Product test
Does the city-building feeling also work as a board game?
by Lorenz Keller
Frantic board game: a ladder game on steroids
8.4.2025
Translation: Megan Cornish
Pictures: Ramon Schneider
The cult card game Frantic is now available as a board game. Instead of reaching the finish line as quickly as possible, you want to stay behind as long as possible. It’s a nasty game principle that challenges friendships and is a lot of fun at the same time.
If you’re a fan of the chaotic card game Frantic, like me, you’ll probably be interested in how the board game version compares. I can already tell you that the folks at Rulefactory have managed to make the board game version evoke emotions – from schadenfreude to anger.
A different kind of ladder game
At its core, the Frantic board game is a ladder game – but flipped on its head. Instead of moving forward quickly, the aim is to stay behind for as long as possible. The further you advance, the more penalty points you receive. The goal is to collect as few points as possible. It sounds simple, but it quickly gets complicated – and provides plenty of laughter around the table.
As soon as you unpack it, you’ll notice that the game components are solidly made. The game board consists of several sturdy pieces, and the pieces and cards are designed with great attention to detail. The small blackboard, where you can note down other players’ penalty points, is particularly well-designed.
Rules with a run-up
At first glance, the rulebook can be confusing, with plenty of special rules and exceptions. But once the first round’s underway, everything makes sense. Thanks to the rule cards for each player, even newcomers quickly lose their inhibitions.
The fun comes primarily from the mix of tactics, chance, and meanness. As with card games, this regularly leads to emotional outbursts at the table. You think you’re safe – and suddenly an action catapults you forward. These surprising twists and turns add to the excitement.
Constant interaction
The players are constantly communicating, and the dynamics are extremely high. There’s haggling, joking and teasing, and the action cards ensure the game’s constantly changing. Friendships are temporary, alliances are doomed to fail – and all this happens in a matter of minutes.
The flexible game board and numerous cards make every round feel different. There are always new ways to annoy the other players – and new tactics to stay behind as long as possible. That’s why the game keeps coming back to the table.
In a nutshell
Mean, loud, entertaining
The Frantic board game successfully transfers the humour and madness of the card game to a new format. If you like games that are about enjoying being nasty rather than being nice, you’re in the right place. It’s not for the faint of heart – but it’s ideal for anyone who enjoys schadenfreude as a game principle.
Pro
- Lots of interaction and humour
- An exciting twist on the classic ladder game
- High-quality material
- Multiple variations mean it can be played again and again
Contra
- The many rules make getting started a bit tough
Header image: Ramon Schneider
I get paid to play with toys all day.
