Sushi Go! A Fast-Paced Card Drafting Game Perfect for Sushi Lovers and Family Gatherings!

Sushi Go! A Fast-Paced Card Drafting Game Perfect for Sushi Lovers and Family Gatherings!

Prepare your chopsticks because “Sushi Go!” is here to deliver a whirlwind of culinary delight and strategic card play. This award-winning party game, designed by Phil Walker-Harding, takes players on a delectable journey through a conveyor belt sushi feast where speed, strategy, and a healthy dose of luck determine the ultimate sushi master.

The premise is deceptively simple: choose delicious sushi dishes from your hand and pass the remaining cards to your neighbor. This “drafting” mechanic, repeated across multiple rounds, compels players to constantly evaluate their options, anticipate opponents’ moves, and aim for optimal combinations. Sushi Go! thrives on its accessibility – even newcomers grasp the basic mechanics quickly, allowing everyone to jump into the sushi-fueled fun immediately.

A Feast for the Eyes and Mind: Exploring the Game Mechanics

Sushi Go!’s visual appeal is as enticing as a perfectly crafted maki roll. Each card showcases vibrant illustrations of various sushi delicacies: Nigiri (salmon, squid, egg), Sashimi, Maki rolls, Tempura, Dumplings, and even Pudding for dessert! The whimsical artwork immediately draws players in, creating an atmosphere of playful competition.

The game is played over three rounds. Each round consists of a drafting phase followed by a scoring phase. During the drafting phase, all players simultaneously choose one card from their hand and pass the remaining cards face-down to the player on their left. This cycle repeats until all cards are depleted.

Scoring occurs after each round based on specific sushi combinations:

  • Nigiri: Earn points based on the type of Nigiri (salmon, squid, egg).
  • Sashimi: Collect sets of three Sashimi for bonus points.
  • Maki Rolls: Score points based on having the most Maki rolls of a single type.
  • Tempura: Accumulate Tempura cards in pairs to earn points.
  • Dumplings: Gain extra points per Dumpling card you have at the end of each round.

Pudding: A sweet surprise! Earn bonus points for collecting Pudding cards, as they are not part of any other scoring combinations.

The player with the highest total score after three rounds is crowned the Sushi Master.

Sushi Go! masterfully blends simplicity with strategic depth. Players must weigh their immediate choices against potential future combinations. Do you grab that tempting Sashimi now, risking losing out on a crucial Nigiri later? Should you focus on collecting Maki rolls, even if it means passing up potentially higher-scoring cards in the short term?

Beyond the Basic Feast: Expanding the Sushi Universe Sushi Go! Party, an expanded version released in 2018, offers additional delectable dishes and game modes to spice up the sushi experience. This expansion introduces new card types like Wasabi, which doubles the points of a specific Nigiri, and Fortune Cookies, adding an element of luck and surprise.

Furthermore, Sushi Go! Party includes two additional game modes:

  • “Sushi Go! Round Two”: Players select cards from their hand in a drafting phase similar to the original game but with an exciting twist – players can choose to “take back” one card they previously passed, adding another layer of strategy and intrigue.
  • “Team Play”: Team up with your sushi companions and work together to score the most points!

Sushi Go! Party is a delightful extension for seasoned Sushi Go! enthusiasts or newcomers looking for a deeper dive into the sushi-themed world of card drafting and strategic decision-making.

The Verdict: A Delicious Delight for All Ages

Sushi Go!, whether in its original form or with the Party expansion, consistently delivers fun, engaging gameplay suitable for a wide range of players. Its easy-to-learn mechanics coupled with its charming theme make it a perfect choice for family game nights, casual gatherings, and even competitive tournaments among seasoned gamers.

Prepare to savor every bite of this delectable card drafting experience. Sushi Go! is guaranteed to leave you craving more.