Title: Big Easy Busking
Designed By: Joshua J. Mills
Art By: Adrienne Ezell, Andrew Thompson
Published By: Weird Giraffe Games
Released: 2020
Player Count: 1-5
Time to Play: 45-60 Minutes
Ages: 8+
Overview:
Big Easy Busking 1-5 player game about being the best street musician in New Orleans. Big Easy Busking is an area control and hand management game where players compete over three rounds to earn the most money. The musician with the most money at the end of round three wins!
So how do you earn tips? Play songs that match the crowds mood. Play hit songs for a chance to earn even more money!
What's purr-ty cool:
Theme: Big Easy Busking easily has one of the most unique themes we have seen in a board game. If you are the kind of gamer who is looking for something different, this game is definitely a must try. Music in general, is an undertapped theme for game, but I think this is the first and only game I have seen about being a street musician. Big Easy Busking could also be used for those interesting in gameschooling, if you want to teach about Louisiana. The rulebook is filled with fun tidbits of information New Orleans. Big Easy Busking does a good job of tying in the theme with the gameplay for a thematic gaming experience. It is also refreshing to see an area control game that is not a war game.
Art: For those, like me, that are a big fan of bright, colorful games, Big Easy Busking will definitely look great on the table. The card art style is delightful and we liked the use of tarot-sized cards for the crowd cards, as it really gives the chance to appreciate the art.
Components: There are two upgrades that include custom card sleeves, and custom meeples. While, typically I do not sleeve my games, the sleeves are indeed very nice quality and are a nice option for those t hat enjoy sleeved games. The meeples however, I would argue are a must! Coming in five custom shapes, they are just awesome! The alligators and saxophones are totally my favorite.
Solo Mode: Solo gamers rejoice! Big Easy Busking contains five different levels of difficulty, ranging from easy to professional.
Bonus: One last fun thing we would like to share is that Weird Giraffe Games actually made a Big Easy Busking Playlist that you can listen to while gaming. This fun little addition will make your game night even more immersive.
The cat's meow:
"The meeples are just the right size for me to whack under the couch where you cannot reach them. They are mine now!" - Pudgy Cat
Disclosure: Pudgy Cat Games was provided a copy of this game in exchange for a review, however, this review reflects the honest thoughts of the author.