Blokus Game
by Amanda Nettgen
(USA)
Board game manufacturer:
Educational Insights
Number of players:
1-4
Ages:
8 to Adult
Footprint score:
3/5
Quick Verdict
You’ve heard of puzzles going 3D, now how about board games? Blokus 3D is similar in looks to the first Blokus, but incorporates some distinct gameplay.
The game and gameplay
If you’ve played the first Blokus game, the shapes in this version will be familiar, except instead of being flat, the pieces are now more like Tetris blocks. Each player chooses a color group of these blocks and as a party, must decide which game pattern to use.
The patterns are basically the blueprint and confines in which players must build. The templates include a tower, an L-shape, steps and a pyramid.
Refer to the cube height restriction picture in the instructions as you take your turns, as following the building rules can be confusing your first few times playing. You may end up playing wrong like my husband and I did if you rely only on your own intuition.
On your go, place a block within your chosen template, making sure to touch at least one face of any previously placed block of yours. Such a rule is similar to the original Blokus, where certain corners had to touch.
Don’t try to color outside the lines by extending your hued piece past the parameters of the template. Also think Rubik’s Cube rather than Swiss cheese when positioning your blocks; you’re not allowed to create any invalid holes.
Sorry, you can’t ever pass your turn as a way to be devious (er, strategic). You can look for opportunities to lock your opponent into a corner so they run out of moves, however, and pay attention to their block inventory and take advantage of that later.
The round ends when no one can validly place any more blocks. The scoring system is interesting in that it’s the player with the most colored squares visible from the top who wins.
Pros and cons
+ It’s a colorful puzzler for your brain.
+ The game comes with a turntable for easier block placement.
+ Two players can play with two colors (but only have one of the colors count to win) to make it more challenging.
+ Sets the stage for single-player brain teasers.
– It’s not as enthralling as the original Blokus.
The verdict
The 3D Blokus game
is best suited for fans of the Jenga stacking game or Tetris. Those expecting it to be as good as the original game, though, may be disappointed.
