Snow Tails is set in the snowy world of the Arctic Circle, where brave sledders compete in a test of skill and endurance. Action is fast and furious and not all sleds may make it to the finish. Huskies only have one setting and that is full speed! Hang on to your furs, the reins, your sled and anything else you can get hold of.
The game contains modular track pieces which can be fitted together to form different courses. Players have their own Dog Decks which they draw from and play onto their sled mat. Movement is rarely in a straight line as the sled may drift left or right. Losing control or speeding into a corner results in Dent cards being acquired which will limit a player's hand size.
The game features a fun and original movement mechanism.
Game Summary
Race courses are built randomly. Players each have a dog sled with 2 dogs (initially valued 3 each) and a brake (also 3). Each player has the same deck of cards (5 sets of cards 1-5, shuffled) from which they draw a hand of 5 cards.
On your turn, may play 1-3 cards of the same value to these 3 locations (dog1, dog2, brakes). Forward speed (and distance moved) = dog1 + dog2 - brake + bonus (=position in race) if (dog1 = dog2). Lateral movement distance = dog1 - dog2 (move to the side with the stronger dog). Certain parts of the track have speed limits; you take damage if you exceed them, or if you run into obstacles (ice patches, side of track, etc.). Damage = cards that take up space in your hand (so 5th damage --> out of the race!).
The first player to cross the finish line wins!
- Accessible, fast-paced movement with straightforward rules
- Modular tracks add replayability and variability
- Cheerful dog-sled theme with thematic humor
- May appeal to only a subset of players due to theme
- Outcomes can be influenced by luck from card draws
- dog sled race with a fast-paced, modular course
- Arctic Circle; frozen landscape and sledding competition
- lighthearted, competitive family game
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card-based movement — Players share a common deck; movement is driven by card values
- modular track pieces — Track layout is modular, enabling varied courses with speed limits and obstacles
- risk of damage — Certain track sections can permanently damage sleds
- value-combination movement — Players place 1–3 cards of the same value to power dog 1, dog 2, or the breaks
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Thanos Rising Avengers Infinity War is a cooperative game for two to four players that features 42 hero and villain cards, a variety of tokens and counters, and 17 custom dice.
- This is a game that I think definitely deserves a second look.
- Expansion for this game adding more hero and villain characters and support for a fifth player
References (from this video)
- Set in winter with huskys and dog sleds
- One of the most unique racing games
- Weird and distinctive movement mechanics
- Great theme for winter enthusiasts
- Engaging and fun to play
- Very unusual mechanics may confuse new players
- Racing with sled dogs pulling sleds
- Snow-covered terrain with husky dog sleds
- Unique racing mechanics with dog sleds
- Heat: Pedal to the Metal
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- racing — Dog sled racing game with unique movement mechanics
- unique movement system — Distinctive way that pieces move around the board
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's almost like a cozy kind of game cuz you can play it solo if you want
- heat is something that we all need in the winter because if you don't have heat guess what you freeze to death
- when I see a train I think winter every time
- it might be the weirdest racing game we've ever played
- winter was such a thing it was a Vibe
- the snowsuits were on point
- winter I would I would have been doing two things all winter I was either on the pond skating playing hockey or I was um at my neighbors like my grandparents Hill sledding sledding all winter that's all I did
- Jeff I just wish winter would end but it is endless
- you wear a mask when it's cold outside protect your face that's good advice