Wouter & Ymke 
Imagine a game night where the common Ethernet cable becomes the star of the show. This is the reality with Clickport and Speedport, two games that redefine what it means to be a family-friendly, language-independent dexterity game. Their innovative use of everyday tech, combined with easy-to-understand rules, ensures that these games are accessible, engaging, and a surefire hit for family gatherings. Currently, both games are making their debut on Kickstarter, ready to bring this unique gaming experience to tables worldwide.
Clickport: A Tangle of Strategy and Wits
A chaotic server room, cables strewn everywhere, and you, the savvy Etherneter, are tasked with bringing order to this mayhem. This is Clickport, a game that turns the mundane task of cable management into a race against time and opponents. Players dive into the role of server room workers, each striving to be the crowned King of the Server by creating specific patterns with colorful network cables on the board.
The game unfolds with players choosing from three actions each turn – plugging in a cable, removing connections, or utilizing special action cards bought with the currency of the game, I-Tears. The catch? You can’t pass your turn. If you’re out of moves, the game ends, upping the stakes and strategy with every round.
Winning requires keen observation and quick thinking. When you think your pattern is complete, announce it and reveal your pattern card. But beware, a single error can toss you back into the game, while a perfect match secures your victory.
Speedport: A Dash for the Fastest Link
While Clickport is a test of strategic planning, Speedport shifts gears to pure speed. It’s a frenetic race where players, armed with a server board and a handful of cables, aim to replicate patterns from the cards as swiftly as possible. The first to finish shouts “Speedport!”, but accuracy matters just as much as speed – a perfect match earns the pattern card as a point, with the game escalating until a player scores five points.
Despite their shared elements like the Ethernet cables and pattern building, Speedport stands apart in its genre. It’s all about the adrenaline rush, the quick reflexes, and the buzz of being the fastest Etherneter on the block.
Our Verdict
Our time with Clickport and Speedport was nothing short of delightful. The games, while rooted in similar concepts, unfold in uniquely engaging ways. Clickport, with its strategic depth, had us pondering over every move, while Speedport kept our pulses racing in a thrilling dash for victory. Our children, too, were utterly captivated, proving that these games aren’t just for the tech-savvy but for anyone eager for a dose of fun and challenge.
What’s most striking is how both games transform the ordinary Ethernet cable into an integral component of gameplay. It’s a testament to the creative spirit that continues to invigorate modern board gaming. Each playthrough felt fresh, offering a plethora of replayability and enjoyment.
Though we reveled in our prototype copies, kindly provided by the publisher Loodo Ninja, it’s worth noting that the final versions may have variations. Yet, if our experience is anything to go by, these games are poised to be a fantastic addition to any family’s game collection. As we often say around the table, “With just a handful of Ethernet cables, who knew you could plug into so much fun?” Additionally, for those eager to join in on the fun, both Clickport and Speedport are currently making their debut on Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/loodoninja/420736133?ref=7qy7xs
