504
504 review
504 is a fascinating concept: a board game generator that allows you to create 504 different games using a combination of nine modules. The possibilities are truly endless, making it a dream for experienced gamers who enjoy exploring different game mechanics and challenging themselves with new rules. The game has a lot of components and the quality is good, but there are definitely some drawbacks that keep this game from being a hit. The rule book is confusing, with inconsistent nomenclature and poor organization. The rules are scattered throughout, making it hard to find specific information. The game also suffers from a lack of clarity in terms of how the systems interact. Even playing the default "123" game didn't help me understand how the systems fit together. Additionally, the theme of building colonies of "creatures" feels tacked on and doesn't add anything to the game.
While the idea is brilliant and the potential for replayability is high, the execution lets the game down. 504 is definitely not for casual gamers. The learning curve is steep, and the rules require a lot of attention and effort to decipher. If you're a seasoned gamer who enjoys the challenge of figuring out complex systems, 504 might be worth trying. However, if you're looking for a streamlined and easy-to-learn game, this is not the right choice. The game is expensive, and for the price tag, I was hoping for a more polished product with a clearer and more user-friendly rule book.