Rhino Hero (2011) Board Game

Rhino Hero is a fun and engaging children’s game that was released in 2011 by HABA, a well-known publisher of family-friendly board games. Designed by Scott Frisco and Steven Strumpf, Rhino Hero has quickly become a favorite among families and has won several awards for its innovative gameplay and cute design.

Game Components of Rhino Hero

31 roof cards

28 wall cards

1 foundation card

1 Rhino Hero figure

Instructions

Various special symbol cards (change of direction, take a breather, etc.)

How To Setup Rhino Hero

To set up Rhino Hero, start by choosing the foundation card and selecting which side to use – the side with the “V” in the middle is more challenging. Place the chosen side face up in the middle of the table. Shuffle the roof cards and deal 5-7 cards to each player, depending on the number of players. The rest of the roof cards go into a draw pile. Place the walls and Rhino Hero figure near the other components. The youngest player or the last player to do a good deed starts the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Be the first player to place all your roof cards on the tower.

Setup: Players receive roof cards and take turns stacking walls and placing roof cards on top.

Wall Placement: Use wall outlines on the roof cards to guide where to place the wall cards, bending them as necessary.

Special Symbols: Roof cards may have symbols that reverse play order, force a player to skip a turn, or require moving the Rhino Hero figure.

Rhino Hero Movement: When a Rhino Hero symbol is played, the next player must move the Rhino Hero figure to the new location without disturbing the tower.

Winning Conditions: The game ends when a player places their last roof card, when the tower falls (with the player who knocked it down losing), or when all wall cards have been used (resulting in a shared victory).

Player Experience

Rhino Hero is a game of suspense and excitement, often likened to a reverse Jenga. Players take turns gingerly building a tower, trying not to be the one who makes it fall. The game requires dexterity, skill, and strategy, keeping everyone engaged as they navigate the challenges posed by the special symbols and the heavy Rhino Hero figure. Players must carefully plan and execute their moves, making it a fun and tense experience for the whole family.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to young players.

Portable and Compact: Great for travel and storage.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of all ages, promoting family game time.

Affordable: Priced under $15, offering great value for the fun it provides.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last around 15 minutes.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May not be as engaging for older kids or adults looking for deeper gameplay.

Luck Factor: The game involves a moderate level of luck, which can affect the outcome.

Tower Instability: The game can end abruptly if the tower falls, which might be frustrating for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Rhino Hero

Rhino Hero is an excellent choice for families with young children, as it combines physical dexterity with strategic thinking in a fun and engaging way. The game’s simplicity and quick playtime make it ideal for younger players, while its challenge and suspense keep adults entertained as well. It’s a great addition to any family game collection, offering hours of fun and interaction in an affordable and well-made package. However, older children and adults seeking more complex gameplay may find it less appealing after a few rounds.

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