Orc-lympics: Compete Like a Champion in This Family Favorite
Orc-lympics is a fast-paced card drafting game where players assemble teams of mythical creatures - like orcs, goblins, and elves - to compete in seven fantasy-inspired sporting events. Designed for ages 8 and up, it offers a quick 15-minute playtime, making it ideal for family game nights or on-the-go fun. The game combines team-building, tactical gameplay, and competitive bidding, offering depth while staying easy to learn. With vibrant artwork and a compact design, it’s a hit for players of all ages.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Quick Setup & Play: Playtime of just 15–20 minutes.
- Engaging Mechanics: Draft creatures, compete in events, and score points.
- Affordable Price: Available for $10.95 with guarantees from Brain Games.
Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned gamer, Orc-lympics delivers a fun, fast, and family-friendly experience.
Game Overview and Components
Game Theme and Basic Concept
Orc-lympics takes the excitement of the Olympic games and gives it a fantasy makeover - mythical creatures step in as athletes, competing in a series of whimsical events. Players form teams from a mix of fantastical beings like orcs, elves, halflings, and more, each with their own special strengths in speed, cunning, and strength. The challenge lies in strategically assembling your team to match the demands of the seven unique events, making every decision count.
The game’s vibrant artwork and playful design add to the charm, combining card drafting, hand management, and bidding mechanics to create a balance of accessibility and strategy. It’s a blend of fun and clever gameplay that keeps players engaged.
What's in the Box
Packed in a small, travel-friendly box, Orc-lympics includes everything you need for a competitive and entertaining experience. Here’s what’s inside:
- 42 Orclympian cards representing seven fantasy races - Humans, Goblins, Dwarves, Elves, Orcs, Halflings, and Djinns - each with unique stats for speed, cunning, and strength.
- 15 competition cards that outline the seven events, detailing the skills required and how to score points.
- 2 cup tokens (Gold and Silver) with 2 standees to display them, used to track the winners of each event.
- A detailed rulebook that walks you through setup and gameplay step by step.
Designed for 2–5 players, ages 8 and up, the game takes just 15–20 minutes per session. Its compact size makes it ideal for on-the-go fun, whether you’re traveling or enjoying a quick game night. Reviewers love how easy it is to learn and how much fun it packs into such a short playtime.
How to Play Orc-lympics
Building Teams and Entering Events
To get started, set up the game by placing the gold and silver cups, along with the competition cards, in the center of the table. Lay out six standard competition cards and one main event card face up. Remove one main event card from the deck, and keep the remaining cards face down. Each player then receives eight Orclympian cards to begin drafting their team.
The drafting phase involves selecting one Orclympian card and passing the rest to the next player. This continues until everyone has a complete team. Keep in mind, you can only include Orclympians from up to three different races in your lineup.
Once teams are finalized, the competition phase begins. On your turn, you can either "Enter Orclympians" by playing cards with at least one point in the required skill - Speed, Strength, or Cunning - or "Pass." Playing cards gives you a shot at claiming the Gold Cup if your total score matches or exceeds the current highest score. If you surpass the second-highest score, you’ll secure the Silver Cup. Passing means you're out for the rest of the round, so timing your decisions is key. When all players have passed, the round ends: the Gold Cup winner takes the face-up competition card, while the Silver Cup winner gets the face-down card.
With your team ready, it’s time to dive into the events, where strategic play and well-timed moves will lead you to victory.
The 7 Events Explained
Orc-lympics includes seven competitions - six standard events and one main event that acts as the grand finale. Each event focuses on a specific skill, creating opportunities for varied strategies and scoring.
| Event Type | Skill | Strategy Focus | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Events | Speed | Play cards with high speed ratings | Varies by event |
| Strength Events | Strength | Use cards with strong strength stats | Varies by event |
| Cunning Events | Cunning | Focus on cards with high cunning | Varies by event |
The main event offers the highest point potential, so many players hold onto their strongest Orclympians for this decisive moment. Balancing early victories with saving your best cards for later is a critical part of the game.
