This week, we look at Linx, a recent release which has obvious lineage back to both Xs & Os, and to rock, paper, scissors.
With such a family tree, do not expect anything particularly deep here.
This is most assuredly a quick-to-learn, quick-to-play game which joins a plethora of offerings that fit the moniker ‘filler game’.
In the case of Linx, it comes from designer Fabrice Puleo, artist Anthony Questel, and publisher Matagot via Canadian distributor – ilo307.com
The game is a small box offering, and inside were tiles – pressed cardboard, but still very playable. The game allows for four players, but since you are laying tiles trying to achieve three-in-a-row, with four players, the game feels like you have very little self-control of a plan to succeed, and are often forced to make moves to block other players rather than progressing yourself to a win.
As a result, the Linx comes off as rather too bland to highly recommend.
That said, a digression seems warranted here.
While playing Linx, we discussed whether another small filler game was needed.
Later, lying in bed listening to Our Lady Peace on the CD player, this Meeple Guilder had an epiphany regarding fillers.
When a gamer heads to a game store, there is a nagging desire to buy something, almost anything, to be honest.
Big box games are increasingly pricey, so they are purchased with greater care.
But a filler game is likely $30 or less. A gang of three or four players sit down and play such a game for an hour, and the cost per player is less than a movie, or a brew, or maybe even a fancy coffee for the group. In that light, a filler game is almost disposable at the end of a game session – or something to pass on to a youth group, perhaps if it does now ‘wow’ you.
That is food for thought at least, say you decide whether you want to grab Linx to try.
About Author
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
LINX GAME
With such a family tree, do not expect anything particularly deep here.
This is most assuredly a quick-to-learn, quick-to-play game which joins a plethora of offerings that fit the moniker ‘filler game’.
In the case of Linx, it comes from designer Fabrice Puleo, artist Anthony Questel, and publisher Matagot via Canadian distributor – ilo307.com
The game is a small box offering, and inside were tiles – pressed cardboard, but still very playable. The game allows for four players, but since you are laying tiles trying to achieve three-in-a-row, with four players, the game feels like you have very little self-control of a plan to succeed, and are often forced to make moves to block other players rather than progressing yourself to a win.
As a result, the Linx comes off as rather too bland to highly recommend.
That said, a digression seems warranted here.
While playing Linx, we discussed whether another small filler game was needed.
Later, lying in bed listening to Our Lady Peace on the CD player, this Meeple Guilder had an epiphany regarding fillers.
When a gamer heads to a game store, there is a nagging desire to buy something, almost anything, to be honest.
Big box games are increasingly pricey, so they are purchased with greater care.
But a filler game is likely $30 or less. A gang of three or four players sit down and play such a game for an hour, and the cost per player is less than a movie, or a brew, or maybe even a fancy coffee for the group. In that light, a filler game is almost disposable at the end of a game session – or something to pass on to a youth group, perhaps if it does now ‘wow’ you.
That is food for thought at least, say you decide whether you want to grab Linx to try.
About Author
Calvin Daniels
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
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