Ubongo (2003) Board Game
Ubongo is a popular puzzle board game that was first released in 2003 by KOSMOS. Designed by Grzegorz Rejchtman, the game has become a favorite among puzzle enthusiasts for its engaging gameplay and challenging puzzles. With a runtime of 25 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and above, Ubongo offers a fun and fast-paced gaming experience.
## 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 with twelve gems of various colors. Players place their pawns in front of one of these rows. Each player board has two sides, one with a simpler 3-piece puzzle and the other with a more challenging 4-piece puzzle.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– **Puzzle-Solving**: Players use polyominoes to recreate shapes shown on their puzzle cards.
– **Race Against Time**: A sand timer adds pressure, making the puzzle-solving a race.
– **Gem Collection**: The first player to solve their puzzle can move their pawn up to three rows, the second player up to two rows, and the third player up to one row to collect gems.
– **Scoring**: In the original edition, players collect gems based on their pawn’s position. In the 2015 edition, players earn points through gems based on their finish order.
– **Game Objective**: The player with the most gems of a single color at the end of nine rounds wins the game.
## Player Experience
Ubongo offers a high-speed puzzle-solving experience that is both thrilling and competitive. The real-time aspect of the game, driven by the sand timer, enhances the excitement as players rush to solve their puzzles before others. The game caters to various skill levels with its two-sided puzzle boards, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The strategic element of choosing the right rows to move and collect gems adds depth to the game.
### Pros
– **Engaging and Challenging**: Combines spatial puzzles with fast-paced action.
– **Variety in Difficulty**: Puzzle cards have two sides with different complexity.
– **Strategic Gem Collection**: Choosing the right rows influences gem collection.
– **High Replay Value**: With 36 puzzle boards and multiple sets of pieces, each game is different.
– **Family-Friendly**: Suitable for players of different skill levels and ages.
### Cons
– **Small Gems**: Some players find the gems too small and hard to handle.
– **2015 Edition Changes**: The simplified scoring system in the 2015 edition may remove some strategy.
## Personal Thoughts on Ubongo
Ubongo is an excellent choice for families and puzzle enthusiasts. It is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it a great game for developing spatial recognition and problem-solving skills. The game’s fast-paced nature and competitive environment ensure that players will want to play multiple rounds in a row. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy games like Tetris and Tangram, and its thematic design based on African and Australian Aborigine culture adds a unique and engaging element.
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