Maki Stack (2018) Board Game

Maki Stack is a fun and fast-paced board game that was released in 2018 by Blue Orange Games. Designed by Jeff Lai and illustrated by Stéphane Escapa, this game is perfect for 2 to 6 players and has a quick runtime of 10 to 15 minutes. It falls under the categories of Action/Dexterity, Party Game, and Real-time, making it a great choice for those who enjoy games that require quick thinking and coordination.

Game Components of Maki Stack

High-quality wooden sushi pieces

Sushi mats

Soy sauce bottles

Plates

Blindfolds

Yellow and red cards

How To Setup Maki Stack

To set up Maki Stack, players start by placing the sushi mats and wooden pieces within reach of all players. The deck of cards is shuffled and placed face down. Each team consists of two or more players. The goal is to be the first team to collect six points by successfully stacking the sushi pieces according to the cards drawn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dexterity: Players must quickly stack wooden sushi pieces.

Team Play: Players are divided into teams.

Card Drawing: Yellow and red cards dictate the stacking challenges.

Yellow Cards: Two players from a team use one finger each to lift and stack the blocks.

Red Cards: One player from each team wears a blindfold while their partner guides them to build the stack.

Game Objective: The first team to collect six points wins by completing the stacking challenges correctly and quickly.

Player Experience

Playing Maki Stack is a lively and interactive experience. The game generates excitement through its frantic stacking challenges and teamwork elements. However, the experience can be somewhat forgettable for experienced gamers who have played similar dexterity games. The game’s components, particularly the wooden sushi pieces, are a highlight, inviting players to fiddle with them even when not required. The blindfolded challenges add a comedic touch, but the lack of intuitive names for the sushi pieces can sometimes hinder communication.

Pros

High-Quality Components: Solid, appealing wooden sushi pieces.

Interactive and Fun: Generates laughter and excitement, especially with the blindfolded stacking.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Teamwork: Encourages cooperation and communication among team members.

Cons

Lack of Originality: Experienced gamers may find it too similar to other dexterity games.

Non-Intuitive Piece Names: Names like “cucumber roll” can be confusing during quick gameplay.

Blindfolds: Though functional, the blindfolds can be a bit janky.

Personal Thoughts on Maki Stack

Maki Stack is a fine addition to any family game collection or for those who enjoy lighthearted, quick dexterity games. It is particularly suitable for families with children aged 7 and above, as it promotes teamwork and motor skills. However, experienced gamers might find it less memorable due to its similarities with other games in the genre. For those new to dexterity games, Maki Stack offers a fun and engaging introduction.

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