Blue Marble (1982) Board Game

Blue Marble is a classic board game that was first released in 1982 in Korea. It is a roll and move game that is designed for 2 to 4 players, making it perfect for a small group of friends or family members to enjoy. The game was created by Lee Sangbae and features artwork by Si-yat-sa.

Game Components of Blue Marble

Game board featuring cities from around the world

2 six-sided dice

Property cards representing global cities

Golden Key cards for random events

Buildings (houses, office buildings, hotels)

Korean Won currency denominations (starting at ₩1000)

Player tokens

How To Setup Blue Marble

To set up Blue Marble, players begin by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a token and places it on the “Start” space. The Korean Won currency is distributed evenly among the players, with each player starting with a salary of ₩200,000. The property cards and Golden Key cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Rolling: Players roll two six-sided dice to determine movement.

Property Acquisition: Players can buy properties when they land on unowned spaces.

Building Construction: Players can build houses, office buildings, and hotels on owned properties.

Rent Collection: Players earn rent when others land on their properties with buildings.

Golden Key Cards: Random event cards that can affect gameplay.

Bankruptcy: Players can go bankrupt if they cannot pay debts.

Game Objective

The objective is to be the last player remaining who has not gone bankrupt.

Player Experience

Playing Blue Marble offers a blend of strategy and luck, similar to Monopoly, but with a global twist. Players navigate through cities worldwide, managing their finances carefully to avoid bankruptcy. The game includes unique features like the “Seoul Olympic” space, which is the most valuable property and corresponds to Boardwalk in Monopoly. The “Space Travel” option allows players to choose their next destination, adding a layer of strategic decision-making.

Pros

Global Perspective: Features cities from around the world, giving it a more international feel.

Strategic Depth: Allows for strategic building and financial management.

Random Events: Golden Key cards introduce unpredictability and excitement.

Customizable Movement: Space Travel feature lets players choose their next destination.

Cons

Language Issues: Some city names are misspelled due to translation issues.

Complexity: Can be lengthy and complex, similar to Monopoly.

Lack of Mortgage System: Players cannot mortgage properties to raise funds.

Personal Thoughts on Blue Marble

Blue Marble is ideal for fans of economic and real estate trading games who are looking for a global twist on the classic Monopoly formula. It is best suited for 2 to 4 players who enjoy strategic gameplay and are comfortable with the potential for long play sessions. The game’s unique features, such as the Space Travel option and the global city properties, make it a fascinating alternative to traditional Monopoly. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a quick or simple board game experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.