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Game Info
Year
2021
Players
2-4
Age
6+
Playtime
35 min
Collection
Mechanic profile
Percentile rank vs. all games
Vibe profile
Not enough video data yet
Description
Spring time in Japan means the return of the rhinoceros beetles — "Kabutomushi", which is Japanese for "helmet bug" — and their athletic contests of dominance. Out in the wild, you can find them butting heads trying to show off their strength and impress their insect friends with their wrestling skills. This is the origin of the phenomenal World Insect Wrestling Championship.
In Kabuto Sumo, you are one of the contending beetles that is battling for supremacy in the ring and your place in the pantheon of legendary wrestlers. The gameplay of Kabuto Sumo resembles the coin-pusher arcade games in which you strategically drop quarters and anxiously anticipate coins cascading off the platform. This game features a similar experience, with you trying to strategically slide pieces onto the board and push the other players out of the ring. It's an exciting combination of dexterity, strategy, and luck.
—description from the publisher
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All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 16
This page: 16
Sentiment:
pos 12 ·
mix 1 ·
neu 1 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–16 of 16
Video znIOdcWNpyY
kovray Review
video_pk 68817 · mention_pk 165108
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
No quotes stored for this video.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video iIliAkamSDw
Other at 7:39 sentiment: other
video_pk 65877 · mention_pk 159986
Click to watch at 7:39 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
skip it
Pros
- Great table presence
- Appeals to younger audiences or non-board gamers
- Unique dexterity mechanic
Cons
- Some turns can be anticlimactic with nothing happening.
- May lack depth for strategy game enthusiasts.
- Two-player experience fell flat.
Thematic elements
- Bug battle
Comparison games
- Men at Work
- Seal Team Flicks
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Dexterity Game — The reviewer identifies it as "a dexterity game" where players slide tokens to push other tokens off a ring.
- Push Your Luck — The core mechanic involves pushing tokens, with some spilling off to gain resources, implying a push-your-luck element.
- Variable player powers — The reviewer mentions "You have these different bug characters but they have their own powers that you're going to be using."
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's just not something that i think like is a must own for everyone
- but for me uh the games i've played so far just kind of felt a little bit flat
- i do like it quite a bit i think it's a really good design especially as this kind of like family weight game that plays within an hour
- The biggest and I mean I should say the only criticism I can come up with and I mentioned with you is personally I don't I I would have found a different way to differentiate the lanes and then just laying down the cards I find that the a little bit clumsy sometimes the cards are moving
- it's always a fairly quick game and it does quite a bit of like unique and novel novel stuff
- this is an asynchronous game in the sense that one person is going to be the creature and everyone else is going to be basically trying to survive
- i'm going to give it a play but and i i'm not going to give an asterisk because i feel like every time we're doing these on my own risk on this one i'm going to give it a play but i will say that as you play it consider how often you think you'll get this to the table with four plus
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Kd1KGo3Vf4c
Neon Gorilla Top List at 0:21 sentiment: positive
video_pk 63739 · mention_pk 157240
Click to watch at 0:21 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- easy to teach and quick to play
- appealing presentation and solid wooden components
- accessible for non-board gamers and families
Cons
- luck can play a significant role
- might be lightweight for players seeking deeper strategy
Thematic elements
- dexterity-driven competition with a tactile, wooden aesthetic and a focus on physical interaction rather than abstract strategy.
- a compact, head-to-head arena where players push wooden pieces to topple opponents’ pieces off the board, simulating a playful sumo clash on a light platform.
- abstract/party-game vibe; emphasizes social interaction and immediacy rather than a deep storyline.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — careful placement and balance management to minimize giving opponents opportunities to push pieces off.
- area_control — careful placement and balance management to minimize giving opponents opportunities to push pieces off.
- dexterity — players physically push and nudge pieces on a small board, aiming to knock pieces off while maintaining control.