Scoring and Winning
The winner in Orc-lympics is determined by points. During each event, players score by achieving either the highest or second-highest total in the required skill. The Gold Cup winner earns more points than the Silver Cup winner, and these points contribute to your final score.
After each competition, Orclympians that participated are placed face down as "resting" cards. Players who didn’t win Gold or Silver can return one resting Orclympian to their hand. The game wraps up after the Main Event. Your total score across all seven competitions determines the winner, so cumulative points matter more than individual event victories. If no Orclympians are entered in a competition, no points are awarded, and that event is discarded.
Tips for Better Gameplay
How to Draft Better Teams
When drafting your team, aim for a well-rounded lineup that takes advantage of each race's unique traits. Instead of focusing solely on high-rated cards, think about building a team that can handle a variety of challenges. Keep an eye on what your opponents are drafting, too. For example, if someone is stockpiling orcs for strength-based events, you might want to pivot to speedier elves or resourceful halflings to avoid direct competition. This kind of strategic drafting sets the stage for smarter decisions when the events roll around.
Event Tactics That Work
Once your team is ready, it’s time to focus on how you’ll play during the events. You don’t have to win every single event to come out on top overall. Sometimes, it’s smarter to hold back your best cards and save them for the right moment. Pay attention to the flow of the game - if an event seems easier than expected, it might be worth seizing that opportunity instead of sticking too rigidly to your original plan. Being adaptable and reading the situation often leads to better outcomes than following a strict, pre-set strategy. These in-event tactics naturally build on the foundation of a strong draft.
Making It Fun for All Ages
While strategy is important, the game is also designed to be enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels. If you’re playing with younger family members, try to guide them without overshadowing their choices. Let them explore the game’s strategic elements at their own pace. Remember, the real joy of Orc-lympics isn’t just in winning - it’s in the shared experience. The mix of luck and strategy keeps things exciting for everyone, and the whimsical fantasy theme adds a playful touch. So lean into the silliness of orc athletics, and make sure everyone at the table is having a good time.
Why Families Love Orc-lympics
Easy to Learn, Challenging to Master
Orc-lympics has struck the perfect balance between simplicity and depth, making it a hit with families. The rules are straightforward enough for kids as young as 8 to understand, but the layers of strategy ensure that even experienced players stay intrigued. This means younger players can dive in and enjoy right away, while adults can explore clever tactics and strategic decisions as they play.
Imaginative Fun with Endless Replayability
The game’s whimsical take on orc athletics adds a playful twist that resonates with all ages. From its vibrant artwork to its humorous event names, Orc-lympics creates a lively and entertaining world that draws players in. What really keeps families coming back, though, is its dynamic gameplay. With ever-changing card drafting and event combinations, no two games feel the same. This variety encourages players to try out different strategies and ensures the game stays fresh, no matter how many times it’s played.
Quick Setup, Fast-Paced Gameplay
Orc-lympics also wins points for being quick to set up and play. In today’s busy world, families appreciate games that don’t require a ton of prep time. With Orc-lympics, all you need to do is shuffle the cards, deal them out, and you’re ready to start. Its short game length makes it perfect for squeezing in a round or two during a hectic evening or taking it along for vacations and camping trips. The compact design and fast-paced action make it an ideal choice for any occasion, whether you’re at home or on the go.
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Where to Buy Orc-lympics
Why Buy from Brain Games?
When you purchase Orc-lympics from Brain Games, you’re not just buying a board game - you’re getting peace of mind. Brain Games backs every purchase with two standout guarantees, making your decision worry-free.
First, there’s the Game Exchange Guarantee, which gives you 14 days to return or exchange the game. If Orc-lympics doesn’t quite fit your group’s vibe or expectations, you can swap it for another title. This takes the guesswork out of picking a new game.
Even better, since Orc-lympics is a Brain Games product, it comes with their Lifetime Guarantee. If any part of the game gets damaged or goes missing, Brain Games will replace the components for free as long as the game is still being produced. This ensures your family fun is protected for years.
