Looking at both Drop It and Connect 4 and not sure which one is better? Or maybe you can only buy one and need some help? With that in mind, here’s what I think about whether or not Drop It a better version of Connect 4.
Drop It is a better version of Connect 4 because it can be played by more players, has more variety in its gameplay, and will appeal to more groups of people since it requires more thinking but not so much that it becomes hard to play.
Table of Contents
A Quick Overview Of Drop It
The goal of Drop It is to score the most points. On a player’s turn, they drop a shape (either a triangle, diamond, circle, or square) of a certain color (green, yellow, red, or blue) down between two sheets of plastic.
If the shape touches another shape or color of the same kind, the dropped shape scores no points. It also scores no points if it touches an edge indicating shapes or colors of that kind can’t touch that edge. Also, shapes poking out of the top of the landing area don’t score points either.
Players score points as soon as their shape has landed. They score points based on how high the shape is as well as if it’s covering fully or in part little circles (as seen below) on the sheets of plastic.
The game ends when players have dropped all of their shapes.
A Quick Overview Of Connect 4
The goal of Connect 4 is to create an unbroken row of your color discs. As soon as you do, you win.
On a player’s turn, they drop one of their discs down one of seven possible chutes in a plastic grid. Then the other player goes. If a player makes an unbroken row of their color at any point, whether vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, they win.
Similarities And Differences Between Drop It And Connect 4
Let’s start with the similarities.
Similarities
Here’s the list of similarities between Connect 4 and Drop It:
- Both use colored shapes
- They both use dropping as a mechanic
- Both use stacking as a mechanic
- They both play quickly
- Both have pretty good replayability
- They can both be reset quickly
Now, onto the differences.
Differences
Here’s the list of differences between Drop It and Connect 4:
- Drop It’s about scoring points while Connect 4’s about creating an unbroken row
- Drop It’s shapes can bounce and shift while Connect 4’s discs stay where they are once dropped
- Connect 4 only has discs while Drop It has four shapes
- Drop It has more colors
- Up to four players can play Drop It while only two can play Connect 4
- Drop It has more variations in gameplay
- Drop It has more rules about placement
- Connect 4 has less luck
Is Drop It A Better Version Of Connect 4?
So, Drop It and Connect 4 are not exactly the same game. They do have some similarities, but they have far more differences.
Still, they provide similar experiences. They’re easy to play, easy to teach, and just good, simple, fun games.
But what if you only have room in your collection for one? Which one should you get?
This will entirely depend on your gaming group. There are four possibilities when it comes to this particular situation:
- Casual gamers
- Serious gamers
- Families
- Kids
Let’s start with casual gamers.
Is Drop It A Better Version of Connect 4 For Casual Gamers?
Casual gamers are board game players who have either played some board games or played no board games. Either way, they aren’t deep into the hobby and are either down to play any game or are more comfortable playing lighter games.
If they had to pick either Connect 4 or Drop it to stay in their collection, I’d go with Drop It. I don’t think they’d care quite as much about the higher replayability of Drop It than Connect 4, but I do think they’d like that it can play up to four players.
Is Drop It A Better Version of Connect 4 For Serious Gamers?
One hundred percent. Even though serious gamers can play more casual games like Connect 4 and enjoy themselves, if it came down to one over the other, Drop It easily wins out here.
Is Drop It A Better Version of Connect 4 For Families?
Drop It wins here too. While Connect 4 would be great for one parent and a kid, Drop It wins again because it can play up to four players. If you’re looking for a family game night game, then Drop It easily is better for that.
Is Drop It A Better Version of Connect 4 For Kids?
Here’s where I think Connect 4 truly shines, which makes sense since it can be played by ages 6 and up. It’s a simple game with bright colors that’s fun to play. It’s perfect for kids.
Drop It could work, but it’s a little more complicated, and I wonder if kids would get frustrated at some of the luck in the game. So, Connect 4 it is!
So, Is Drop It A Better Version Of Connect 4?
Here’s the thing, even though three out of those four groups would likely enjoy Drop It more, that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t enjoy Connect 4 too. Ultimately, I do think Drop It is the better version.
They are different games, but they have the same spirit. You drop something and try to accomplish a goal by doing so. What you’re doing is easy and enjoyable, and that’s all there is to it.
However, Drop It took the spirit that Connect 4 started and evolved it to the next level. Yes, it’s a little more complicated, but not by a lot. Once you understand those rules, you’ve got them. And once you start playing, you won’t want to stop.
Plus, Drop It can play up to four players, it has more variety in its gameplay, more ways to strategize, and so on. Overall, it’s just a better version of Connect 4.
Did You Know?
(Each time you refresh the page you will get a new “Did You Know” fact!)
Did you know there’s a lot that goes into teaching board games? For example, are you familiar with what I call, “little rules?” Even if you are, check out my huge list of strategies to make teaching board games easier here!
Conclusion: Is Drop It A Better Version Of Connect 4?
So, that’s what I think about whether or not Drop It is a better version of Connect 4, but what do you think? Do you disagree, agree, or fall somewhere in between? Let me know what you think and why in the comments below!
And, as always, keep on gaming, fellow board gamers.
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