Hippo (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Hippo, designed by Martin Nedergaard Andersen and published by Helvetiq in 2017, is a fun and competitive board game that combines elements of animals and sports. The game has received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and colorful design, making it a popular choice for families and casual gamers.

Game Components of Hippo

12 tiles numbered 1-12 to form the game board

3 small six-sided dice (d6)

48 life preservers (12 for each of the 4 players)

A central lane with a smiling hippo icon

How To Setup Hippo

To set up the game, players construct the board by laying out the tiles in numerical order. Each tile has either two or three spaces, depending on the number. The central lane, marked with a smiling hippo, is a special space that can hold an unlimited number of life preservers.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling Dice: Players roll three d6 at the start of their turn.

Placing Life Preservers: Players can place life preservers in lanes matching the numbers on the dice or combine dice to form larger numbers.

Central Lane: Rolling a 7 allows a player to place a life preserver in the central lane, which also grants a bonus second turn.

Objective: The first player to get rid of all their life preservers wins.

Player Experience

Hippo is designed to be a light, family-friendly game that is particularly suitable for children. The game is easy to learn, and each turn is quick, making it an excellent choice for teaching math skills and probabilities to kids. The game plays best with four players, as this setup provides the optimal balance between space availability and competition.

Pros

Portable: The game comes in a small, travel-friendly box.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to children as young as 6.

Educational: Helps develop counting, addition, and strategic thinking skills.

Quick Turns: Fast-paced gameplay reduces downtime.

Cons

Luck-Based: The game is heavily dependent on dice rolls, with little strategy to mitigate luck.

Overpowered Mechanics: Rolling a 7 feels overpowered, as it provides both a safe space for life preservers and an extra turn.

Personal Thoughts on Hippo

Hippo is an excellent choice for families with young children, offering a fun and educational experience. While it may not appeal to serious gamers due to its randomness and lack of complex strategy, it serves as a great introduction to board games and basic math concepts. The game’s compact size and easy setup make it a perfect addition to any family game collection. However, for adults or more seasoned gamers, the game might feel too simplistic and reliant on luck.

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