Sentient
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 60 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.2 / 5
- Year
- 2017
About the game
Sentient is a dice-manipulation game where players program robots into their factory board, choosing bots that modify neighboring dice and attract investors. Each turn balances optimizing your bot placements against currying favor with patrons, with dice values at round's end determining your score. A single new bot can ripple across the board and reshuffle a carefully laid plan. Designed by J. Alex Kevern, Sentient delivers a smart, tight sci-fi puzzle of programming and resource optimization.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli appreciates Sentient's signature Kevern style: simple, rewarding choices that hide a surprisingly tricky spatial puzzle. The way one late bot placement can unravel your whole plan creates memorable moments of both triumph and frustration. It's a great pick for players who enjoy a satisfying dice-optimization puzzle without excessive rules overhead.
What we like
- Satisfying dice-manipulation puzzle where every bot placement ripples across your factory.
- Smart, simple, rewarding choices typical of designer J. Alex Kevern.
- Solo mode adds replay value outside of groups.
- Sci-fi robotics theme paired with tight, elegant rules.
Keep in mind
- A single late bot choice can unravel careful planning, which may frustrate planners.
- Math-heavy dice adjustments may not appeal to purely thematic players.
- Moderate downtime as player count grows.
Who it's for
Good for 1-4 players, ages 12+, who enjoy tight, puzzle-like strategy games with dice manipulation.
