Stats:
No. of players: 2-4
Amount of time to play: 20-30 min
Age requirements: 8+
Set-up time: 5-10 minutes

Puzzle Strike Rules Description:

Puzzle Strike by Sirlin Games is set in the Fantasy Strike Universe. It is unique in that it is a chip-building game (not deck-building, but similar) that is reminiscent of classic video puzzle games like Tetris.

In Puzzle Strike you start by choosing a character to play. Each character has three of its own chips which offer unique powers and plays differently than the other characters.

Each turn you draw five chips from your bag (possibly more if you are closer to losing). Next you ante one chip from the bank onto your gem pile (the number of chips in this pile determines if you lose). You may play an action, buy chips and then cleanup.

The actions you can buy are ten stacks of five in the center of the table. You need to buy actions that will complement your strategy to win.

You can crash gems from your gem pile onto the opponent on your left. If unblocked they are added to your opponent’s gem pile. Your opponent may be able to counter-crash gems back at you. This would add them to the top of your gem pile.

If you reach the buy phase and have 10 or more chips in your gem pile you die. You also must but at least one chip each buy phase. Wound chips do nothing, but they are free. So if you don’t have enough money in your hand to buy anything else, you’ll be forced to take a wound.

The game ends when only one player is left.

Quick Puzzle Strike Review:

Puzzle Strike plays quick and since it is similar to Dominion or other deck-building games it can be pretty easy to teach. Puzzle Strike is fun and feels like the puzzle-games its theme reflects.

The game looks great and the rules are easy to read and follow. The art is not my favorite, but I know many people enjoy the style. It definitely adds to the theme and is consistent with other Fantasy Strike games.

There is a bit of a learning curve involved with the action chips. It will take some time to learn what they do and which work better for your character and style of play. Newer players should expect to lose a few games while they get a handle on things.

Puzzle Strike has a great blend of play time, game speed and light-heartedness that hits a sweet spot for me. You can play and not be too upset if you lose. Not only is it quick to play another game immediately, you will even enjoy it when you lose.

If you are a fan of deck-building games try out Puzzle Strike. Looking for a quick game that is both easy to teach and learn? Then Puzzle Strike should fit the bill.

The upgrade pack is a bit expensive, but helps organize all your chips. It also includes screens to hide the chips you’ve drawn. If you are going to play a lot of Puzzle Strike the upgrade pack is worth your money.

Score and synopsis: (Click here for an explanation of these review categories.)
Strategy 3 out of 6
Luck 4 out of 6
Player Interaction 5 out of 6
Replay Value 4 out of 6
Complexity 3 out of 6
Fun 5 out of 6
Overall 5 out of 6