, 'Unfair' has something to offer for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Step into the world of 'Unfair' and experience the thrill and excitement of running your own theme park, where all is fair in love and war... but not in 'Unfair'!