Klask (Review 2)
review by Chad
My wife and I have been frequenting arcades lately, largely in part to our Air Hockey itch that only a true token table machine can scratch. Something about 1 on 1 dexterity games gets the adrenaline pumping like few other genres can! So then I got to researching; how could we scratch this itch any time we want? This is an age of convenience after all; why should I have to drive to the fun when I can just have it at home?! So after some digging and finding a review worthy solution, I decided to take a break from new releases in order to visit a classic I'd never tried before. Klask! Does this game still hold up after 12 years on the market? Today we will find out!
For those unaware, Klask is a two-player dexterity game that elegantly fuses the frantic energy of air hockey and foosball. The result is a compact, engaging and exciting tabletop experience! The core mechanic is simple, yet brilliant: players control a magnetic striker on top of the board using a steering magnet held underneath. The objective is to hit a small ball into your opponent's goal, the goal being a circular indentation at their end of the board. The first to reach six points wins, but scoring is much more nuanced than just landing a good shot.
The true strategy of Klask comes from the three small white magnetic pieces, affectionately known as the "biscuits," placed on the center line of the board. These magnetic pieces act as dynamic hazards and offer alternative, often game-changing ways to score. If a player's striker piece accumulates two of these biscuits by getting too close, the opponent is immediately awarded a point. This introduces a brilliant layer of risk/reward and strategy not seen in similar games like Air Hockey.
A savvy player won't just focus on the ball; they'll use their striker to hit the biscuits into the opponent's half of the field, creating a magnetic minefield that restricts their movement. Dodging the magnets becomes as crucial as defending the goal. The thread of having two biscuits stick to your striker means a swift, forceful attack can backfire, forcing players to slow down and act with precision. The decision in any given moment (whether to prioritize a goal shot, clear biscuits from your own side, or intentionally knock them to your opponent's zone) is what elevates Klask beyond a mere reflex game.
Most importantly to my play group's pleasure, Klask is accessible to gamers of all experience levels. The core rules can be explained in under a minute: "Hit the ball into the hole, don't fall into your own hole, and don't pick up two white magnets." This immediate understanding allows novices to jump in and start having a great time right away, relying initially on pure hand-eye coordination. The game's high skill ceiling, built around mastering the magnetic control and the strategic manipulation of the biscuits, ensures that veteran players remain challenged. Klask is a must-have for any collection, providing high-quality, exciting gameplay in a compact, easy-to-understand package.
5/5 Fantastic Buy!
Klask is available now from our webstore.
