Blue Marble (1982) – Board Game Guys

Blue Marble Game: Brief History and Background Information of Blue Marble Game

The Blue Marble Game (부루마불게임) is a Korean board game similar to Monopoly, manufactured by Si-Yat-Sa. It was first published in 1982 and can be played by 2 to 4 players. The game is popular and significant because it features cities from across the world, and its title is a reference to The Blue Marble photograph taken by the crew of Apollo 17. The game aims to educate players about geography and world cities while providing an entertaining experience.

Game Components of Blue Marble

Game board featuring cities from around the world

Two 6-sided dice

Player tokens

Golden Key cards (combining elements of Community Chest and Chance cards)

Property deeds

Buildings (houses, office buildings, hotels)

Korean Won currency (denominations start at ₩1000)

Rulebook

How To Setup Blue Marble

To set up the game, each player chooses a token and places it on the “Start” space. Each player receives an initial salary of ₩200,000. The Golden Key cards are shuffled and placed face down on their designated spaces on the board. Players determine who goes first, usually the player who rolls the highest number on the dice.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll and Move: Players roll two 6-sided dice to determine how many spaces they can move.

Buy Properties: Players can buy properties based on real-world cities when they land on unowned spaces.

Build Buildings: Players can build houses, office buildings, and hotels on their properties, increasing rent when other players land on these spaces.

Earn Salary: Players earn ₩200,000 when passing the “Start” space.

Pay Rent: Players pay rent when they land on properties owned by other players.

Golden Key Cards: Players draw these cards, which can provide bonuses or penalties.

Bankruptcy: The game ends when all but one player has gone bankrupt.

Space Travel: A unique feature allowing players to move to any space on the board under certain conditions.

Player Experience

Playing Blue Marble offers a global twist on the classic Monopoly formula. Players navigate a board featuring international cities, with Seoul Olympic serving as the most valuable space, akin to Boardwalk in Monopoly. The game includes random events via Golden Key cards, adding an element of surprise and strategy. The ability to build different types of buildings and the option to use Space Travel cards make the game dynamic and engaging.

Pros

Global Cities: The game features cities from around the world, offering a unique geographical education.

Dynamic Gameplay: The combination of property buying, building construction, and random events keeps the game exciting.

Strategy: Players must balance spending on properties and buildings with managing their cash flow.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and up, making it a great family game.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be lengthy and complex, similar to Monopoly.

Language Barrier: Some city names are misspelled or translated in a way that might be confusing for non-Korean speakers.

No Mortgage System: Players cannot mortgage properties, which can limit financial flexibility.

Personal Thoughts on Blue Marble

Blue Marble is ideal for families and groups of friends who enjoy strategic board games with a global twist. It is particularly appealing to those who like the concept of Monopoly but are looking for a fresh and international version. The game’s complexity and length make it more suited for players who enjoy in-depth gameplay and are willing to invest time in a game session.

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