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Game Info
Year
2003
Players
1
Age
8+
Playtime
20 min
Collection
Your Tier
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Expansions & Family
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Description
In Ubongo, players compete to solve individual puzzles as quickly as they can to get first crack at the gems on hand for the taking.
Original edition:
The game board consists of six rows, with twelve gems (of various colors) placed in these rows. At the start of play, each player places their pawn in front of one of those rows. Each player also takes twelve polyominoes — that is, pieces consisting of 2-5 squares in some configuration; players use these pieces each round to try to recreate shapes.
At the start of a round, each player receives a puzzle card that depicts a shape created by some number of squares; one side of this card depicts six rows of 3 pieces, the other side depicts six rows of 4 pieces, for a more difficult puzzle. When everyone is ready, someone rolls a die to determine which row of pieces each player can use to recreate the shape on their individual card. The race is timed by a sand timer, and the outcome of this race determines the action on the main playing board.
Whoever first solves their puzzle in time gets to move their pawn up to three rows left or right, with the second player to finish moving two rows and the third player only one row. Players then collect two gems from the front of the row where their pawn is located, which means that the more rows you can move, the more control you have over which color gems you can collect. After collecting gems, each player receives a new puzzle card, and a new round begins.
After nine rounds, the game ends and whoever has collected the most gems in a single color wins! If players tie, then those players compare who has the most gems in a second color, and so on.
2015 edition:
The puzzle-part of the game remains the same, but the scoring track and system has been greatly changed, to be the same as in Ubongo Extreme. There are no pawns anymore, but instead the winner takes a 3-point gem plus a random gem, the second-place player takes a 1-point gem plus a random gem, and others who finish within time take just a random gem. Whoever scores the most gem-points after nine rounds wins the game.
Ubongo Family
(4 games)
This page includes videos and mentions from the whole Ubongo family. Drill into a specific game below.
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Featured Videos
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All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 17
This page: 17
Sentiment:
pos 12 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 3 ·
neg 1
Showing 1–17 of 17
Video G6O15Z3G5jA
kovray Top 10 List at 24:01 sentiment: positive
video_pk 88953 · mention_pk 235522
Click to watch at 24:01 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Positive
Pros
- Fun spatial puzzle
- Challenging but rewarding
- Race element adds excitement
Cons
- Can be very hard and get players stuck
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Puzzle solving — you get to build shapes
- Spatial Puzzle — you get to build shapes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I think this game deserves much more love than it has gotten
- it's a work replacement in real time which is just brilliant
- this one is a lot of fun it's super super random it's also really it's kind of chaotic
- I really like the combos of rice
- Scout is amazing it's a game you can bring anywhere it's small it's compact
- it's like pattern laying
- it made my brain explode and I want more of that
- who doesn't love Marvel United it's very fun
- it's super well done I think it's a lot of fun
- Zap Attack it was very fun and we still haven't gone back to it and we should because it was a really good game
- Yak is fun it's very cool because you just like go around and try to collect resources build up these cubes to build up your pyramid and then score points based on how you've grouped all of your different color uh cubes and it's it's it's simple it's easy and the um Yaks alone are amazing and they go around there they're so cute and there's a little baby yak
- what is our Z game we only have one and it's called zapotec which we both really want to play yes it's gonna play this yes we have wait when did we play it about a year ago I'm thinking of um yeah yeah we played zap okay Zap Attack it was very fun and we still haven't gone back to it and we should because it was a really good game
- it's just been so long that's what happens when you have so many games
- well that's been at least recommendations 26 recommendations there are some doubles in there but you know what we'll let you do the math how many games you recommended let us know in the comments down below not like we can compare our lists or anything does Tyler's double game count we don't know we'll find out boom
- well if you've played any of these games that we've mentioned and you would also recommend them to other people in the board gaming hobby or who want who you want to play board games with let us know down in the comments below what are some of the games we missed and if you're feeling ambitious for it why you type the alphabet down the whole suggestions go from your collection because we love to hear what your recommendations are for each letter and which letter do you have the most games of true bars is s s
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video vUwlKrYhtNs
Get into games Discussion at 3:03 sentiment: positive
video_pk 86444 · mention_pk 223588
Click to watch at 3:03 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Accessible for kids while allowing adult challenge
- Clear visual cues for pieces and scaling
- Encourages cooperative pacing and family play
Cons
- Production quality can influence durability in family use
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Ubongo
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- scaling — a child-friendly easy side and a harder side enable family play.
