Sushi Roll (2019) Board Game

Sushi Roll is a dice version of the popular card game Sushi Go! It was released in 2019 by Gamewright and designed by Nan Rangsima. The game is suitable for 2 to 5 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up.

Game Components of Sushi Roll

Dice: White (nigiri), red (maki), blue (appetizers: dumplings, tempura, sashimi), green (wasabi, menus, chopsticks), and pink (puddings).

Conveyor Belt Mats: Each player has one, with the player having the red-outlined mat starting first.

Chopsticks Tokens: Allow players to swap dice with other players.

Menu Tokens: Enable players to reroll their dice.

Pudding Tokens: Used for scoring at the end of the game.

Scoring Tokens: For tracking points.

Player Trays: For placing and tracking dice and tokens.

How To Setup Sushi Roll

To set up the game, each player receives a tray, 2 Chopsticks tokens, and 3 Menu tokens. The number of dice drawn from the bag varies by player count: 8 dice for 2 players, 7 for 3 players, 6 for 4 players, and 5 for 5 players. Players also receive a conveyor belt mat, with the player having the red-outlined mat going first. Pudding and scoring tokens are set aside for later use.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Drafting: Players draft dice from a shared pool.

Dice Rolling: Dice are rolled and placed on the conveyor belt.

Token Usage: Menus for rerolling, Chopsticks for swapping dice.

Set Collection: Collecting sets of certain dice types for scoring.

Game Objective

The objective is to collect the most valuable set of sushi dishes over three rounds.

Points are scored based on the types and quantities of dice collected (e.g., nigiri, maki, appetizers, puddings).

The player with the most points at the end of three rounds wins, with additional points for pudding tokens and unused Menu and Chopsticks tokens.

Player Experience

**Sushi Roll** keeps players constantly involved, as they need to monitor the dice on the conveyor belts and plan their moves strategically. The game is quick-paced, with rounds ending swiftly. Players must balance the use of their tokens to maximize their scoring opportunities while also disrupting their opponents’ plans. The game is accessible to younger players, but it also offers subtle tactics that can appeal to more experienced gamers.

Pros

Engaging and Interactive: Constant involvement and quick gameplay make it engaging.

Strategic Depth: Use of tokens adds a layer of strategy and planning.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and above, making it a good family game.

Mitigated Luck: The pick and pass mechanism and token usage reduce the impact of luck from dice rolling.

Cons

Limited Replayability: Lack of additional sushi types could reduce long-term interest.

Comparisons to Sushi Go: Some players might find it less compelling compared to the card-based version.

Dice Quantity Issues: Fewer dice at higher player counts can reduce scoring opportunities.

Personal Thoughts on Sushi Roll

**Sushi Roll** is a great option for those who enjoy quick, interactive games with a touch of strategy. It is particularly suitable for families and new gamers due to its ease of understanding and fast-paced gameplay. However, for those who already own and love **Sushi Go**, the differences might not be significant enough to justify a new purchase. Overall, it’s an excellent introduction to the dice-drafting mechanism and a fun addition to any game collection.

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