Jungle Speed: 20 Years (2014) Board Game

Jungle Speed: 20 Years is a special edition of the original Jungle Speed game, which was first released in in 2014. This anniversary edition was released in 2014 to celebrate 20 years of the game’s existence. Jungle Speed is known for its fast-paced gameplay and is popular among party game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Jungle Speed: 20 Years

Cards: Non-standard playing cards with various shapes and colors.

Totem: A central object (originally wooden, now often rubber) that players must grab to resolve matches.

Special Effect Cards: Such as “Fast Grab,” “All Flip,” and “Color Match” cards that add complexity and excitement.

Storage Bag: For easy storage and transport of the game components.

How To Setup Jungle Speed: 20 Years

Setting up Jungle Speed is quick and straightforward. The cards are shuffled and dealt equally among the players, with any remaining cards placed under the totem in the center of the table. The totem must be positioned equidistant from all players to ensure fairness. Players then hold their cards face down and prepare to flip them over in a clockwise rotation.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Matching Cards: Players flip their top card away from them, revealing the pattern to their opponents. When a match in shape (or color, depending on special cards) is spotted, players rush to grab the totem.

Totem Grab: The first player to grab the totem gets to give their discard pile to the slower player, who must add these cards to the bottom of their deck.

Special Cards:

Fast Grab: All players can reach for the totem.

All Flip: All players play a card simultaneously.

Color Match: Players match colors instead of shapes.

Objective: The goal is to get rid of all the cards in your deck as quickly as possible.

Player Experience

Jungle Speed is known for its high-energy gameplay and quick reflexes required to succeed. Players must be vigilant and fast to spot matches and grab the totem before their opponents. The game can be quite physical, especially with the older wooden totem versions, but the newer rubber totem reduces the risk of injury. The addition of special effect cards adds layers of strategy and unpredictability.

Pros

Fast-Paced Action: Engaging and intense gameplay that keeps players on their toes.

Easy to Learn: Simple concept but challenging execution.

High Replayability: Different card combinations and special effects ensure no two games are the same.

Affordable: Generally priced under $20, making it a great value for the number of plays.

Flexible Player Count: Supports 2 to 8 players, making it a versatile addition to any game collection.

Cons

Learning Curve: Some players may need time to adjust to the fast-paced nature and special rules.

Physicality: Can be too intense for younger children or older players who prefer less physical interaction.

Card Durability: Cards can become worn and bent over time, affecting gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Jungle Speed: 20 Years

Jungle Speed is ideal for those who love competitive, fast-paced games that require quick reflexes and sharp eyes. It’s a great choice for families with older children, group gatherings, and game nights where you want something that’s both simple to understand and challenging to master. However, it may not be the best fit for very young children or those who prefer more strategic or calm gameplay experiences.

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