You can grab Orc-lympics directly from Brain-Games.com for $10.95. By purchasing through their site, you’ll enjoy these exclusive guarantees and top-tier support. Up next, let’s talk about how easy it is to order and the excellent customer service you can expect.
Easy Ordering and Support You Can Count On
Brain Games makes buying Orc-lympics simple and stress-free. Their website, Brain-Games.com, accepts all major credit cards and provides detailed product descriptions to help you make an informed choice.
For U.S. customers, Brain Games offers quick shipping and a straightforward return process. If you ever need assistance, their customer support team is just a message away. Whether you have questions about your order, need help with game rules, or require replacement parts, they’re ready to help.
Ordering is as easy as visiting Brain-Games.com, finding Orc-lympics in the catalog, adding it to your cart, and checking out with your preferred payment method. Before you know it, your game will be on its way, ready to bring excitement to your next family game night.
Orc-Lympics Review - with Tom Vasel
Final Thoughts on Orc-lympics
Orc-lympics delivers fast-paced fun, straightforward rules, and plenty of opportunities for repeat play. It’s proof that a game doesn’t need to be overly complicated or take hours to create lasting memories around the table.
With a short 15-minute playtime, it’s a perfect fit for families with packed schedules. Yet, it still offers enough depth to keep players of all ages entertained. As Amazon customer David Bringman summed it up:
"Easy to learn and play. You will get beat by your children."
The game strikes a great balance between simplicity and strategy. With a complexity rating of 1.50 out of 5, it’s accessible to anyone aged 8 and up. At the same time, the card drafting and team-building mechanics add just enough tactical decision-making to keep seasoned players engaged. It’s no surprise that Orc-lympics earned the Family Bronze Award from Innovation Gaming in 2018.
The fantasy theme and vibrant artwork make the game visually appealing and inviting, while its compact size makes it easy to take on the go. Whether you’re squeezing in a quick game before dinner or packing it for a trip, Orc-lympics is a reliable choice.
If you grab it from Brain-Games.com for just $10.95, you’ll also enjoy the added perks of their Game Exchange Guarantee and Lifetime Guarantee on components. That’s not just a fun game - it’s peace of mind.
FAQs
How does the drafting process in Orc-lympics make the game more strategic and engaging?
The drafting phase in Orc-lympics introduces a strategic twist, pushing players to assemble a well-rounded team of fantasy creatures, each boasting their own unique skills. Every choice matters, as players need to think ahead about how their team will fare across a variety of events, opening the door for tactical decisions and inventive strategies.
This focus on building a thoughtful team adds an exciting layer of depth, rewarding careful planning and quick thinking. It’s this blend of strategy and unpredictability that makes Orc-lympics a favorite among families and gaming fans alike.
Why is Orc-lympics a great choice for both beginners and experienced players?
Orc-lympics: A Game for Everyone
Orc-lympics strikes a fantastic balance between being simple enough for beginners to pick up quickly and offering enough strategy to keep experienced players hooked. The rules are straightforward, making it easy for anyone to dive in and start enjoying the game. At the same time, elements like team drafting and unique character abilities add layers of depth that seasoned gamers will appreciate.
The gameplay is fast-paced, and the lively, family-friendly theme makes it a perfect choice for casual get-togethers or even more competitive game nights. Whether you're just starting out with board games or you've been playing for years, Orc-lympics promises an engaging and fun experience for all.
What benefits does the Brain Games Lifetime Guarantee offer to Orc-lympics buyers?
The Brain Games Lifetime Guarantee takes the stress out of buying Orc-lympics. If your game ever has a defect or problem, Brain Games will replace it for free. No hassles, no extra costs - just a promise to keep your game nights running smoothly.
This guarantee showcases Brain Games' dedication to delivering top-notch products and ensuring happy customers, making Orc-lympics a dependable pick for countless memorable family game nights.