- Shape matching — players fit puzzle shapes into a grid under time pressure.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's not tranquil I'd say six by six grid
- it's a really satisfying little puzzle
- the ecosystem theme comes across best in this version
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 14ZAbFw0ZWg
Get into games Review at 39:02 sentiment: positive
video_pk 81416 · mention_pk 202025
Click to watch at 39:02 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Puzzle — Players solve spatial puzzles.
- Tetris-like — The gameplay is compared to Tetris.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's a to me it's the perfect sort of intro game to a board games day.
- there's Easter eggs on the cards for all the games which was really cool.
- It's beautiful and it's just very enjoyable.
- I think it's just the theme, the way it looks. It just it gives something more than the mind.
- It's really tight resource management.
- as soon as the treasure is found, it becomes a cat and mouse chase.
- I would argue that the only thing that I think lets it down a little that I would probably change might be the roll and move.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video UnTL-_1oNeM
Good Time Society Discussion at 11:09 sentiment: positive
video_pk 81176 · mention_pk 200341
Click to watch at 11:09 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Orangutan conservation card game
- Theme is new
- Coming soon to Kickstarter
- Designer Lance Shriky
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Orangutan conservation
- Rainforest
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- I Cut, You Choose — Where you select certain items and you're going to give it to your opponent. They're going to choose one group or another.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Oh my god, there's lasers going everywhere.
- We're still focused on board games, beverages, and shenanigans.
- I am the problem.
- Pinched is a game from Mighty Boards that I have not played yet.
- This is the big giveaway.
- Congrats on 100.
- It's a game of woodland critters murdering each other.
- I am the Lord of the Hundreds in celebration of our hundth episode.
- My mission in life acquired.
- The size of it.
- The Spiel Foundation.
- The Doven Center for Play.
- It's the next one in the series.
- The Sagrada Remastered edition, the latest one.
- I don't really want to do any of these actions cuz I want her point or her piece here to get an oversee point.
- I have to battle in two bunny clearings.
- I'm going to go for a dominance win.
- I'm paralyzed.
- This game will never end.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video hs4qFJntJM8
Board Stupid Discussion at 16:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 80824 · mention_pk 198158
Click to watch at 16:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Highly Positive
Pros
- Ridiculously fun
- Great fun for the price
- Very silly
Cons
- Can be perceived as dumb
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative play — Players work together to achieve a goal.
- dexterity — Requires physical skill, involving placing sticks between fingers and balancing sponge balls.
- Set Collection — Implied by needing to get through a certain amount of sticks.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- There was a a new version of Mexico which is actually part of the Mask trilogy of games. And this new version looks absolutely awesome.
- if you like old school Eurogames like I do, go check that out. It's an old school Euro area control game.
- It's take Flip Seven, mix it with craps.
- The really cool things that they've done, you can play without, but there is an app that actually takes away all the mean math that you normally have to do with Flip Seven, for example.
- Ubongo is a cooperative dexterity game and it is the dumbest, most amazing thing. It's so stupid.
- This is the perfect pub game.
- Ridiculous fun.
- Worth a pop for like 15 quid. Great fun. We had a blast with it. Very silly. Very, very fun.
- I met Hugo Myatt who played the original Treguard in uh, in Nightmare and uh, my face just absolutely lit up.
- the Eden game was can't wait and I couldn't wait can't win, sorry. I couldn't I couldn't wait to go and grab it. It's it's all gone. Sold out. It was sold out literally like 10 minutes after the the show was open.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video UWBYLiE7u-A
The Dice Tower Discussion at 2:06 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 80640 · mention_pk 196901
Click to watch at 2:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Ubongo
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The Morrigan Game Factory though, what a great escape room game. It might it's it's definitely in my top escape room games.
