What’s Up (2016) Board Game

What’s Up is a board game designed by Dennis Kirps and Jean-Claude Pellin, with artwork by Magdalena Markowska. It was released in 2016 by the publisher Albi. The game is centered around animals and features deduction and memory as key gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of What’s Up

30 double-sided cards

These cards feature birds in different colors (red, yellow, green, purple) and quantities (1, 2, 3)

How To Setup What’s Up

To set up the game, shuffle the 30 double-sided cards and lay them out in a 5×6 grid or any other arrangement that suits the players. The goal is to create a randomized layout that will be the basis for the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Card flipping, memory, probability

Game Objective: Collect sets of birds in the same color and quantity (1, 2, or 3).

Winning Conditions: The first player to collect the required number of sets wins. For two players, this is four sets; for three or four players, it is two sets.

Player Experience

**What’s Up** is a simple, light-hearted game suitable for families and younger players. The gameplay involves strategic card flipping, where players must remember which cards have been flipped to make informed decisions about their next move. The game encourages players to think about probabilities and the potential outcomes of flipping a card.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children aged 8 and up.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last between 10 to 15 minutes.

Develops Memory and Probability Skills: Players learn to memorize card positions and calculate probabilities.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The game can be heavily influenced by luck, especially for younger players who may not fully understand the strategic elements.

Limited Depth: The gameplay is straightforward and may not offer enough complexity for experienced board game enthusiasts.

Potential for Stalemate: If players consistently deny each other the cards they need, the game can end in a stalemate after eight turns.

Personal Thoughts on What’s Up

**What’s Up** is ideal for families looking for a light, enjoyable game to play together. It is particularly good for children, as it helps develop memory and probability skills in a fun and engaging way. While it may not be the best fit for serious board game enthusiasts due to its simplicity, it serves perfectly as a filler game or an opener/closer for game nights. The game’s short duration and easy setup make it a great addition to any family game collection.

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