Singapore is a bustling hub of prosperity despite its diminutive size. Yet, the significant economic prosperity is accompanied by housing challenge. This issue stems from the nation’s limited land availability. How does it feel to step into the shoes of a developer tasked to develop high-rise residential buildings?
This is the essence of Chock-A-Block. It simulates the construction of towering apartments, though in a cheerful and whimsical manner. The game brings no dark undertones of the real-world housing woes. It’s just a vibrant and undeniably cute game.
Basically, the core goal is to construct our individual apartment block using the Block cards. Each card is divided into four quadrants. This quadrant represent an individual apartment unit, which could either be empty, with the For Rent sign, or occupied. Furthermore, these cards also feature various Features and colours.
I must admit, despite the limited size of the apartment unit, the visual design remains clear. It can still convey the necessary in-game information. An extra positive point due to the aesthetically pleasing artwork. Although the cuteness is too over the top for me. Yet, I am sure that this art style is likely to appeal to younger audience and female gamers.
tHE BLOCK PLACEMENT
Chock-A-Block exhibits an unexpected degree of strategic depth. We begin with an initial hand of two cards, and from this, we form the foundation of our respective apartment block. The game imposes placement restrictions on Block cards. Well, at least for the default game rule. This thoughtful constrains is the source of the depth. The construction space is limited to four blocks high and three blocks wide only. And the placement must adhere to the rule of gravity. That means, no floating structures allowed.
With only two cards to choose from at any given turn, we must carefully consider which and the placement of the Block card — and also the selection of a new card to replace it. All these layers of decision-making prove challenging. And yet, manageable. In short, the game is not complex at all. There is no complicated move and shenanigan. It makes a good pick for board gamers of all ages, actually. And suitable for new gamers out there.
While placing the Block cards, we have to create continuous chains of identical Features. The Features are depicted within a bloc. This aspect will then translate into victory points at the end-game. I find it particularly appealing that Chock-A-Block restricts each chain’s potential at scoring. In short, once a continuous row of Features is scored, it is considered used and closed. No further extension is possible to create longer chain and score points.
Each Feature type comes with three tiers of scoring. And it is contingent, as aforementioned, upon the chain length. Once a tier is claimed, it then becomes inaccessible for future scoring of that particular Feature tier. This limitation forces us to consider carefully — whether we want to terminate a chain for a lower tier reward or push for a better one later.
In practice, it would be more appropriate to try to achieve the reward from multiple Feature types. It is significantly difficult to reach the higher tier of the same Feature when I have claimed a lower-tier score and then need to start anew. Well, it’s actually already challenging enough to reach the tier from a chain, even. Adding this to the constraints of the limited grid and placement rules, a second, longer chain is personally a tough task.
The neighbour tiles
Chock-A-Block still provides a mechanic that mitigate the placement challenges. We call it the Neighbour tiles. These tiles are placed on the Block card — or should I say, it must be placed — when a chain of four or more connected Blocs of the same colour is formed and a For Rent space exists. It becomes apparent that this is an essential tool in this game.
It is an important tool in Chock-A-Block, and triggering the requirements to place the Neighbour tiles becomes essential. The tiles depict additional Features. With strategic placement over the For Rent spaces, we can use it to extend the chains prior to scoring. I always try to trigger this whenever possible. The Neighbour tiles allow us to overcome the limitations of space and placement and maximise the scoring opportunities.
Chock-A-Block, despite the low complexity, offers a game depth that serves as a brain teaser. An engaging one, even. There is sufficient agency given to players for impactful decision-makings. Thanks primarily to its open drafting and the tile-placement mechanics. It encourages players to make more thoughtful moves, as the game remains lending to the tactical sides with the randomised tile draws.
My gaming group found Chock-A-Block enjoyable. And I think, this game has the potential to serve as a great gateway game for introducing new players to more complex games that feature similar mechanics. We really appreciate its accessibility that does not compromise the challenge it presents.
I am a full-time food technologist during weekdays. However, when the calendar hits weekends, I transform into an avid board gamer. I am a hardcore Legend of the Five Rings (L5R) LCG player from Fantasy Flight Games (FFG). Current hobby: buying board games. My shelf of shame’s list is getting longer, thanks to you, Kickstarter.
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