- Flicking — players physically push and nudge pieces on a small board, aiming to knock pieces off while maintaining control.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's got great presentation and wood pieces
- it's a staple that I'll probably have forever for the non-board gamer
- there's a ton of luck in this; it's really literally any age I think can play this game
- this game won a bunch of awards like a year or two ago
- not really a game there's this giant map
- the Mysteries are fairly thinky and fun and the kids really loved circling around the table
- you're looking for Clues as you go around the map
- the idea of this game is so cool
- there's two ninjas
- you rotate that floor in order to actually collect it
- if you mess up and you fall the other player can kind of booby trap your floor
- teeny tiny little box
- it’s not really a game there’s this giant map
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Nj9xgCtl9bw
Board Stupid Discussion at 4:05 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 42845 · mention_pk 130226
Click to watch at 4:05 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- competition, collection, and thematic rivalry
- Sumo-themed competition with a fantastical or lighthearted twist
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — players compete for board presence to influence the outcome of matches
- set collection — players collect components/tiles to gain a scoring advantage
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Logistics and shipping prices worldwide have gone through the roof.
- I don't crowdfund games anymore.
- Knowledge is power. Make sure you do research before you get in there.
- Crowdfunding rewards tend to emphasize style over substance.
- All in or die.
- You can speak with your wallet and choose very carefully what you back.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Q9GXkEO-fmA
The Board Game Garden Discussion at 9:02 sentiment: positive
video_pk 36720 · mention_pk 110232
Click to watch at 9:02 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- engaging back-and-forth
- highly interactive and social
- quick to teach and play
Cons
- can run long at higher player counts
Thematic elements
- arcade-style beetle combat
- arena beetle wrestling
- light, competitive sport
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dexterity — pushing tokens to topple opponents off the ring.
- team-based combat — two-on-two beetle battles with special abilities.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- "Cascadia is a fantastic game"
- "Time's Up is such a fantastic game"
- "Lacrimosa is a great game Francis and I really enjoyed it"
- "Architects of the West Kingdom... I love this game"
- "Kid-friendly, cozy and cute, Creature Comforts is the cutest thing"
- "Thank you so much for including me in this Charity Auction"
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video IQV77Q4HTgg
The Board Game Garden Two Player Game Recommendations at 20:34 sentiment: positive
video_pk 36145 · mention_pk 108229
Click to watch at 20:34 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Very interactive and fun in two-player mode
- Asymmetric beetles with unique abilities add variety
- Humorous and approachable
Cons
- Can run long with highly skilled players
- Dexterity can be clumsy for some setups
Thematic elements
- humorous, competitive dexterity
- wrestling ring with beetles as sumo wrestlers
- lightweight, whimsical sports theme
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dexterity/precision stacking — Push discs and wrestlers to knock pieces off the ring.
- Head-to-head take-and-release — Direct competition to push opponent’s beetle off the ring.
- Stacking and Balancing — Push discs and wrestlers to knock pieces off the ring.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a calm and therapeutic game
- it's a fascinating two-player experience
- the art is absolutely stunning by Andrew Bosley
- it's a hoot
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video elHn0wsiYBg
No Rolls Bard Top 20 List at 4:59 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12935 · mention_pk 37850
Click to watch at 4:59 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Gorgeous, aggressive oddity with tactile components
- Unique push mechanic
Cons
- Sometimes lumpier/less smooth at higher player counts
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dexterity/area interaction with push mechanics — sumo-style pieces push opponents slowly toward the edge
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a treasure trove of puzzling riches and i love it
- this box is the campaign that takes the form of a delightful comic
- a gorgeous game unlike any i've played this year or most other years
- it's an app-driven competitive storytelling game which just boggles my mind a little
- it's all about family
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video qzZ_wlu5fA0
No Rolls Barred Event Coverage at 11:29 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12586 · mention_pk 36704
Click to watch at 11:29 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- tense, fast-paced bouts
- great banter and fun interactions between players
Cons
- chaotic; outcomes can feel luck-driven
- components are small and can be fiddly
Thematic elements
- dexterity combat with stacking powers
- ring-based arena with two beetle wrestlers
- commentary-driven, playful banter
Comparison games
- King Domino
- Patchwork
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dexterity pushing — players push ramps into a ring to push opponent pieces off or out of the ring
- stacking and power tokens — certain pieces can be stacked to gain abilities or to upgrade a piece
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Welcome to the lord of the board tournament 2023
- Kabuto Sumo is a dexterity game
- Star Realms is a neat deck-builder with direct combat
- Watergate is a tense, political deduction game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video nS5rkmbD0Gc
The Dice Tower Top List at 21:37 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11144 · mention_pk 32794
Click to watch at 21:37 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Quirky dexterity with light, party-like feel
- Great for larger groups and multiple players
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- dexterity/negotiable push-your-luck
- Sumo wrestlers in a ring
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- SETI, I learned it, loved it. My type of game.
