Prepare yourself for frosty fun with “Yeti,” a thrilling card game where players race to capture elusive Yetis across the snowy Himalayan peaks! This delightful and strategic game, designed by Scott Frisco and published by Gamewright, is perfect for families and friends looking for an engaging and unpredictable experience.
“Yeti” combines elements of memory, set collection, and a dash of mischievous chaos. The game centers around a captivating theme: capturing the legendary Yetis that roam the Himalayan mountains. Players take on the roles of daring explorers venturing into the frozen wilderness, each striving to collect sets of Yeti cards with matching colors and abilities.
Game Mechanics: A Balancing Act of Memory and Strategy
At the heart of “Yeti” lies a simple yet ingeniously designed game mechanic that keeps players on their toes. Each round begins with face-down Yeti cards spread across the table, representing the hidden Yetis waiting to be discovered. Players simultaneously choose cards from this pool, hoping to reveal matching sets.
However, there’s a twist! Hidden among the Yeti cards are treacherous “Snowstorm” and “Avalanche” cards that can disrupt your carefully crafted plans.
- Yeti Cards: These cards come in various colors (red, blue, green, yellow) representing different types of Yetis. Each color has unique abilities, adding a layer of strategic decision-making to the game.
Yeti Color | Ability |
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Red | Moves one Yeti card of your choice |
Blue | Steals one Yeti card from another player |
Green | Allows you to draw an extra Yeti card |
Yellow | Doubles the points earned for a set |
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Snowstorm Cards: These cards force all players to discard their chosen Yeti cards, returning them to the face-down pool. A well-timed Snowstorm can effectively scramble your opponents’ plans and introduce a welcome dose of unpredictability.
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Avalanche Cards: An Avalanche card forces the player who drew it to reveal one of their collected Yeti sets prematurely, earning them fewer points than if they had waited.
This clever mechanic adds a layer of risk-reward strategy to the game.
Gameplay Flow: A Race Against Time and Your Opponents
“Yeti” is played in rounds, with each round consisting of three distinct phases:
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Choose: Players secretly select a card from the face-down pool, attempting to find matching Yeti cards without revealing their intentions to opponents.
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Reveal: Simultaneously, all players reveal their chosen cards.
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Resolve: The effects of any revealed Snowstorm or Avalanche cards are applied, and players who have collected matching sets score points based on the color of their Yetis (remember those special abilities!).
The game continues until one player reaches a predetermined point total, typically 15-20 points.
Production Quality: Eye-Catching Design and Sturdy Components
“Yeti” boasts charming artwork that captures the whimsical spirit of its theme. The Yeti cards feature delightful illustrations of these mythical creatures in various poses, adding personality to each set you collect. The game components are high quality and durable. The cards are thick and coated for easy shuffling and handling, while the rulebook is clear and concise, making it simple for even new gamers to pick up the rules quickly.
“Yeti” shines not only for its engaging gameplay but also for its adaptability. It’s a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and experience levels. Younger children will relish the theme and straightforward mechanics, while more seasoned gamers can appreciate the strategic depth involved in managing risk, predicting opponents’ moves, and optimizing set collection.
Whether you’re seeking a quick and entertaining filler game for your next gathering or a family-friendly activity to enjoy on a snowy afternoon, “Yeti” delivers frosty fun with every play!