Jumanji (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Based on the popular movie franchise, the Jumanji board game brings the jungle adventure to your living room. Released in 2019, this game allows players to immerse themselves in the world of Jumanji and face challenges just like the characters in the movies.

Game Components of Jumanji

Game Board: A fold-out board with colored paths and a central green circle.

Pawn Movers: 4 colored pawn movers.

Rhino Marker: 1 marker to indicate stuck players.

Sand Timer: A 6-second timer.

Number Dice: 2 six-sided dice.

Rescue Dice: 4 picture dice with various symbols.

Danger Cards: 33 cards with rhyming messages and challenges.

Label Sheet and Instructions: For setting up and understanding the game.

How To Setup Jumanji

To set up the game, each player chooses a colored pawn mover and places it at the starting point on the board. The danger cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The picture dice and number dice are also made available. Players need to assemble the picture dice by applying the labels provided, which can be a bit time-consuming but is straightforward.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turn: Each player rolls the two number dice to move their pawn around the board.

Space Actions: Players can land on rhino spaces, ‘5 or 8’ spaces, or blank spaces. Rhino spaces require an even number to progress, ‘5 or 8’ spaces need a neighbor to roll a 5 or 8, and blank spaces trigger a danger card.

Danger Cards: When a player lands on a blank space, they draw a danger card and read it aloud. Other players must roll the required symbol on the picture dice within the 6-second timer limit to save the player. Failure adds to the doomsday meter.

Objective: The game is won by the first player to reach the central green circle on the board with an exact roll count. If the doomsday meter is filled before someone reaches the center, everyone loses.

Player Experience

Playing Jumanji can be an exciting and fast-paced experience, especially with more players. The game is easy to learn but relies heavily on luck, which can make it repetitive for adults. With two players, the game feels less complete and more challenging due to the reduced number of players rolling the picture dice. With four players, the game is more engaging, but the rhino spaces can become particularly burdensome.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple mechanics make it accessible to younger players and families.

Cooperative Elements: Players must work together to rescue each other from danger, adding a cooperative twist to the game.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last between 20 to 30 minutes.

Nostalgic Appeal: The game captures the spirit of the movie with its rhyming danger cards and jungle theme.

Cons

Luck-Driven: The game relies heavily on dice rolls, making strategy minimal.

Quality Issues: Some players have reported low-quality components and missing pieces.

Repetitive: The gameplay can become repetitive, especially for adults.

Personal Thoughts on Jumanji

Jumanji is a game that is best suited for families and younger children who enjoy simple, fast-paced games with a touch of adventure. While it has some original mechanics for its time, such as cooperative elements and a doomsday meter, it may not offer enough depth for older players. However, its nostalgic value and ease of play make it a fun addition to any family game night.

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