Ubongo (2003) – Board Game Guys

Ubongo

Ubongo is a board game developed by Polish-born Swedish game designer Grzegorz Rejchtman. It was initially released as Pyramidens Portar by the Swedish publisher Kärnan and won the Swedish Årets spel prize in 2003. The game was later released in Germany in 2005 as Ubongo by the publisher Kosmos and gained significant recognition, receiving 13 nominations and awards worldwide. The name “Ubongo” means “brain” in Swahili, a language spoken in Eastern and Central Africa, and the game is based on African or Australian Aborigine culture.

Why is Ubongo Popular?

Ubongo is a fast-paced, addictive, and easy-to-learn geometric puzzle game that is suitable for the whole family. Its popularity stems from its engaging gameplay, which combines competition with excitement and entertainment. The game is well-suited for both children and adults, as its mechanics provide a fun and challenging experience for all ages.

Game Components of Ubongo

36 Puzzle Boards

48 Puzzle Tiles

1 Die

1 Hourglass

1 Cloth Storage Bag

58 Plastic Gems

1 Game Round Track

1 Rules Booklet.

How To Setup Ubongo

To set up Ubongo, each player receives a puzzle board and a set of polyominoes (pieces consisting of 2-5 squares). The game board features six rows of gems. Each player places their pawn in front of one of these rows. The puzzle cards, which depict shapes to be recreated using the polyominoes, are distributed to the players. A die is used to determine which row of pieces each player can use for the puzzle.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Puzzle

Number of Players: 2 – 4

Age: 8 and above

Play Time: 20 – 30 minutes

Mechanics: Geometric puzzle-solving, timed races, and gem collection.

Objective: Players compete to solve individual puzzles as quickly as possible to get first access to the gems. The player who solves the puzzle first gets to move their pawn more rows and collect gems from the desired row. The game ends after nine rounds, and the player with the most gems of a single color wins.

Player Experience

Ubongo offers a dynamic and fast-paced experience where players race against the clock to solve geometric puzzles. The game is reminiscent of Tetris and Tangram, making it engaging for both children and adults. The African-themed artwork and colorful gems add to the game’s appeal. The excitement peaks when players shout “Ubongo!” to signal they have solved their puzzle, adding a fun and competitive element to the game.

Pros

High Quality Components: Thick and durable boards and tiles, and colorful gems.

Engaging Puzzles: Challenging and fun geometric puzzles that appeal to a wide age range.

Competitive Fun: The timed races and gem collection mechanics create a competitive and exciting atmosphere.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for both children and adults, making it a great family game.

Expandable: various expansions available, such as Ubongo Extreme and Ubongo Duel.

Cons

Gem Size: Some players find the gems too small and hard to handle.

2015 Edition Changes: The scoring system in the 2015 edition was changed, which some players feel reduces the strategic element of the game.

Personal Thoughts on Ubongo

Ubongo is an excellent choice for families and puzzle enthusiasts. It combines quick thinking, strategic planning, and a bit of luck, making it appealing to a broad audience. The game’s short playtime and easy mechanics ensure it can be enjoyed by children as young as 8, while the complexity of the puzzles keeps adults engaged. If you enjoy games like Tetris and are looking for a fun, competitive puzzle game, Ubongo is a great addition to your game collection.

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