Mechanic: End Game Bonuses
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Overview
End game bonuses are a popular board game mechanic that adds an exciting twist to the final stages of gameplay. These bonuses provide players with additional points or rewards based on specific conditions or achievements accomplished throughout the game. They serve as a way to reward strategic planning, encourage diverse gameplay strategies, and create a sense of suspense until the very end.
Gameplay/Functionality
End game bonuses typically come into play during the final scoring phase of a game. Players are given the opportunity to earn extra points or rewards based on various criteria, such as completing specific objectives, collecting certain resources, or achieving a particular level of progress in the game.
These bonuses often require players to make strategic decisions throughout the game, as they need to plan and work towards meeting the necessary conditions to earn them. This adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the gameplay, as players must balance their overall strategy with the pursuit of these end game bonuses.
Examples from Popular Games
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On Mars: In On Mars, players are rewarded with end game bonuses based on their progress in building colonies and exploring the planet. These bonuses can include points for constructing specific types of buildings, having a certain number of colonists, or achieving certain milestones. This mechanic encourages players to focus on different aspects of the game and creates a sense of competition as they strive to earn these bonuses.
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Scythe: Scythe incorporates end game bonuses through its objective cards. These cards provide players with specific goals to achieve during the game, such as controlling certain territories or producing a certain amount of resources. At the end of the game, players earn additional points based on the objectives they have completed. This mechanic adds a layer of strategic decision-making as players must balance their overall strategy with the pursuit of these objectives.
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The Castles of Burgundy: In The Castles of Burgundy, players can earn end game bonuses by completing specific regions on their player boards. These bonuses provide additional points based on the number of tiles placed in a region or the types of tiles used. This mechanic encourages players to carefully plan their tile placements and create efficient regions to maximize their end game score.
Why People Enjoy It
End game bonuses are enjoyed by players for several reasons. Firstly, they add an element of surprise and suspense to the final stages of the game. Players are often unsure of who will come out on top until the very end, as these bonuses can significantly impact the final scores.
Secondly, end game bonuses reward strategic planning and decision-making throughout the game. Players must carefully consider their actions and work towards meeting the necessary conditions to earn these bonuses. This adds depth and complexity to the gameplay, making it more engaging and satisfying.
Lastly, end game bonuses encourage diverse gameplay strategies. As players strive to earn these bonuses, they may pursue different paths and objectives, leading to varied and interesting gameplay experiences. This mechanic promotes replayability and keeps the game fresh and exciting, as players explore different strategies to maximize their chances of earning these bonuses.
In conclusion, end game bonuses are a popular board game mechanic that adds excitement, strategic depth, and suspense to the final stages of gameplay. Through examples from games like On Mars, Scythe, and The Castles of Burgundy, we can see how this mechanic impacts gameplay and why people enjoy it. Whether it's earning points for completing objectives, achieving milestones, or creating efficient regions, end game bonuses provide players with additional goals to strive for and enhance the overall gaming experience.