Busungar (1986) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Busungar is a children’s board game that was released in 1986 by the publisher Alga. Designed by Anders Jeppsson, the game is suitable for 2-5 players and has a runtime of approximately 45 minutes. The game features a colorful and engaging design by artists Anders Jeppsson, Arild Midthun, and Åsa Nilsson, making it visually appealing for children of all ages.

Game Components of Busungar

Game board featuring a garden with an apple tree

Player tokens representing the kids

Apple tokens

Noise tokens (to indicate when the owner or dog is alerted)

Rulebook

Dice (for roll and move mechanics)

How To Setup Busungar

To set up Busungar, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it at the starting point on the board, which represents the streets outside the garden. The apple tokens are distributed on the apple tree spaces on the board. The noise tokens are kept aside to be used during gameplay. The players decide who goes first, either randomly or by rolling the dice.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Roll and Move: Players roll the dice to determine how many spaces they can move on their turn.

Objective

The goal is to sneak into the garden, collect as many apples as possible, and return to the streets without making too much noise, which would alert the garden owner and his dog.

The player with the most apples who successfully returns to the streets wins.

Player Experience

In Busungar, players take on the roles of mischievous kids trying to steal apples from a garden under the cover of night. The game is filled with simple yet exciting moments as players navigate the garden, trying not to wake the owner or his dog. The roll and move mechanic adds an element of chance, making each turn unpredictable and fun.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to young children.

Interactive: Players need to be careful and strategic to avoid noise, adding a fun element of risk.

Short Playtime: The game lasts about **45 minutes**, making it a quick and enjoyable session.

Award-Winning: Busungar won the 1987 Arets Bornespil (Children’s Game of the Year) in Denmark.

Cons

Limited Complexity: The game is very straightforward and may lack depth for older players.

Luck-Driven: The roll and move mechanic means that luck plays a significant role, which might frustrate some players.

Personal Thoughts on Busungar

Busungar is an excellent choice for families with young children or for anyone looking for a light-hearted, easy-to-play game. It promotes basic strategic thinking and introduces children to the concept of taking turns and managing risk. While it may not offer the complexity that older players might seek, it is a charming and entertaining game that can provide hours of fun for its intended age group.

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