One look at Piece of Pie from Blue Orange Games and you can’t help but have a craving for a slice. Blueberries, strawberries and even some kiwi will be testing your resolve to keep playing and not head over to the refrigerator to hunt for some leftover dessert. But once you have satisfied your sweet tooth, it’s time to sit down and play. Is Piece of Pie a fun game to play as an after-dinner snack? Let’s find out.
Gameplay Overview:
Playing Piece of Pie is pretty simple. Each player will be assembling a pie of 8 slices, trying to earn the most points. Players earn points for a set of public objectives and also a secret one.
On a player’s turn, they must take a slice from one of the central pies and add it to their own personal one. Once a slice has been taken from a pie, subsequent pieces must be taken from a slice adjacent to an empty space… you don’t take slices from a pie in random spots you monster. In the same manner, all slices added to your personal pie must be added next to an existing one.
The game ends after all players have completed their 8-slice pie. There is a set of scoring objectives that revolve around set collection (ie: have one of each shape), slice placement (two matching slices next to each other), flavor combinations (have a strawberry slice between two different slices), and your secret perfect piece card (have as many of this type of slice as possible). The player the most points wins.
Game Experience:
The rules for Piece of Pie are fairly light, making this one an ideal filler game or, more likely, a family game. The friendly and delicious theme make this an excellent one to play with your kids as the rules are simple enough for just about any young one to pick up. As long as they can understand the need to grab a strawberry slice over a kiwi one, they should be able to enjoy Piece of Pie.
Despite its light ruleset, there is still some decision making that has to be made in the game. Since you have to build out your pies in a circle, you can’t just grab pieces willy-nilly as placement matters. So not only do you have to be cognizant as to what piece you want to grab and when, but you also need to be aware of what your opponents are doing. Since all but one objective card is public, you have to watch your opponents’ pies to make sure they won’t be taking the slices you need, and maybe even to do a little hate drafting if you can.
Speaking of the objectives, the only one I wasn’t a fan of was were the hidden cards. These have you trying to acquire the most of a certain slice of pie. The issue is when a public objective uses your preferred slice in a pie, other players will be incentivized to grab it, leaving less for you to score with.
Final Thoughts:
Piece of Pie is a light, filler game that will slot in perfectly with most families. It probably won’t be making the rounds during your game night except maybe as an occasional filler game, but as something to play with the family or non-gamer friends, it makes an excellent choice. Piece of Pie is easy to learn, has an accessible theme, and is even small enough to be travel friendly.
Final Score: 3.5 Stars – A fun little family game with a delicious theme.
Hits:
• Highly accessible ruleset
• Family-friendly theme and gameplay
• Lots of different scoring objectives
Misses:
• Secret slice mechanic isn’t well thought out
