Matthew BaileyAs we reach a tie with last year’s record (I think i’m going for 60), it’s time to delve into…
Game 46 of the “Bailey Family Summer 2023 Board Game Bonanza” brings us to “Outrun the Bear,” featuring Jack (.8.), Toby (5), playing as a team, and myself.
“Outrun the Bear” is a card-based racing and take-that game that immerses players in a heart-pounding pursuit through a forest, as they attempt to evade a relentless bear hot on their heels, aiming to catch and, presumably, eat them (I spent the whole time playing this thinking about recent indie horror hit “Cocaine Bear”)
The game kicks off by assembling the board like a jigsaw puzzle, which cleverly ensures a different trail layout each time. A word of caution, though: the board is rather sizable, demanding a suitably spacious table for setup (think dining room table to side table).
Every player commences their journey at the campsite, with the fastest runners at the rear. At the outset, each player is dealt two cards.
The rules are fairly straightforward. Victory can be achieved either by reaching the safety of your car or by being the last one standing. My playthrough included Jack, Toby, and myself. However, it was primarily Jack and Toby as a team, given the substantial reading involved. Upon opening the game and diving into the rulebook, it became evident that the reading required would likely hinder Toby’s ability to fully engage. The box suggests an age range of 8+ which I agree with but it’s conceivable to play with slightly younger participants if they possess decent reading and comprehension skills.
Initiating a turn involves reacting to the terrain you’re traversing. This might encompass moving forward, restrictions on sprinting, or even sliding backwards. Once the terrain effects are resolved, the turn proceeds to the action phase. Actions may encompass moving a set number of spaces, discarding four cards from your hand to advance five spaces, or playing an equipment card that provides your character with permanent buffs which is a necessity as the bear starts to speed up.
With these actions addressed, you draw two additional cards, and your turn concludes, inching you ever closer to the sanctuary of the car park.
During the bear’s turn, a card is drawn from the bottom of the discard pile for each footprint behind the leading runner. Consequently, as the game progresses, the bear accelerates. The sum of paw prints on each card dictates the bear’s movement. The used cards are then placed at the bottom of the runner deck.
This introduces an intriguing mechanic, wherein superior cards grant the bear greater movement. Conversely, certain cards like the Honey Pot possess a zero movement value, effectively slowing the bear down. This strategic nuance grants insight into the bear’s potential movement on each turn. At a higher player count this could be very calculated as you potentially try and influence the bear’s speed.
Now, onto this rather unconventional review. While I thoroughly enjoyed “Outrun the Bear,” it strikes me that the game truly thrives with a larger player count. My experience was limited to just the two of us, so my final assessment will be reserved until I return to work and have the opportunity to present this game to a sizable group of 13-year-olds. Rest assured, I’ll report back my thoughts a few weeks into September.
Meanwhile, what struck me most about this game was the frantic sense of urgency and panic it evokes. The bear is perpetually on your tail, an imposing figure relentlessly pursuing your character across the board, steadily closing in with each passing turn. This heightened state of tension and anxiety is a sensation I can’t recall encountering before in a lightweight “family” game.
The cards themselves are finely balanced, and the gameplay provides ample “take that” moments where players can gleefully thwart their opponents’ plans.
Of course, the game accommodates cooperative play as well, where players collaborate to get everyone across the finish line. Moreover, there are various alternative modes, including starting with equipment and adjusting the number of paw prints to tailor the difficulty.
The game package is of exceptional quality. The board boasts intricate detailing, everything is impeccably printed, and the artwork exudes a delightful charm. Even the components are generally well-crafted. My only minor qualm is that certain character stands don’t precisely match their depiction on the character cards, with Evan’s hair colour differing between the two.
The player cards are actual plastic, resembling debit cards, a delightful touch. Nonetheless, I lean towards preferring standard cards for these and potentially acrylic standees for the characters, though I do acknowledge that this would entail higher costs.
Rarely do I find racing games captivating, the exception being “Cubitos,” which I thoroughly enjoyed. Yet, “Outrun the Bear” has undeniably captured my imagination, as well as that of Jack and Toby. I’m inclined to state that it’s an excellent game, though my full endorsement will happen after playing it with a group of teenagers.
Originally funded on Kickstarter, the game has recently fulfilled its campaign and is poised to launch for pre-orders. If you’re intrigued, you can register your interest for pre-order on the official company’s website, linked below.
Disclaimer: A copy of “Outrun the Bear” was kindly provided by Around the Stump Games LLC ([https://outrunthebeargame.com/](https://gibsonsgames.co.uk/collections/family…)) for the purpose of review and also as a donation to the school at which I work. All of our thoughts and opinions are our own (try to convince an eight and five-year-old to not give you an honest answer, and you will see why this is definitely not in doubt).
