The Coldest Night Review: A cooperative card game for survival in the cold
"The Coldest Night" is a tense 20-minute survival experience in which you must keep a fire burning in a dilapidated cabin during a freezing cold blizzard or death awaits.
In this review, we'll thoroughly explain the game's appeal, things to be aware of, and who it's recommended for, based on the voices of actual players.
Game Basics
The Coldest Night is a cooperative card game that offers a short but intense survival experience.
The Coldest Night is a cooperative card game for 1-4 players, has a 20-minute playtime, and is recommended for ages 14 and up. BoardGameGeek rates it as lightweight with a complexity rating of 1.86/5 and a rating of 6.2/10.
The game's core mechanic is fire management , where players must keep a fire burning in an abandoned cabin during a nighttime snowstorm and survive until sunrise.
Each player throws a "firewood card" from their hand into the fire. They win if they burn all of the firewood cards, but lose if the fire goes out completely or their Frostbite deck runs out.
The charm of The Coldest Night
This game has a deeper strategic depth and a better thematic expression than meets the eye.
1. Deep strategic gameplay
Managing a fire may seem simple at first glance, but it actually involves deep strategy. Each firewood card has a heat value and an ash value, and it can only burn if the ash value is equal to or less than the total heat value of the fire.
Even if you have a high-heat card in your hand, it's important to think carefully before using it and save it for a more desperate situation.
2. A brilliant expression of the theme
The biggest appeal of this game is the brilliant implementation of the survival theme. The "exploration" mechanic also naturally expresses the situation of searching for something to burn even at the risk of frostbite, making this a work that shines with the theme.
A review on Board Game Quest stated, "This is a game of survival; if the fire dies, everyone dies. The fact that it was made as a cooperative game perfectly supports the theme, and it makes logical sense that all players need to work together to survive."
3. A balance between ease and tension
It's super quick to set up and tear down—it always takes 20 minutes—making it a great filler game. It's a satisfyingly challenging cooperative game, and even a crushing defeat leaves you wanting to try again right away.
4. Various obstacles
Frostbite cards have a variety of harmful effects that can significantly change the course of the game.
The deck also contains three "fire weakening" cards, and each time you draw one, a troublesome card with 0 heat and 0 ash value is instantly added to the fire, adding to the tension.
Concerns and solutions
The main challenges cited are the high level of difficulty and limited strategic options.
1. High difficulty
The biggest problem many reviewers point out is the insanely high difficulty level , with Board Game Quest bluntly stating, "We've never beaten this game," and calling it "an experience so punishing that it's more painful than enjoyable."
Countermeasure: For beginners, the solo version is recommended. In the solo version, some cards can be removed, allowing for more control.
2. Limited strategic options
A review of Board Game Halv points out that "the options are a little too limited. You can choose to explore or throw yourself into the fire, but the outcome of the exploration is fairly predictable (frostbite) and lacks mystery."
Countermeasures: This game is designed as a "simple, condensed puzzle", and it is important to understand that this is the essence of the game when playing.
3. Replayability Issues
Some players have said that after four or five plays, it starts to feel a bit monotonous. "The decks contain the same cards every time, so by the fourth playthrough, you've exhausted them all."
Solution: "It's a compact game with a compact price point that reflects something you'll only play a few times," so it's important to set expectations appropriately.
Recommended for these people and occasions
Perfect for those who love cooperative games or want a quick survival experience.
Suitable players
- Beginner to intermediate cooperative gamers : People who like light cooperative games and are interested in survival themes
- Challenge lovers : People looking for a challenging cooperative game
- Time-constrained groups : Looking for a filler game that can be completed in 20 minutes
Optimal playing environment
Co-op Board Games describes it as "best used as a two-player card game, but also plays well with three players." The solo version is also said to be the best way to play.
Expected effects
- A short, intense collaborative experience
- Immersive survival theme
- Cultivating a spirit of revenge that makes you want to try again and again
Board Game Halv describes it as "the perfect stocking stuffer for the 2020 holiday season - compact, affordable and fun," making it a great casual gift.
Overall Review: The Coldest Night is a fascinating game from start to finish, with a strong theme and fire-stoking mechanics. While its high level of difficulty has been met with mixed reviews, it serves as a lightweight cooperative filler game and is a valuable teaching tool for almost anyone.
This is a must-try for anyone looking for a condensed survival experience in just 20 minutes.
Check the product on the online store page
Free shipping throughout Japan. Orders placed before 3pm will be shipped the same day.
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