- This is by the creators of Terraforming Mars, and it’s a castle defense game set within a Viking theme.
- Parks is a fantastic game.
- It's a basic worker placement, right? That's the base feel of Russian Railroads.
- I absolutely love Tissue. It’s a richly thematic game with different modules that carry the theme.
- Galactic Cruise is my number two. I am so in love with this game.
- Heat Pedal to the Metal is my number one. It’s a quick, fast card-driven race that just sings.
- In the Footsteps of Marie Curie is based upon Marie Curie's lifetime and the research she did.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video o9CPjhWlfo8
Board Game Hangover Top List at 10:27 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10776 · mention_pk 31804
Click to watch at 10:27 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- tight, tactile, and engaging
- short rounds
Cons
- physical dexterity may favor stronger players
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Sumo-style dexterity games
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Tug-of-war dexterity with wooden pieces — Two players push wooden bugs on a platform; aim to be the last bug standing
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- "it's real time game where everybody's just quickly shoots their kiwis"
- "it's like twister the card game"
- "it's basically king of tokyo for two players"
- "you can play it on a bus or anywhere"
- "it's called alice trolley it's a memory game"
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 0rglYs7y8A0
The Cardboard Herald Top List at 19:49 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10189 · mention_pk 30014
Click to watch at 19:49 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Fast, hilarious, and thematic
- Great for families and kids too
Cons
- Short playtime can limit depth for some players
Thematic elements
- Dexterity, momentum, and tense timing
- Sumo wrestlers in dramatic mini-bouts
- playful, kinetic
Comparison games
- Jenga (light dexterity)
- Wingspan (family-friendly)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dexterity/press-your-luck — Flip and flick elements to outpace your opponent
- Flicking — Flip and flick elements to outpace your opponent
- hand management — Optimize timing and cards for scoring opportunities
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Spirit Island still an absolute Banger
- I love the sense of agency that you have in the game
- Arc Nova absolutely took my heart away
- Kabuto Sumo with 31 plays in a year
- the game that I knew was going to be up here
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video lO7MC8kaImY
Paula Deming Discussion at 2:13 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 7002 · mention_pk 20741
Click to watch at 2:13 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Entertainment value and humor
- Acknowledgement of sponsor support
Cons
- Shipment and edition quality issues
- Physical footprint and table space challenges
- Not the latest edition
Thematic elements
- humorous and casual discussion about a board game shipping experience
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dexterity — Players perform precise physical actions and arrangement maneuvers to avoid destabilizing a pose or a stack.
- spatial_placement — Managing limited table space and board components to fit the game setup.
