Quinto
A traditional board and card game
From: The Quinto Game Company
Reviewed by: Marc Shayed
Quinto is a new “traditional” board and card game from The Quinto Game Company. Here we have a game based on an ancient Roman game called “Calculi”. The Quinto Game Company (TQGC) has added cards and a modern touch to the game, but it still has the strategy and enjoyment still intact. Something like a fusion of such classic games as “Othello”, “Gho”, and even “Poker”, players compete for control of the board and try to play their cards and place their colored chips in a 5-in-a-row sequence.
This game is set apart from the many on the market for several reasons, but most notably is the “100% Satisfaction Guarantee” offered from TQGC. With that kind of offer… well… lets see how it shapes up.
From the rules booklet:
“…More than just a card or board game, Quinto is a unique playing experience guaranteed to provide hours of challenge and fun!”
&
“… In fact, Quinto is so entertaining, we think it’s the best board and card game of all time.”
Ahem… Well I guess some bravado is to be expected from game companies. Although I do disagree with the uniqueness of the Quinto and the “best game ever” comment, I DO believe that Quinto is an outstanding game that has a lot to offer.
Simply put: The board is printed with card numbers and suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades) over the entire board. The players are dealt cards (standard playing cards) and are given chips. Each turn players play 1 card, this card must correspond to a space on the board that is currently ‘free’. Once the card is played that team places a chip on the space to signify that they control it. They will try to do this 5 times, in a line to have 5 chips in a row on the board… that is a “Quinto”. Each round of play consists of 3 Quintos. Once 3 have been formed on the board they are scored (according to placement and numeric values) and the board is cleared and gameplay resumes.
There are a few other rules… such as Red Kings will cause a chip to be removed from the board, and a Black King will allow a chip to be added to the board without playing a corresponding card.
The first team to 500 points wins the game.
So why is the game so fun? Several reasons…
First it is easy to understand, and easy to play. Rules do not take too long to explain, easy to set up and to clean up.
Second it is designed for team play (which is always is a plus to enjoying a game). Teams can be a mix of ages and groups. It is a simple game that challenges players to think and plan out moves.
Thirdly it is good for an entire family. Kids, adults, and everyone in between.
Lastly it is familiar. Like “Othello” players are trying to put chips in a row, but unlike “Othello” the spaces cannot be filled unless you have a corresponding playing card. There is an element of luck with what you are dealt, but then what you do with it is where the strategic part comes in. Playing off of what your partners play, block the other players from making a “Quinto”. The game sounds simple, but there is complexity in the strategies.
So where does “Quinto” fail?
Well… not really a failing, but a shortcoming. The game suffers from an image problem. Most gamers who play games like “Settlers of Catan”, “WarCraft”, “Epicus”, “Frag”, “Diplomacy”, …. May look at the game and decide based on the used of standard “playing cards” and the over all look, that this may not be the game for them.
Yes… I know it’s unfair to judge a book (or game) by its cover… but it happens.
Perhaps if they had a way to make the cards and board different to appeal to the fantasy gamers, the war gamers, or the sci-fi gamers… then I think they would have a real hit. Making the spaces on the board different countries, making the cards different “battle units”… with the Kings being counter strike and special attack cards. This would change the genre to appeal to the gamers that look for wargames.
As it is, I am certain many people will look at it and consider it a “mundane family/party” game (which it is) without trying it and seeing how much fun it really is. That is unfortunate.
So… what does Marc really think?
My play-testers and I sat down and played 10 games over 3 days. We had a great time. Now, doing what I do, I have played a lot of games…easily numbering in the mid-hundreds. I can say with certainty that Quinto, although not the “best game ever”, it is a really good game and definitely deserves a look.
Offering a money back guarantee, optional rules for varied play, and on-line support TQGC has gone out of their way to make the Quinto experience fun and easy.
I am very happy to give “Quinto” a very high recommendation!
Above all I suggest you judge for yourselves. Check out The Quinto Game Company and their new traditional board and card game Quinto at their website http://www.quintogame.com …and of course at all of your local game stores!
Quinto
From: The Quinto Game Company
Type of Game: Traditional Board and Card game
Game Components Included: game board, 2 decks of Quinto playing cards, 133 plastic chips (50 blue, 50 red, & 33 white), score cards, rules manual (16 page), and Warranty Certificate
Game Components Not Included: a pencil (to keep score)
Retail Price: $ 39.95 (US)
Number of Players: 2-10 (max of 3 teams). Best played with 2 teams of 2-3 per team
Player Ages: 10+
Play Time: 1 – 2 hours (depending on how many people are playing)
Email: sales@quintogame.com
Website: www.quintogame.com
Review Score: 9 out of 10 points (4.5 stars)
Reviewed by: Marc Shayed
Review Editor
http://www.GamingReport.com