- Noobs in Space is one of my favorite little games that's so unique and interesting. You have a deck of cards, you deal them out to everybody. Everybody has cards in their hand, and then you just solve those cards by saying things out loud, working together to play cards, and hopefully you solve it. It communication is the key. You can say anything you want, uh but you just can't show cards. And it's hilarious and fun. Very, very enjoyable.
- If you really like what we're doing here at the Dice Tower, then there are different ways to support Dice Tower.
- Tell your friends about the Dice Tower.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Em9ihG9KsnU
Meeple University Rules Teach at 0:25 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 70743 · mention_pk 246511
Click to watch at 0:25 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
- Players can gain victory points in a variety of ways.
- The Deluxe Edition offers upgraded components.
- The game includes a solo mode (though not covered in this video).
Cons
- Failing to reach the top of the Temple of Heavenly Purity results in automatic loss.
- Spending too much time on the Temple of Heavenly Purity early in the game may not pay off.
- The cost of decrees increases as more players take them.
- Ships in the canal can be lost at sea if they don't claim their benefit in time.
- Advanced travel tiles are not recommended for the first game.
Thematic elements
- Influential families attempting to gain the most influence
- Ming Dynasty China
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action Drafting — Players choose cards to play from their hand, which dictates the actions they can take, either from the card itself or the location on the board where it's played.
- Area Majority — The Great Wall action involves placing servants, and scoring is triggered when a row meets a certain number, with the player having the most servants on the wall breaking ties.
- Hand Management — Players exchange cards from their hand with cards on the board, and the discard pile becomes the hand for the next round. Strategic choices involve not just immediate actions but also setting up future hands.
- Set Collection — Acquiring Jade tokens and collecting them contributes to end-game victory points, with escalating point values based on the amount collected.
- Tie-breaking — The intrigue track is explicitly mentioned as the tiebreaker for several game elements, including Great Wall scoring.
- Track Advancement — Players move their markers up the Temple of Heavenly Purity track, which is a critical objective to avoid losing the game and contributes to end-game scoring.
- Worker Placement — Players commit servants (workers) to various locations on the board to perform actions. Some actions are free, while others require spending servants.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Players play the role of influential families in Ming Dynasty China attempting to gain the most influence across four rounds of play.
- any player who fails to reach the top of it by the end of the game automatically loses
- this really is the essence of this game
- servants are tight and particularly early in the game it may have taken you one or two actions to gain those servants in the first place
- the key to the game is about getting the right actions done at the right times rather than simply trying to focus on one of these areas
- your discard pile becomes your hand for the next round
- the player with the highest score wins and in the event of a tie the player who is furthest up the intrigue track wins the game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Fg2W3pS24x4
kovray Review
video_pk 68808 · mention_pk 165099
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)
- I love games like this
- range in difficulty
- it's a really neat ketchup mechanic
- you don't have to be the fastest to end up winning the game
- the combinations are endless
- this is a game that's very much my type of game I really enjoy
- a lot of the cards will actually like when you roll the die because there's so many different sets of puzzle pieces that can be put together to make the one shape
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Fg2W3pS24x4
kovray Review at 0:23 sentiment: positive
video_pk 68808 · mention_pk 239078
Click to watch at 0:23 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Wide range of difficulty levels enabling both casual and seasoned players to engage
- High replayability due to many card configurations and tile arrangements
- Balanced mix of speed and puzzle-solving tension
- Short play sessions make it easy to fit in quick gaming breaks
Cons
- Can be frustrating for players who dislike spatial / 3D puzzle challenges
- Dexterity and speed requirements may alienate some players
- Accessibility considerations for very young players or those less comfortable with 3D components
Thematic elements
- Spatial reasoning, pattern matching, and fast-paced puzzle solving under time pressure
- Abstract spatial puzzle competition with 9 rounds, featuring puzzle pieces, cards, and gems
- Competitive puzzle race against fellow players
Comparison games
- Tetris
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- pattern completion / polyomino tiling — Players assemble puzzle pieces to form the target shape on their card.
