# of Players 2-3
Time 15-30 Minutes
Age: 6+
Game Type: Card flopper dice roller
Gamer Type: Beginner to Intermediate
Complexity: 4 (Gateway)
Fast games are good for getting people into the hobby of gaming. Nothing is worse than trying to walk a new gamer through a four-hour game to learn the basic elements of advanced gaming. Most games have concepts gamers need to learn before playing. The problem is many advanced game companies forget this when they are building their systems. This week we looked at two games, Amazing Jungle Run and Scurvy Dice (see my Scurvy Dice review) where the designers didn’t forget those who like quick games. Jungle Run is a fun 2-3 player game that can be played quickly and, most important of all, is very fun and simple to learn.
Story
Starting with the story, you are an explorer in the jungle looking to explore. The way that you show you are the best explorer is by collecting points. The points are represented by fruit and a mysterious shaman in the jungle. As you move through the jungle, you meet mighty animals and use your resources (and perils) to help yourself or hinder your opponents. This game has the classic feel of the old adventure movies of the 50s and 60s. Because this game immerses you in the story so well, we award it a 6.5 out of 10 for story.
Artwork
As with all card games, art is king. Jungle Run has some of the most beautiful jungle art I have seen in a high-end board game. The animals are based on realistic images of animals and almost feel like they are behind glass for your personal gaming pleasure because of the gloss finish of the cards. The images are not just pretty, they also line up with the game, which is very important. Because of this we give Jungle Run an 8.5 out of 10 for the amazing graphics on the cards.
Mechanics and Novelty
The mechanics of card games fall into one of several categories: drawing and stealing. Jungle Run is a drawing game where players will move cards around. The randomizers in the game are blind draws, which can be augmented by peeking. There is also a set of dice;l on each are three symbols. The purpose of the dice is to win cards by matching symbols or getting three of a kind.
The resource and peril cards let you manipulate the decks of cards. This can move cards, bury cards, or even allow you to double up on the cards you draw. The mechanics of the game keep the game fun and engaging because even if you can’t draw, which can happen courtesy of having two man eating plants played on you, there is still the ability to acquire cards and move the game forward. The mechanics of the game earn Jungle Run a score of 7.5 out of 10. Jungle Run is a fun little novel game which earned a novelty score of 6 out of 10.
Strategy
The strategy of the game is interesting. There is a zerg rush strategy where you just try to collect points as fast as you can. This can be a winning strategy, especially with new players. There is also a defensive strategy where you collect common cards to defeat problems your opponents throw at you, which can work as well. The engine building strategy in this game is complex, but getting it right can help you sweep the table with a quick move and win the game. These strategies are varied, which makes the game a lot of fun. For this, we award a score of 6.5 out of 10.
A Fun, Quick Novel Game for the Whole Family
With a total score of 35 out of 50, and falling into the card game category, Amazing Jungle Run is a rocking card game. The dice add an element most games do not have. This is a game that you can play with your friends as cutthroat as you want to play, or you can take some of the perils out and have a family friendly game to play with younger children. Overall, this is a great game to have in your collection and one I hope you join the Kick Starter for or pick up at the store.
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