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What is Arlukkachase:
Apart from its striking name — one that may spark some debate over pronunciation (it certainly did in our group of friends, but it was all in good fun) — Arlukkachase, in my opinion, is a rare gem of a competitive card game. If you enjoy messing with your opponents, causing those harsh yet hilarious moments that make everyone laugh, and having an overall great time without even realizing it, I have to say this is something that should be on everyone’s radar.
This is a competitive game that takes Uno and adds an arsenal of ways to survive. Instead of being the first to empty your hand, you must survive against the Arlukka, the kicker in this game, while the players around the table are trying to do the same. The saying “I don’t have to outrun the bear; I just have to outrun you” really hits home with this game. But don’t worry, if you get caught, there’s still fun to be had. If this piques your interest, read on, and I’ll convince you why this is a gem of a game to have in your library.
How does it play:
As mentioned, this is a competitive card game where you play cards that either steal cards from other players or cause you to skip your turn. Think Uno but with more power and fewer numbers. Your task is to get the Key and hold it for one full turn. I know what you're thinking: "That sounds easy, just get the key, what could go wrong?" Well, my friend, I didn’t tell you all the cards you have at your disposal. Each card has its own power, and these powers help you win the game or prolong it. Not all is lost, though, as you have cards that can stop your opponents' actions — but be wary, doing this may cause a standoff. I don’t want to spoil the fun, but essentially, you play cards to see if you can still stop or be affected by a card.
One thing I love about this game is how it can progress, making it harder for those who are not the Arlukka. At any point in the game, you can be infected and become part of Arlukka's army. Don’t worry, though — you have shields to stop this, but they aren’t unlimited. The way each card works can make for a fun and interesting game every time, ensuring that no two games are ever the same. This requires strategy and bluffing, which makes game night so much more interesting. So, are you ready to see if you can outlast the Arlukka, or maybe prove to your friends that no one can escape your wrath as the Arlukka?
Complexity of the game:
At first glance, Arlukkachase might seem a little daunting, as there’s a lot going on. However, the beauty of the rules lies in the two-sided cards, which, for me, is a blessing, as I love simple rules and quick, easy games. The cards tell you exactly what they do and how they work, so even if you get confused, you can just read the card and see what’s in your arsenal to take on your “friends.”
Even if you haven’t played anything like this before, the game is very easy to pick up and play. The real challenge comes from using strategy and bluffing to survive the Arlukka. I’ve been in situations where I thought I was playing really well, only to watch everyone around me get caught, the key within reach, and then play a card that shuffles the entire deck, sealing my fate as I "pretended" to fall to the cure. To say I never laughed so hard is an understatement.
How it fares as a competitive game:
Upon first glance, you can see the potential for a fun competitive game, but it’s when you play it that you realize how good it actually is. One-on-one play can be highly competitive — think cat and mouse on pre-workout. But it’s the surprises in each game that keep you captivated. A game can last anywhere from 2 minutes to half an hour, and it doesn’t feel like it’s dragging. If anything, the time flies because you’re constantly plotting and laughing at the way the game is unfolding.
In group play, competition is fierce. You start with a few players attempting to get the key to win and survive the Arlukka, but as people get cursed and join the Arlukka, the game really heats up in a good way. Not only are you running from the Arlukka, but their newly acquired minions are also trying to get you to join their ranks. Your strategy is put to the test here. In one case, I had a cursed player still trying to help me win and hinder the Arlukka, because, as they pointed out, there’s nothing in the rules that says they can’t.
Final thoughts:
I typically like to add a lot here to help people decide whether or not to get the game, but honestly, there isn’t much more to say that hasn’t already been covered. Arlukkachase, in my honest opinion, is fantastic. When I first saw it, I almost passed on it, but now I’m so glad I didn’t. You play one game and instantly want to dive into another because the competitive side of you kicks in. The laughs you have along the way are more than worth it.
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Scores:
Artwork: 3 out of 5
Complexity: 2 out of 5
Replayability: 5 out of 5
Player interaction: 4 out of 5
Component quality: 4 out of 5
Overall Score out of 100:
I would give this game an overall score of 80 out of 100. As mentioned, the game is easy to pick up, and the cards tell you what to do. Gameplay can range from a few minutes to wild competition lasting up to an hour, which is no small feat for a simple card game.
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