This arrest will be difficult...

Bandido (2016) Review

Designer : Martin Nedergaard Andersen
Artist :  Lucas Guidetti Perez
Publisher :  Helvetiq

1 - 4 players
10-15 minutes
6 and up

Written by Guilou

Agents, we just learned that one of the most dangerous criminals is trying to escape from our prison. Nobody has ever escaped from here. This can not happen. We are counting on you. Take all the time it takes but you have to bring him back. I entrust you with shovels and flashlights to pursue him. Sorry ? To do what ? I did not warn you? Let's say the prisoner seems to have dug tunnels all over the prison. It's up to you to discover them and block all the possible exits. It will not be an easy task but I trust you. You are my best agents (among those who have not gone on vacation). You can not fail ... can you?

Bandido is a small card game in the "mini" range from Helvetiq. This is a game by Martin Nedergaard Andersen (author of Hippo, among others). Offering a cooperative, one to four player game, where they have to block the prisoner who is trying to escape from his cell.

First of all, you must choose the difficulty. It could not be easier. The prisoner is represented by a tile whose number of exits varies (from six to five). Once the meaning of this tile is chosen and positioned in the center of the table, the game can begin.

Each player has three cards in their hand. In turn, an agent must connect one of their cards to those already on the table. Then, draw a new card. That's all it is. The rules are indeed explained in a very short time and of course no need to return to the book. Simple is not it?

As much as the way of playing is extremely simple, the victory is far from being as simple. Each map offers different paths, openings going in all directions. A player is content to close an exit while another frustratingly finds themself opening three new ones. Because the difficulty lies in the fact that in turn, players must play a card. So, to do so with those in your hand is not always easy. We were often stuck in choosing the worst card, so as not to penalize our team too much.

All the salt of the game lies in this constant choice of the least worse. Of course, sometimes, plans are made on two pillars of thinking, effectively closing roads. Except that in the meantime, other players may have played new cards, completely upset your plan. Because even if the game is a cooperative, players can not show their cards. So, it is imperative to discuss between yourselves at the risk of being stuck.

The laying rule is simple. You must complete one of the tunnels by placing a card. This card can be positioned as you wish. It is just necessary that each part connected to the other card already in play corresponds perfectly. You can not, for example, create a path that leads to a wall.

To help you, some cards have flashlights. Torches can effectively close outlets. But it's not so simple. Already, they are not numerous and often, they do not completely close the paths, proposing for example another exit on it. You will have to think about when to play them and how to position them. These cards are clearly some of the most important of the game. Although it is possible to close a road without one. But this second option involves a more difficult and longer preparation (while being very dependent on the communication between the players).​

Bandido is a clever game that theoretically does not take much space. Theoretically, because it is a small box easily transportable. The cards are also small. Except it's a card game. In other words, the cards will accumulate on the table and the tunnels will grow continuously. There is a little flaw because contrary to what you think of the box size, you will finally need enough space for playing to enjoy the game better. We then go to an easily playable game that can go anywhere, constrained by the available space. It will then make some concessions to enjoy the best of the game at any time. In this range, Bandido is perhaps the least practical game.

Thematic level, the game quickly finds its limits. You will be more likely to focus on what cards to play, rather than imagine running in tunnels in order to stop a prisoner. The graphics are also quite (too?) sober or dull. One can imagine that the choice was to privilege visibility at the expense of immersion. At this level, the game is very readable.

Small in size, Bandido is a pretty interesting game that offers a good challenge. Depending on the configurations and games, the game can be played very fast or continue until the end of the draw. Easily playable, it can suit any type of player and the whole family. The luck of the draw offers a very good replayability. A replayability that, for most players can be contrasted by the repetitiveness of the mechanism on several plays. In addition, with so much chance, the game sometimes becomes really uncontrollable, except knowing the cards by heart.​

The youngest will find a good entry-level in the cooperative world. Easy to get out, easy to explain, with a fairly short game duration, Bandido can be an interesting challenge for the whole family. It also has a good price choice in relation to the content of the game, which is a not insignificant.

The cards are very readable. The game will require more space than the box can make you think. The rules are simple, clear and do not suffer from any questions. The illustrations are generic and sober which allows good visibility at the expense of immersion.

A good entry level in the cooperative game. Simple in the rules but with a good challenge, the game offers cheerfulness especially with the family.​

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Technical note 7/10
Unlike the size of the box, the game will require a lot of room to enjoy it (even if it is possible to move cards when placed). The illustrations are quite minimalist but everything is very readable. The rules are clear and easy to remember.

My BGG score 6.5 / 10
(Ok game, will play if in the mood)
Bandido offers a good challenge thanks to a luck of the draw. Ideal entry in the world of the cooperative, especially for the youngest, the game unfortunately offers its limits quickly. Sometimes uncontrollable, it can give the feeling of frustration when you can’t do something. For most players, repeatability can occur. Note that the game may be longer than advertised.

Combined score of 6.75 / 10
And now it's up to you...

Thank you to Helvetiq for allowing us to discover the game