Penguin
- Designer Reiner Knizia
- Publisher Delta Vision Publishing , Fantasy Flight Games , Lautapelit.fi , Nexus Editrice , Silver Stars Publishing
- Illustration Markus Wagner
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Penguin, players draw colored penguins from a bag and secretly keep them behind screens. They take turns stacking penguins into a pyramid, placing new penguins on top of two adjacent ones if the color matches. If the pyramid falls, players receive penalty points. The goal is to play all your penguins across several rounds and achieve the highest score.
Who Is This Game For?
Penguin is suitable for families and players aged 8 and up who enjoy quick, light games. With about 20 minutes playtime, it fits well into short gaming sessions. It's a family game with easy rules and requires no prior experience, making it ideal for kids and casual players.
How It Works
At the start, each player draws colored penguins from a bag and hides them behind a screen. Players then take turns placing penguins to build a pyramid, with a bottom row limited to seven penguins wide. A penguin can be placed atop two adjacent penguins only if it matches the color of one of them. If the pyramid collapses, players receive penalty points equal to their remaining penguins. Players pass when they cannot play, and after several rounds, the highest score wins.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Reiner Knizia, Penguin earned the 2008 Fairplay À la carte Runner-up and a Golden Geek Best Children's Board Game nomination. It blends hand management and pattern building in a quick, tactile stacking game. Part of the Fantasy Flight Games Toys series, it stands out for its simple yet engaging stacking mechanic.
Awards
2008
- 2008 Fairplay À la carte Runner-up — Nominated
Pro
- Quick playtime around 20 minutes
- Easy to learn with low complexity
- Combines hand management and pattern building
- Supports 2 to 6 players
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Limited strategic depth for experienced gamers
- Simple mechanics may lose appeal over time
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in the Antarctic world with colorful penguins as playing pieces. It thematically focuses on the animal kingdom, specifically penguins in their natural habitat.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on placing your penguins strategically by paying attention to the colors already in the pyramid to avoid penalty points.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Penguin is designed for 2 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Games last about 20 minutes, allowing for quick and easy sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
Penguin is a simple family game requiring no special prior knowledge.
How does this compare to similar games?
Penguin uniquely combines hand management with pattern building in a stacking format, differing from pure dexterity games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, suitable from age 8 with simple rules ideal for families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of hand management and pattern building in stacking penguins defines the gameplay.
Fazit
Penguin is a solid choice for families and casual players seeking a short, tactical stacking game. Its straightforward rules and quick rounds make it especially beginner-friendly.
