Sushi Go! (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sushi Go! is a card game designed by Phil Walker-Harding and published by Adventureland Games in in 2013. It quickly gained popularity for its simple yet strategic gameplay that appeals to both casual gamers and seasoned board game enthusiasts. The game has received multiple awards and nominations for its innovative mechanics and design.

Game Components of Sushi Go!

A deck of sushi-themed cards

Scoring cards (in some editions)

Rulebook

How To Setup Sushi Go!

To set up Sushi Go!, shuffle the entire deck of sushi cards and deal a hand to each player, with the number of cards depending on the number of players. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw stack. This simple setup ensures the game can be started quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players select one card from their hand and pass the rest to the next player.

Hand Management: Managing the cards in your hand to maximize scoring opportunities.

Set Collection: Collecting sets of cards like sashimi, tempura, and dumplings.

Simultaneous Action Selection: All players choose a card from their hand simultaneously.

Objective: To score the most points by collecting the best combination of sushi dishes.

Scoring Cards

Sashimi: 10 points for a set of 3.

Tempura: 5 points for a pair.

Maki Rolls: 6 points for the player with the most, 3 points for the second.

Dumplings: Points increase with the number collected.

Nigiri: Points vary (3 for Squid, 2 for Salmon, 1 for Egg), tripled with Wasabi.

Puddings: 6 points for the most collected, -6 points for the least.

Player Experience

Sushi Go is renowned for its simplicity and accessibility, making it a great introduction to card drafting and set collection mechanics. The game is highly interactive, with players constantly influencing each other’s decisions through the “pick and pass” mechanism. This dynamic creates a fun and competitive atmosphere, especially as the game progresses and players must strategically block their opponents’ scoring opportunities.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules that can be explained in minutes.

Fast Gameplay: Games typically last around 15 minutes.

High Replayability: Different card combinations ensure varied gameplay each time.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8+ and enjoyable for both new and experienced gamers.

Beautiful Artwork: Attractive and colorful card designs.

Cons

Limited Strategic Depth: Decisions are largely based on probability management and immediate card availability.

Luck Factor: The random draw of cards can significantly impact gameplay.

Hate Drafting: The need to block opponents can sometimes overshadow personal strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Sushi Go!

Sushi Go is ideal for anyone looking for a quick, fun, and engaging card game. It serves perfectly as a filler game during longer gaming sessions or as an introduction to more complex card games. Its accessibility makes it a great choice for family gatherings and casual game nights, while its competitive nature keeps it appealing for experienced gamers. However, those seeking deep strategic gameplay may find it lacking in complexity. Nonetheless, Sushi Go remains a classic and a must-have in many board game collections.

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