Ubongo! Fun-Size Edition (2015) Board Game

Ubongo! Fun-Size Edition is a compact version of the popular board game Ubongo, designed by Grzegorz Rejchtman and published by KOSMOS in in 2015. The game combines elements of action/dexterity and puzzle-solving, making it a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of Ubongo Fun-Size Edition

32 double-sided puzzle cards (each side requiring either 3 or 4 polyomino pieces to solve)

4 sets of polyomino pieces (each set in a different color)

Gem tokens for scoring

Compact game box for portability

How To Setup Ubongo Fun-Size Edition

Setup is straightforward: each player receives a set of eight polyomino pieces. Players decide which side of the puzzle cards they want to use—the A side requires 3 pieces, while the B side requires 4. The puzzle cards are placed in the center of the play area, and the gemstones are set out. Once these steps are completed, the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Earn the most points by completing puzzles quickly and being the first to solve them.

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Each round, players take a puzzle card and race to fill in the blank spaces with their polyomino pieces.
– Pieces can be rotated or flipped to fit the puzzle.
– The first player to complete their puzzle says “Ubongo!” and starts counting down from 20; other players must complete their puzzles before time runs out.
– Completed puzzles are worth one point, and the first player to solve each puzzle earns an additional gem token (worth one point).
– The game consists of 8 rounds, with the player having the most points at the end declared the winner.

Player Experience

Ubongo Fun-Size Edition is designed for family-friendly fun, suitable for players aged 7 and above. The game is easy to learn and plays quickly, lasting about 15 minutes. It is ideal for families with up to four players, though larger families can take turns or purchase additional copies. The game’s compact size makes it highly portable, perfect for travel or quick games on the go.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of ages.

Quick Gameplay: Each game lasts only about 15 minutes.

Portable: Compact box design makes it easy to take anywhere.

Scalable Difficulty: Players can choose between the A and B sides of the puzzle cards to adjust the challenge level.

Real-Time Puzzle Solving: Encourages quick thinking and spatial reasoning.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for up to four players; larger families need to take turns or buy multiple copies.

Piece Management: Care is needed to avoid pieces falling off the playing surface, especially in cramped spaces like airplane trays.

Personal Thoughts on Ubongo Fun-Size Edition

Ubongo Fun-Size Edition is perfect for families, puzzle enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a quick, engaging game. Its portability and easy-to-learn nature make it an excellent addition to any game collection. It’s particularly great for those who enjoy Tetris-like puzzles and real-time challenges. The game’s ability to adjust difficulty levels ensures it remains fun and challenging for players of various skill levels.

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