- Polyomino — Players assemble puzzle pieces to form the target shape on their card.
- set collection / scoring by gem colors — Gems are earned during rounds and scored according to color values (red, blue, green, brown).
- timer-based racing — A timer runs for each round and players race to finish first or within the time limit.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I love games like this
- range in difficulty
- it's a really neat ketchup mechanic
- you don't have to be the fastest to end up winning the game
- the combinations are endless
- this is a game that's very much my type of game I really enjoy
- a lot of the cards will actually like when you roll the die because there's so many different sets of puzzle pieces that can be put together to make the one shape
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 0LGAMq2M750
Let's Table It Discussion at 12:54 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61773 · mention_pk 154419
Click to watch at 12:54 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Deep strategic choices with a clear engine-building arc
- Expansion potential (lodges) adds scoring depth
Cons
- Table hog and may be crowded at higher player counts
- Art style may not appeal to everyone
Thematic elements
- Array
- Conservation and ecosystems with cards guiding actions
- engine-building with shared goals
Comparison games
- Baron Park
- Patchwork
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Drafting — Draft cards from a hand and then pass them along to others.
- Placement / area scoring — Place cards in conservation center areas and lodges that affect scoring with adjacency bonuses when expanded.
- resource management / engine building — Place cards to build a conservation engine on your board and meet goals for points.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This shelf had six games on it.
- This is staying in the collection until we finish our last two.
- I love New York Zoo. So, it\'s getting kept.
- Obsession stays. It\'s an evergreen in our collection.
- I think Trekking Through History is absolutely gorgeous, but it is time to say goodbye for us.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video pJWbsYTx4T0
kovray Review at 0:59 sentiment: positive
video_pk 60414 · mention_pk 152809
Click to watch at 0:59 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Multiple difficulty levels allow players of different skill levels to compete
- Strong solo mode for solo puzzle practice
- Tactile 3D components and fast-paced round structure
- Replayability due to many puzzles and pattern recognition variance
- Clear rules with rewarding gem rewards
Cons
- Can be frustrating for those who struggle with 3D stacking at higher difficulties
- Dice-driven shapes can introduce luck that affects the puzzle solution
- Setup and cleanup can be fiddly with multiple components
Thematic elements
- speed-solving, spatial reasoning, modular polyomino allocation
- abstract puzzle competition; 3D tile-laying on a flat board with gems as rewards
- abstract/competitive puzzle solving with push-your-luck gem rewards
Comparison games
- Katamino
- Team3
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- 3D polyomino tiling — placing three-dimensional polyomino tiles to fill a card's shape
- Dice Drafting — dice roll determines which shapes you can use to complete puzzle
- dice-driven shape selection — dice roll determines which shapes you can use to complete puzzle
- Polyomino — placing three-dimensional polyomino tiles to fill a card's shape
- simultaneous play with timer — all players work on their own puzzle and flip card with timer; speed matters
- variable difficulties and solo mode — cards of varying difficulty and a solo puzzle mode
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I really like this game
- there's a solo mode so you can actually just go through all these puzzles
- the puzzles are tricky
- you can race to see who finishes it the fastest
- there's a lot of utility… portable and travel friendly
- it's a perfect game for the dentist's office when you're in the waiting room
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 7AjibSpYCNE
Board Gaming Ramblings Discussion at 9:47 sentiment: positive
video_pk 41250 · mention_pk 125160
Click to watch at 9:47 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- great party/quick-play game
- versatile with family groups
- easy to teach
Cons
- replay value can wane over time
- not always the best fit for non-family groups
Thematic elements
- construction and speed puzzle
- tetris-like puzzle world
- light, family-friendly
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- pattern_packing — fit polyomino shapes into a grid as fast as possible
- Polyomino — fit polyomino shapes into a grid as fast as possible
- Set Collection — not central but components allow scoring
- set_collection — not central but components allow scoring
- time_pressure — speed challenges with a timer
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's really fun to be back we hope you will like this and join these videos as well
- we're back with keeper girl gonna be more reviews coming soon
- so yeah my memory that is the end of this video
- there is a link in the description to a form so you can go into that form and you can tell me what games do you want and we might send them to you
- there's going to be hopefully every second week keep or call
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video i6ZG2Fs6-ck
BoardGameCo Review at 5:31 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 36213 · mention_pk 108429
Click to watch at 5:31 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I'm going to be reviewing 17 board games from Board Game Arena.