- tension_and_pressure — A lightweight competition feel where component stability and placement matter to avoid a collapse.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- you know a real gaming disaster when i lose at kabuto sumo
- it's too big to put on the table
- not the latest edition
- no city specific recessed boards
- cards aren't sleeved
- there's no watch it played video
- shipment received package acceptance pending
- just the base game
- i forgot to bring my colored pencils
- let's see what board game twitter is up to
- we'll have to play with regular pencils
- it's not the collector's edition
- base game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 062XVPhRQHM
Paula Deming Discussion at 5:41 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4435 · mention_pk 13003
Click to watch at 5:41 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- accessible and fun for mixed groups
- great social filler and light fun
Cons
- short play time may not satisfy heavier gamers
Thematic elements
- cute competition and push-the-figure excitement
- compact, humorous sumo-themed skirmish
- light, party/icebreaker style
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- push-your-figure/sumo push — Players push opponents off a board edge in a light, tactile contest.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- phones will need to go inside this box
- what a night
- i am a good host
- this game's supposed to take 60 to 90 minutes to play we don't have time right now
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video SPiSgt96BW8
The Cardboard Herald Interview at 2:02 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4102 · mention_pk 12003
Click to watch at 2:02 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Accessible theme that fits All Play’s approachable strategy line
- Strong brand fit with small-box format and quick play
Cons
- No explicit cons discussed in the interview
Thematic elements
- strategy and competition in a stylized sumo wrestling world
- Sumo-themed competition in a compact game space
- lightly thematic with abstract strategy
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card-driven action selection — players choose and play action cards to trigger actions
- direct player interaction — mechanisms that allow direct competition and response between players
- Positive player interaction — mechanisms that allow direct competition and response between players
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- we are a company that believes in game night
- Kickstarter is the platform there is no pledge management service tied to it
- all play is just going to be a better fit for the company
- we are a small company
- River Valley Glassworks... this is going to be a big product Focus
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video IVDLQ9oVyfs
The Dice Tower Top List at 15:21 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1164 · mention_pk 3367
Click to watch at 15:21 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- fun expansion options add variety
- engaging interaction and chaos
Cons
- can be chaotic and longer than expected with a big group
Thematic elements
- coin pushing with comical animal fighters
- Sumo wrestlers and beetles
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- alternate_win_conditions — expanded rules with various ways to win via expansion
- dexterity_flicking — flicking pieces to knock opponents or knock pieces off
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Nar is a Viking themed whole thing, but the whole timing, the sequencing when you get to fire off those banners, when you're actually making that, it's one of those games that is a small footprint, but I think it builds really well.
- With the expansion, I think it's fantastic. And they integrated some of that stuff in the new version, Sakura Slam.
- I love Clask so much.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video K49zwhv9l8g
Board Game Spotlight Playthrough at 4:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 642 · mention_pk 1845
Click to watch at 4:46 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Intuitive, quick to teach
- Strong tactile feel and table presence
- Family-friendly and accessible to new gamers
- Supports team variants and expansion ideas
Cons
- Ambiguities in edge and rule clarifications can arise during play
- Edge-centric play can be stressful and occasionally frustrating
- Requires careful setup to ensure pieces sit at equal heights and avoid accidental miscounts
Thematic elements
- abstract, tactical slugfest with stacking and knock-off mechanics
- arena-based competition for insect wrestlers; ring-centered push/pull dynamic
- abstract/minimalist
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- edge risk and exhaustion — Falling off or reaching exhaustion condition ends the game or determines the winner; edge positioning is a critical strategic element.
- Inventory management — Pieces knocked off or retained influence future turns; certain pieces grant advantages or special actions when placed or exchanged.
- pushing/knocking off pieces — On each turn, players push a piece into the arena from their inventory to topple opponent pieces off the rim; winning can come from pushing the opponent off or exhausting their available pieces.
- Stacking — Some pieces can be stacked atop others to form multi-height stacks; certain powers interact with stacked configurations.
- Stacking and Balancing — Some pieces can be stacked atop others to form multi-height stacks; certain powers interact with stacked configurations.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's all about angles this game is all about physics
- it's the gift that keeps on giving
- this abstract strategy game
- this takes the coin pushing
- the stunner
- it's all about coin pushing
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
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