Coffee Rush – – Gamereactor

If you’ve ever dreamed of running a coffee shop but want to avoid the early mornings and caffeine jitters, Coffee Rush is your ultimate concoction. This fast-paced board game combines the excitement of resource management with a bit of caffeine-fueled chaos, while keeping things lighthearted and accessible. But is it the next great staple on the table? Let’s pour ourselves a cup and find out.

Gameplay review: a shot of strategy, a touch of madness
The premise of Coffee Rush is simple but appealing: you and up to three other players (so 2-4 total) run competing coffee shops in a bustling city. The goal? Serve the best and most diverse coffee orders while keeping your customers happy and your stock of beans and ingredients flowing smoothly.

Players start with a small coffee shop, a limited menu and a basic supply of ingredients such as coffee beans, milk, sugar and syrups. Each turn you must carefully manage your time and resources, as each player races simultaneously to fulfill orders. As the rounds progress, you can upgrade your store, attract new customers and add more complex drinks to your menu.

But here’s the twist: Each player plays at the same time, and there is no strict turn order. Think of it as a real-time battle to brew the perfect cappuccino while your friends steal the last of the vanilla syrup in front of you. The game thrives on this rapid interaction, making every decision feel crucial – and occasionally frustrating, but in a good way.

The main mechanics revolve around balancing your limited resources (coffee beans and ingredients) with customer demand. Coffee orders vary in difficulty and complexity, and the more complex the order, the more points you earn. But be careful: if you take too many complicated orders and fail to fulfill them, you will get some very dissatisfied customers.

What’s hot: the rut that works
Coffee Rush strikes the balance between accessibility and depth. While the rules are relatively easy to understand, the real-time element adds a layer of tension that keeps even experienced gamers engaged. It is one of those games that is quick to learn, but requires a few plays to really master, much like making the perfect cup of coffee.

One of the game’s strengths is its theme integration. Every part of the gameplay feels connected to running a real coffee shop, from ordering ingredients and managing inventory to dealing with picky customers who really need that extra shot of espresso. For coffee lovers, the thematic immersion is fantastic, and even for those who are not die-hard caffeine addicts, the charming artwork and design will draw you in.

The upgrade system is another highlight. During the game, you can invest in better equipment and fancier décor to improve the efficiency of your store. This adds a nice layer of strategy, as you have to decide whether to invest in long-term improvements or focus on pumping out orders quickly for immediate points. The upgrades feel impactful, making every decision feel satisfying.

What is lukewarm: a little too rushed?
While the fast-paced, real-time nature of Coffee Rush has great appeal, it won’t be for everyone. Players who prefer a more relaxed, turn-based experience may find the frantic scrambling a bit too chaotic. The pressure to move quickly means you can’t always plan your moves perfectly, which may deter more strategically minded players who like to think about their next move.

And if you’re playing with a full group of four, the game can get a little crowded, both physically and mentally. With everyone rushing to grab ingredients from a shared supply, it can feel a little messy and it’s easy to lose track of what’s going on. The chaos is part of the fun, but it can also lead to some frustration, especially when someone keeps snagging that last bag of coffee beans you so desperately needed.

Finally, while the game’s components are generally solid, some ingredient tokens are on the small side and can be a bit tricky to manage during the more hectic moments. It’s a minor complaint, but worth mentioning for those who value premium-feeling game pieces.

Final Verdict: Brewed to perfection? Almost.
Coffee Rush is a fun, fast and frantic experience that is sure to please coffee lovers and board players who like a little chaos in their strategy. Its thematic charm, accessible mechanics and real-time gameplay make it stand out in a sea of slower, more methodical board games. However, if you’re someone who prefers a more thoughtful, turn-based experience, or if you don’t thrive under time pressure, you may find the game a bit overwhelming.

However, for those willing to embrace the caffeinated madness, Coffee Rush delivers a unique and enjoyable experience that will keep you coming back for more. Just be ready to fight for that last scoop of coffee beans.

Score : 8/10