89

Kanban EV is a heavy strategy game about resource and time management that puts you in the driver's seat of an entire electric vehicle production facility. Players manage automotive assembly lines using the Kanban scheduling system, racing to meet factory goals while impressing the boss at weekly meetings. It's a streamlined but complex efficiency puzzle that challenges players to optimize production workflows.

89

The Verdict

based on 16 reviews

Positive 0%
Offers significant strategic depth and challenge with minimal downtime, playing faster than its weight suggests.
Features strong player interaction through board meetings and shared production lines, preventing a 'solitaire' feel in group play.
Mechanics are cohesively integrated with the factory theme, aiding in rule comprehension and immersion.
Provides an ideal blend of tactics and strategy, coupled with high replayability due to variable scoring and end-game goals.
Boasts excellent art and graphic design by Ian O'Toole, often complemented by luxurious components.
Possesses a steep and often punishing learning curve, making initial plays challenging and potentially overwhelming.
Setup can be lengthy and cumbersome, consistent with other games by the designer.
The "boss" mechanic (Sandra) can be quite brutal, with mistimed turns potentially leading to significant setbacks.
Can be expensive due to its luxury components and complex production.
100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Meeple Mountain, Justin BellArticle

Kanban EV is a brain-burning, heavy game that demands multiple plays to fully appreciate its complex systems. Despite its initial difficulty, it rewards players with a deep, crunchy, and surprisingly quick gameplay experience, making it a highly satisfying challenge.

100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Board Game QuestArticle

While my tastes vary widely, generally I prefer medium-to-heavy strategy games and I consider Kanban to be the standard-bearer that I measure all others against.

96
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Topping the Table, Jamie HopkinsArticle

The reviewer praises Kanban EV as an exceptional, dynamic, and immersive strategic board game, highlighting its innovative time management, captivating gameplay mechanics, strong theme, stunning artwork, premium components, and immense replayability.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Talking Shelf SpaceArticle

The reviewer highly praises Kanban EV for its impressive component quality and its status as a consistently revisited favorite among Vital Lacerda's games. They describe it as a deeply complex worker placement game with interconnected actions that demand careful, often agonizing, strategic planning.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Never Bored Gaming, Tom and WesVideo

Never Bored Gaming provides an in-depth review of Kanban EV, exploring its worker placement and unique board sections. The discussion highlights the game's intuitive flow and how different actions and elements, like the "Sandra" AI, integrate into the overall experience.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
slickerdrips, TomVideo

The video presents slickerdrips' initial impressions of Kanban EV, detailing their evaluative thoughts on the game following a complete playthrough. It provides commentary on game mechanics and the overall experience.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
No Pun Included, No Pun IncludedVideo

The video provides an in-depth review of Kanban EV, a complex heavy eurogame about car manufacturing. It delves into how the game simulates factory work environments, acknowledging its initial difficulty but ultimately finding it a rewarding and well-designed experience.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board of it, Board of ItVideo

The review praises Kanban EV for its strong design and how its scoring ties into the theme of a rookie worker. While some critique the variable endgame, the game is generally considered a strategic Eurogame that stands out.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Brothers Murph, Ryan and BethanyVideo

The Brothers Murph provide an overview of Kanban EV, detailing the gameplay of this Vital Lacerda game where players manage an automotive factory, build cars, and try to impress their boss. Based on the channel's style, the video likely includes their impressions and thoughts on the game.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Gaming Rules!, Paul GroganVideo

The reviewer, Paul Grogan from Gaming Rules!, offers an exceptionally thorough and detailed tutorial for Kanban EV, indicating that it is a complex and engaging game worthy of such an in-depth explanation, making the game accessible to players.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Before You Play, Before You Play teamVideo

The reviewer highly praises Kanban EV, noting its significant strategic depth, compelling theme, and challenging yet fun gameplay experience.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Ryan and Bethany Board Game Reviews, Ryan and BethanyVideo

Ryan and Bethany provide a highly positive review of Kanban EV, praising its design, smooth gameplay, and effective scaling across player counts. Bethany considers it a strong contender for her 2021 top 10 games.

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