Onstage

𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Onstage follows the standard trick-taking formula, where each round players will take turns playing 1 card from their hand following the lead color (if able) – before determining the winner, who then begins the next trick.

What’s unique about the game & the crux of its theme is the stage. Each round a new actor will be added onto the stage, of which the most prominent color will determine the trump suit. Moreover, after each trick, the winner will get to take one actor from the stage for scoring purpose – but it must be of the winning color.

Not only does this mechanic causes the trump color to shift between tricks, but the requirement of scoring the winning color’s actor meant that there would be rounds where the winner of said trick will not score anything due to color mismatch.

Moreover, there are certain cards (#1,4 & 7) that when played, would allow players to add, remove or even swap actors on stage – thereby changing the trump color even within the round itself! This radically changes the game’s pacing & allows for many forms of manipulation, such as changing an off-color suit into the trump unexpectedly; or removing a color actor such that the winner would not be able to claim any for scoring!

Where this mechanic shines most though is in a 2v2 game mode, where it’s possible for you to manipulate the stage’s trump color after you’ve seen your partner’s play for the round, allowing for more direct cooperation. Finally, if you find yourself losing most tricks, you can instead strive for a “0 trick victory”, where you instead get to score for ALL the remaining actors on stage.

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𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁 (𝟵.𝟱/𝟭𝟬)

Overall I’m really impressed by Onstage, not just because of its onboard presence (which looks stunning!), but also how well it incorporates the theme with its mechanic – which allows for many direct interaction that’s unseen in many other trick-takers.

If you’re a fan of trick-taking games, be sure to check this one out!

More Information: Link