- I will be going from least fun to most fun.
- There are some great games that I love that I do not think Board Game Arena is the best platform for them.
- This is not one of the videos where I have a lot of them.
- I hope you enjoyed this video and as always I hope you have a good...
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video OnFsHTSxR5c
Board Gaming Ramblings Discussion at 2:01 sentiment: positive
video_pk 33330 · mention_pk 244096
Click to watch at 2:01 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- fast-paced
- family-friendly
Cons
- reliance on rapid reactions
Thematic elements
- fast placement of shapes
- abstract speed/dexterity
- n/a
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- pattern matching — align tetromino-like shapes to fit the grid
- speed/dexterity — players race to place shapes into a grid as fast as possible
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's whimsical it's really a classical fantasy tale
- a speed game that I think is a fund
- it's a dropping game where you try to drop treasures you're drafting
- it's a great game to play at the end of a game weekend
- I would never play with any other account because it doesn't I don't care anything about what happened when we play four players
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video hYMaOHwjsTY
Board Gaming Ramblings Discussion at 1:24 sentiment: negative
video_pk 31433 · mention_pk 92606
Click to watch at 1:24 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
negative
Pros
none
Cons
- 70-page rulebook mentioned as a barrier to playing
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Hello everyone this is Cinema and this is Johannes and you are watching board gaming ramblings.
- We are going to play all of our unplayed games both new and old during 2023.
- Join us in our challenge.
- How many games that you have on your shelf of Shame.
- It's going to be awesome.
- I'm Johannes I'm Cinema and you've been watching board gaming ramblings and bye.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 40f7UEKf4pQ
Board Game Hangover Discussion at 0:39 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7142 · mention_pk 21140
Click to watch at 0:39 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- quick, thinky, approachable for families
- high energy and replayability
Cons
- can create pressure for younger players or less experienced gamers
Thematic elements
- polyomino tiling under time pressure
- abstract puzzle family-friendly
- abstract
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Polyomino — players race to fill a card with polyomino-shaped tiles that resemble tetrominoes
- polyomino tiling — players race to fill a card with polyomino-shaped tiles that resemble tetrominoes
- Real-Time — a quick-paced challenge that adds speed as a core mechanic
- time pressure — a quick-paced challenge that adds speed as a core mechanic
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's very important that kids and grown-ups enjoy it
- you either lose together or win together
- menara would be a great unique option for this
- one guy is a quick polyomino speed game ... it's a bit thinky
- the avengers robin hood is a storytelling adventure game
- it's a story game where you are pirates and try to fulfill your destiny
- you can play magic maze... it's a real-time experience
- don't blame the kid if you lose
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Qhl0-5vyiY8
Might I Suggest a Game Playthrough at 3:08 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1849 · mention_pk 5343
Click to watch at 3:08 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Fun spatial activity
- Frantic gameplay
- Good laughs
Cons
- Challenging combinations
Thematic elements
- spatial puzzle
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Real-time Puzzle — three-dimensional spatial puzzle game
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Why are you so obsessed with me?
- I'm not the only one with opinions on board games out there
- It's a pirate's life for me
- You make sausage till you can make bikes and make your people happy
- Fun to lose games
- Everything you do is satisfying even if you don't win
- A pie snatching good time
- All of Stonemeier games in one game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–17 of 17