Matthew BaileyToday on the day of its release on Kickstarter we are finally going to be looking at Capture the Bald Yeti a game that I have had a prototype of for quite a few months and have also managed to get to the table quite a few times with both the boys and my school games club. For those unfamiliar, this is a light-hearted family card game spun out of The Bald Yeti comic universe, that has a fun vibe that remind me a little of the old Steve Jackson game Munchkin.
In Capture the Bald Yeti, players take on the role of rival hunters attempting to earn Yeti Gold. The objective is to be the first player to reach the agreed target amount of Yeti Gold by successfully capturing or photographing the Bald Yeti. Each player begins with an empty play area, and the deck of cards is placed within reach of all players.
On a player’s turn, they draw a card from the deck. Depending on the type of card drawn, it may be played immediately or kept for later use. Lightning cards must be resolved as soon as they are drawn. Timer (clock) cards may be played at any point during the player’s turn. Other cards can typically be held in hand until the player chooses to play them.
Players score Yeti Gold primarily by placing Trap and Camera cards face up in front of them. Traps are used to capture the Bald Yeti and are worth 2 Yeti Gold when successfully claimed. Cameras are used to photograph the Bald Yeti and are worth 1 Yeti Gold. Once a Trap or Camera has remained in play for a full round, players may place a Bald Yeti card on top to claim the associated gold.
Certain action cards introduce additional effects. Goat cards remove Trap cards from play by “eating” them. Hunter cards allow players to interfere with opponents, including pushing hunters into traps or stealing Yeti Gold. Other cards, such as Avalanche effects, may cause players to miss turns or disrupt normal play. The game continues until a player reaches the target amount of Yeti Gold.
The interaction is another big win. This is very much a “take that” style game, which can sometimes be problematic with kids, but done in a way that feels mischievous rather than mean-spirited. Yes, your plans will be ruined. Yes, your gold will be stolen. But the tone of the artwork and theme keeps things light enough that the table mood stays fun rather than salty. I would say though that children that hate this type of gameplay are unlikely to be converted.
That said, there are a few minor criticisms. Like many highly idraw from a shared pile card games, luck plays a noticeable role. A well-timed draw can swing things dramatically and can change the course of the game perhaps a little too unexpectedly. Its a minor criticism but this could certainly irk some.
Because we played a prototype, it feels only fair to frame any component comments carefully. Even so, the production direction looks extremely promising. The artwork is full of charm, leaning heavily into the comic origins, and the visual identity is strong. Cards were clear, readable, and packed with personality. Assuming the final version maintains this level of polish, it should be a very attractive package.
Overall, Capture the Bald Yeti lands exactly where I think it aims to. It is fast, funny, chaotic, and family-friendly in the best sense. This is not a brain-burner, nor is it trying to be. It is a a fun light-hearted take that card game that accommodates kids and adults playing together. Both Jack(10) and Toby(7) enjoyed it even if they did feel there was a tiny bit too much luck but that does definitely level the playing field with adults so that may be a positive for many.
If your household enjoys light card games, playful interaction, and themes that do not take themselves too seriously, this is an easy recommendation but be careful with kids who aren’t keen on take that mechanics.
And conveniently, it is on Kickstarter now – Capture the Bald Yeti: The Card Game by Kev Brett — Kickstarter
