Gizmos
- Designer Phil Walker-Harding
- Publisher CMON Global Limited , ADC Blackfire Entertainment , Arclight Games , asmodee , Board Game VN
- Illustration Hannah Cardoso , Júlia Ferrari , Giovanna BC Guimarães , Mathieu Harlaut , Saeed Jalabi
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Gizmos, players compete at a great science fair to build the best machines by collecting colorful energy marbles from a 3D dispenser. You choose actions like filing cards, taking marbles, building machines, or drawing new cards. Machines generate victory points and trigger chain reactions, allowing you to extend your turn and improve your engine. The player with the most points wins.
Who Is This Game For?
Gizmos targets families and casual gamers aged 14 and up who enjoy strategic engine-building games with a playtime around 50 minutes. It requires little prior experience but offers enough depth to engage more experienced players. It supports 2 to 4 players but does not include a solo mode.
How It Works
Each turn you have four actions: file a card to your archive, take an energy marble from the dispenser, build a machine by paying marble costs, or draw new cards. Built machines provide victory points and activate effects that grant additional actions. Smart combinations create chain reactions that extend your turn and improve your engine.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Phil Walker-Harding, Gizmos won the 2019 Boardgames Australia Awards Best Australian Game. Its blend of action queue, open drafting, and contracts mechanics, combined with a unique 3D marble dispenser, makes it stand out among family card games with engine-building and racing elements.
Awards
2018
- 2019 American Tabletop Casual Games — Recommended
- 2019 Boardgames Australia Awards Best Australian Game — Winner
- 2018 Board Game Quest Awards Best Family Game — Nominated
- 2018 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Innovative engine-building with chain reactions
- Unique use of a 3D marble dispenser
- Combination of action queue and open drafting
- Suitable for 2-4 players with short playtime
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Recommended for ages 14 and up
- Complexity may challenge beginners
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set at a grand science fair where the smartest minds compete by building inventive machines. The theme supports the futuristic and scientific feel of the card and engine-building gameplay.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on efficiently using your actions and understanding how machine chain reactions can extend your turn and boost your engine.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Gizmos supports 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 50 minutes, making it suitable for a regular game night.
What prior experience do I need?
Designed as a family game, it requires little prior experience but some familiarity with engine-building helps.
How does this compare to similar games?
Gizmos stands out by combining engine-building with a 3D marble dispenser and an action queue mechanic, making gameplay dynamic and interactive.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, Gizmos is suitable for families aged 14 and up, though the complexity might be challenging for younger players.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its combination of action queue, open drafting, and contracts mechanics along with the 3D marble dispenser is unique.
Fazit
Gizmos is a solid choice for families and casual players seeking a tactical engine-building card game with moderate playtime. It is not suitable for solo play but integrates well into game nights for 2 to 4 players.
