Ubi (1986) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ubi is a classic trivia board game that was first released in in 1986. It was designed by Scott Abbott and Chris Haney, the same team behind the popular game Trivial Pursuit. Ubi challenges players to test their knowledge in a fun and competitive way, making it a great game for game nights or family gatherings.

Game Components of Ubi

Map of the world with detail insets for America and Europe

Rubicon Reticule (map-reader)

Two boxes of questions

Rubi cubis (dice) – one for determining the zone and one for determining the precision

Bases for pyramids

Rubi Ubi (the top piece of the pyramid)

Question cards starting with the word “Ubi” (Latin for “where”)

How To Setup Ubi

To set up Ubi, players first need to understand the components and their roles. The game includes a map, question cards, and dice. Players determine who goes first based on their birthdate closest to March 15th. The player rolls the rubi cubis to determine the zone (Americas, Europe, Water, or Universal) and the required precision (hexagonal or triangular). The map and Rubicon Reticule are essential tools for answering questions accurately.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling the Dice: Players roll the rubi cubis to determine the zone and precision required for the answer.

Answering Questions: Questions start with “Ubi” and require players to locate geographical areas on the map. Answers must be given with either hexagonal precision (hexagon number) or triangular precision (hexagon number and triangle letter).

Building the Pyramid: Players earn pyramid facets by answering questions correctly in each of the four zones (Americas, Europe, Water, and Universal).

Winning the Game: The first player to assemble all four facets and then answer a final question correctly wins by placing the Rubi Ubi at the top of their pyramid.

Player Experience

Ubi is known for its complexity and uniqueness. Players must be prepared to decipher riddle-like questions and use the Rubicon Reticule to provide precise answers. The game is highly challenging, even for experienced trivia players, due to its demanding precision requirements and sometimes misleading or fake questions. The involvement of Julius Caesar’s ghost adds a layer of whimsy and frustration, making the game an interesting but often frustrating experience.

Pros

Geographical Depth: Ubi offers a deep dive into geographical knowledge, making it appealing to geography enthusiasts.

Unique Mechanics: The use of the Rubicon Reticule and the need for precise answers add a unique twist to traditional trivia games.

Challenge: The game is highly challenging, which can be appealing to players looking for a tough trivia experience.

Cons

Complexity: The game rules and mechanics can be confusing and off-putting for many players.

Frustration: The precision required and the presence of fake questions can lead to frustration.

Niche Appeal: Ubi is not suited for casual or family game nights due to its high level of difficulty and complexity.

Personal Thoughts on Ubi

Ubi is a game best suited for dedicated trivia enthusiasts and geography buffs. It requires a significant amount of time and patience to understand and master the game’s mechanics. While it offers a unique and challenging experience, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a more relaxed or family-friendly game. However, for those who enjoy a good geographical challenge and are willing to invest the time, Ubi can be a highly rewarding and absorbing game.

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