An action game of speedy finding and even greedier grabbing.

• Designer & Artist: Janusz Kuśnierek (e-mail)
• Players: Multiplayer game (2-6 players)
• Mechanics: Action, Dexterity, Rivalry, Real-time, Pattern & Color recognition, Tile & Set collection, Memory, Dice rolling, Children’s game, Party game, Portable game
• Game duration: 15-20 min.
• Player age: 5
• Release type: Print & Play (high quality, fullcolor)
• Language: English
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Overview

SWIRLS is a simple but very competitive 2-6 player tile game. It is intended for children, families and party players who is looking for a quick, fun and highly energetic gameplay.

In essence, the gameplay is based on rolling 3 dice with Colors and Swirl Patterns. Then, at the same moment, all players try to find and grab the matching tile as fast as possible. Everyone tries to be quicker than others, to take the tile to the own tile pool. After taking, the tile has to be resolved and some decisions have to be made. In the end, the one who collects most tiles or gains highest score wins the game.

Despite the simple basic concept, there are meaningful features included that heat up the gameplay. SWIRLS uses classic dexterity mechanism of "roll and be the first to find/grab", but the gameplay is elevated hugely by introducing solutions like:

Intensive rivalry - gameplay keeps players engaged constantly, forcing them to compete and fight for each tile. Matching tiles may be also found in other player's pool, so players never feel safe with already collected ones. They may keep losing them next turns if they are not fast enough with finding.

Combined patterns and colors for recognizing - two varied but complementary conditions on rolled dice that activates different senses of vision and perception for tiles recognizing. It makes searching for the right tile even more demanding.

Decisions - based on the number of colors on the found tiles players choose additional tiles. So, will you choose the tile that provides additional tiles when found or the one that is less probable to be rolled, to keep it safer?

Tactical variant - additional variant with the alternative scoring methods enhances the gameplay with a tactical aspect which makes selecting tiles by a player very crucial. This allows players to compose and shape their own tile collection for higher score. So, will you choose the tile that provides additional tiles when found or the one that gains more points? Or maybe you choose the tiles that will let you build sets of the same color combination to gain more points?

Memory aspect - players who will memorize more collected tiles in their own and other players’ pools will have the advantage of finding tiles easier and faster.

All these features make the game great for 5 year old younglings as a children or family game. Also as an educational game for practicing quick recognition, observation, dexterity and making decisions. It is also very suitable for adults as a typical party game that provides a lot of tension and laughter.

So, if you are a fan of the intensity and energy of the "Jungle Speed" but need a bit more depth, then SWIRLS is the perfect game for you, your family and friends. The game offers an endless replayability. This, combined with a very quick setup and pleasantly short gameplay time, encourages players to play several games in a row. With small, handy components, the game fits perfectly for family occasions, parties, trips or any occasions when there's only a short time available but there's a need of having fun.

External resources

BGG Game page
BGG WIP thread

My  other board game projects:
There was a Skyscraper... and his works (BGG)
janciorules.itch.io (itch.io)

Your support matters!

Please consider:

• supporting me by making a donation to this game (name your price)
• rating the game and writing the comment here or on the BGG
• posting the pictures of the crafted game or the gameplay session on the BGG
• writing or recording the review or the gameplay session
• spreading the word about the game anyhow and anywhere
• creating variants, modifications, house rules and translations - I will be glad to see them in action.

You are more than welcome to make a contact with me. About the game, cooperation or any contribution. Best way is to reach me by e-mail.

Thank you for visiting and have fun playing the game!
Best regards,
Janusz