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Usually this is the section where I would write some sort of esoteric introduction to a game, put a spin on a game’s theme, build some atmosphere, or just downright write something stupid. All of this is done with you, as the reader in mind. My job here is to entertain, as well as to inform. But honestly, this game is about balancing metal sticks on each other. There is a limit, even for myself, to the amount of context that can be stretched.
That being said, there is a beauty in the small and snappy. And that reflects perfectly to Suspend itself.
“To Keep Your Balance, You Must Keep Moving” - Albert Einstein - The Legend
Suspend is a remarkably simple game. It can be played in less than 10 minutes. With that in mind, this might end up being the smallest review I have ever written for Zatu.
You start the game by setting up the frame in which you will be placing your metal sticks. Then you take turns in rolling a coloured dice and placing the represented coloured pole. It is that simple. If any other metal rods fall off the structure on your turn then you have to take them and add them to your supply. And of course, the aim of the game is to get rid of your supply of metal. There you go, there is a “How to Play” guide all bundled up inside a review for you too. At no extra cost!
Each of the rods have little divots in them. In order to place a rod, you must link one of the divots on the piece you are placing with any that are currently free on the built structure. I think. The rules are simply a couple of sentences long and are very open to interpretation. Other than that, there are no real rule or stipulations to follow (I think). Just be good at balancing!
“A Steady Hand Goes A Long Way” – Dan Hilton - The Real Legend
As much as Suspend is simple, there is plenty of reasons to recommend it. Dexterity games as a whole are the easiest ones to get people to play. They are by design, the most approachable. They offer intuitive game mechanics that anyone can understand and enjoy. This makes them easy for players of any age and skill level. Suspend may not be the most amazing dexterity game to have ever graced my battered tabletop. But hey, it brings smiles to every group I have played it with so far. And that is all you can ever truly hope for from a game.
I have played this game with my university friends, my family and with a friend who prefers big and heavy games. Everyone always comes out of it with a smile. I think this is because of how simple the game is and how quick the game can be played. Whilst I don’t have any young ones in my family, I can see it being easily accessible for them too. There is also a plastic version of Suspend for very young gamers. It also has pretty undeniable table presence.
“A Heavy Hand Brings It All Down” – Dan Hilton – Losing His Marbles
Not every game is perfect. In fact, I am yet to find one that is. Suspend comes with it a sprinkling of annoyances. But most of which are purely cosmetic and have no bearing on the gameplay. It comes in a plastic tube. Which simply looks absurd and can be hard to handle when packing the game away. There are also two colours that look very similar to each other that can be a bit of an annoyance.
The rule book also doubles as the cover sheet for the plastic tube. And whilst it is written in almost every language ever conceived, the rules don’t exactly describe the game very well. Luckily, it isn’t exactly a game that you need a degree in rocket science to understand.
The Verdict To End All Verdicts
Suspend is a small game. It is easy to play, approachable by anyone and plays in a crazily small amount of time. Even though it comes in a horrible, HORRIBLE plastic tube, it is impossible not to recommend this game. Especially if you are a fan of dexterity games, or in the market for a game to play with the family. Its also crazy cheap. The world could benefit from more cheap dexterity games. As long as they don’t all come in a plastic tube.
That concludes our thoughts on Suspend. Do you agree? Let us know your thoughts and tag us on social media @zatugames. To buy Suspend today click here!
