There’s something about Sushi Go! that just clicks. Maybe it’s the charming, cartoonish sushi illustrations, or perhaps it’s the pure joy of pulling off the perfect hand. Either way, this quick and addictive card game has cemented itself as a must-have for any tabletop collection. If you love games that are easy to learn but packed with strategic depth, then Sushi Go! might just be your next favourite.
Sushi Go! at a Glance
- Players: 2–5
- Playtime: 15–20 minutes
- Publisher: Gamewright
- Designer: Phil Walker-Harding
- Type: Light, card-drafting, set-collection game
At its core, Sushi Go! is a fast-paced card game where players draft different types of sushi to create the best meal and score the most points. With simple rules but plenty of strategy, it’s an excellent choice for family game nights, casual gatherings, or even as a warm-up before a heavier game.
How to Play Sushi Go!
The concept is straightforward: each round, players start with a hand of cards, choose one to keep, then pass the rest to the next player. This continues until all cards are played, and then scores are tallied based on the types of sushi collected. After three rounds, the player with the highest score wins.
Here’s a breakdown of the gameplay:
- Each player starts with a hand of sushi cards.
- Choose one card to keep, then pass the rest to the left.
- Reveal your chosen card simultaneously.
- Repeat until all cards are played.
- Score points based on the combinations you’ve collected.
- Clear the board and start a new round.
- After three rounds, the highest score wins!
Sounds easy? Well, there’s a catch. Each type of sushi scores differently, meaning you have to plan ahead and react to what others are doing. Do you go all-in on sashimi for a big point payout? Or do you hoard pudding cards for a final-round bonus? It’s a game of quick thinking, risk assessment, and a little bit of luck.
Sushi Go! Components – Small Box, Big Fun
Sushi Go! is beautifully simple in both design and components. Inside the compact tin, you’ll find:
- 108 beautifully illustrated sushi cards featuring nigiri, maki rolls, dumplings, and more.
- A rulebook that’s as easy to digest as a plate of edamame.
- A small, travel-friendly tin box that makes it perfect for taking on the go.
The artwork is charming, the iconography is clear, and the cards have a nice finish, making shuffling and handling smooth.
Playing at Different Player Counts
Sushi Go! scales well, whether you’re playing with two people or a full table of five. However, the experience does shift slightly depending on the player count.
- Two Players: The game introduces a rule where each player gets a second ‘dummy’ hand to simulate the draft effect, which works surprisingly well. It’s still fun but lacks the chaos of larger games.
- Three to Five Players: This is the sweet spot. The more players, the harder it is to predict what cards will come back to you, making for more exciting and unpredictable gameplay.
Sushi Go! Expansions and Variants
If you love Sushi Go! but want more variety, there are a couple of ways to shake things up:
- Sushi Go Party! – This expanded version includes a bigger deck with more sushi types and allows for up to 8 players. The best part? You can customise the menu for different gameplay experiences.
- Sushi Roll – A dice-based version that brings a new twist to the drafting mechanic, replacing cards with rolling sushi dice.
Both versions are excellent and add even more replayability to an already great game.
Sushi Go! in the Digital World
If you’d rather play online, Sushi Go! is available on Board Game Arena (BGA), a fantastic platform for digital board gaming. The BGA version is smooth, well-implemented, and even allows for asynchronous play, meaning you can take turns at your leisure. Perfect for sneaking in a game during a coffee break!
Final Thoughts
Sushi Go! is one of those rare games that appeals to all ages and skill levels. It’s quick, accessible, and endlessly replayable, making it a fantastic addition to any game shelf. Whether you’re introducing new players to the hobby or just want a light, engaging game to fill 20 minutes, it’s hard to go wrong with Sushi Go!
So, grab some friends, shuffle those adorable sushi cards, and get ready to feast your way to victory!