Ubongo: 3-D Family (2019) Board Game

Ubongo: 3-D Family is a board game released in 2019 by designer Grzegorz Rejchtman and published by Albi. It falls under the category of puzzle games and is suitable for players aged 8 and above. The game is designed for 1 to 4 players and has a runtime of approximately 25 minutes.

Game Components of Ubongo: 3-D Family

3D puzzle pieces

Puzzle cards with varying levels of difficulty

Blue, amber, green, and red gems

Dice

Sand timer (hourglass)

Illustrated solution pamphlet

How To Setup Ubongo: 3-D Family

To set up the game, each player receives a set of 3D pieces and nine puzzle cards of their chosen difficulty level. Nine blue and nine amber gems are laid out on the table, serving as the round count and rewards for the first and second place finishers. The remaining gems are placed in a bag. Players determine their difficulty level and receive a card accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-Time Puzzle Solving: Players race against the timer and each other to assemble 3D shapes.

Piece Placement: Players must fit their pieces exactly within the designated shape on their puzzle card, without any overhang and within two levels of height.

Dice Rolling: A die is rolled to indicate which pieces to use.

Time Pressure: Players work under the constraint of a sand timer.

Reward System: The first player to complete the puzzle shouts “Ubongo!” and receives a blue gem and a random gem from the bag. The second player gets an amber gem and a random gem, while later finishers receive only a random gem.

Scoring: The game consists of nine rounds, with points awarded based on the gems collected (red gems = 4 points, blue gems = 3 points, green gems = 2 points, amber gems = 1 point).

Player Experience

Ubongo: 3-D Family offers a thrilling and challenging experience, particularly for those who enjoy spatial puzzles. The game’s 3D elements add a new layer of complexity compared to other Ubongo versions, making it the most difficult in the series. Players must think quickly and strategically to fit the pieces within the time limit. The variable difficulty levels ensure that the game is accessible and challenging for players of different ages and skill levels.

Pros

Variable Difficulty Levels: Allows players to choose their level of challenge.

High Replayability: Numerous puzzle cards and piece configurations ensure the game remains fresh.

Engaging and Challenging: Ideal for those who enjoy spatial puzzles and time pressure.

Colorblind Friendly: Unique shapes make the game accessible to colorblind players.

Compact Design: The game comes in a smaller, more traditional-sized box.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The 3D puzzles can be very challenging, especially for younger players.

No Direct Player Interaction: Players work independently, which might be a drawback for some.

Potential for Frustration: The high difficulty level can lead to frustration if puzzles are not solved within the time limit.

Personal Thoughts on Ubongo: 3-D Family

Ubongo: 3-D Family is perfect for families and individuals who love a good challenge. It is an excellent choice for family game nights or solo puzzle enthusiasts. The game’s ability to scale difficulty levels makes it inclusive for a wide range of ages and skill levels. If you enjoy games like Mental Blocks or NMBR 9, or if you’re looking for a game that will test your spatial reasoning and time management skills, Ubongo: 3-D Family is an excellent addition to your game collection.

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