Similo Review
What has a giraffe, Marie Curie, Poseidon and the Three Little Pigs got in common? It feels like I’m setting myself up for a lame Dad joke! But actually these seemingly unrelated things are all cards from the co-operative card game, Similo.
It is available in Animals, Wild Animals, Fables, Myths, History, Spookies and a couple of popular IPs. Sure, it has artwork that lends itself to a younger audience but don’t be fooled, Similo is for all. Read on to find our why!
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Setup
One player adopts the role of clue giver, they secretly draw a random card from the deck. This is shuffled together with eleven other randomly drawn games. These twelve cards are then arranged face up in a 4 x 3 grid. The clue-giver then draws five additional cards and the game can begin!
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Gameplay
The clue giver will be aiming for the other players to correctly guess the card they randomly selected at the start of the game through a process of elimination. Each round the clue giver will play a card. If it is played vertically, it will have something in common with the chosen card, if it is played horizontally, it will be different. In the first round, the guessers remove one card, in the second they remove two, third three, and fourth four. Then there will be just two cards to choose between. If the guessers get it right, everyone wins!
If you want to mix it up or make the game harder, you can invest in a second deck of Similo cards. You can then use one deck for the display of twelve and a different deck for the clue giver. The game suggests you can shuffle all the cards together but keeping the two decks separate is definitely my preference.
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What it’s like
Similo is very clever. There are layers of similarities to link cards that can often appear unlinkable. This is all down to the clever artwork that adorns each of the cards. Sometimes the answer is obvious: play a bird vertically and the other players will likely discard animals that aren’t birds. Sounds easy? It would be if the clue giver could play any card, but the limited hand of just five cards means you might not have the perfect clue and you will be left hoping that the guessers realise it is the colour of the background or shape of the eyes that are linking the cards.
These subtleties are even more important if you choose two use the two different deck variant described above, as linking Fables to Wild Animals can be vexing otherwise!
I have played Similo over 70 times and even more times digitally on Board Game Arena. I win and lose in almost equal amounts, the good thing is games are so quick you will often have another go.
I particularly enjoy playing Similo at two or three players, adding more guessers often creates differing interpretations, which can make it even harder, so for me the lower player counts work best.
The silent gameplay as clue-giver may be a challenge for some, equally it is open for cheating by changing the card when people guess incorrectly, but who wants to be that type of player?!?!
When mixing two decks, I find the non-IP versions are perfect, whereas the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings versions work together, they don’t mix so well with the others.
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Table Presence
Just to reiterate the art in Similo is super clever. The way the characterful artwork interacts with one another is exceptional. Especially as this carries across the different sets. It does have a child-friendly appeal which works and seems to hold the attention and imagination of younger players.
The rulebook is light, because they are, yet everything is perfectly conveyed. You will be up and playing in no time! Obviously there isn’t much else to talk about, the card stock is good and the box they fit in is perfectly sized!
While you need a bit of a footprint on the table the small packaging means you can easily take it away with you on your travels. I’m pretty pleased I managed to get the playmat for it as it gives the game even more table presence. Sure it isn’t necessary at all, but I love it!
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What the kids thought
Max (9): my favourite is Animals. I like the artwork because it’s funky. I prefer being the clue giver. It can be quite tricky but it’s not too difficult either. I think it’s a really fun and I enjoy it lots.
George (13): I love all the different versions of Similo. I would like even more decks, even though we have lots, such as a Deep Sea version. My favourite is the History deck as it is the hardest deck to play with. The artwork is beautiful.
Harrison (16): one of the best puzzle games to play with children. My favourite sets are Animals and Wild Animals.
Final thoughts on Similo
Similo is an utterly fantastic game! I love how the art links and I thoroughly enjoy playing it with children and adults alike. It is a card game that has provided some very happy memories. The fact it can be played on Board Game Arena is a bonus too, as I can play with friends all over the world.
I can see why my boys have mostly gravitated towards the animal sets, the artwork is the most characterful on these. I struggle to find a favourite, as I love all the sets, but I think Fables probably just nudges in front.
I love this game for what it is, a family weight co-op that can provide plenty of fun for everyone. I heartily recommend it!
Key Facts
Number of players: 2 to 3 or more
Board Game Review Recommended Age: 6+
Publisher’s Recommended Age: 7+
Playing Time: 10 minutes
Setting Up and Take Down Time: 1 minute
Designers: Martino Chiacchiera, Hjalmar Hach, Pierluca Zizzi
Publisher: Horrible Guild
RRP: £11.99
Summary
Similo is in the lighter bracket of co-operative games and is suitable for young families. However, I have played it plenty of times without the kids and still love it and that’s why I have rated it so highly. It may not offer the heavy strategy experience some will want, but you wouldn’t be buying this card game thinking it would be! Similo is a fantastic co-op, I think you should give it a play!
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Artwork and Components
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Complexity
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Instructions
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Interaction
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Value for Money
Overall
Pros
- Awesome and clever artwork
- Fantastic family fun
- Perfect to take on your travels
- Can include younger players
Cons
- Can be tricky with limited hand
- You’ll want even more decks!
- The Essen Promo decks (they’re not great!)
- Foreign versions often on sale at Amazon
Buy Similo
If you want to buy Similo after reading our review click on one of our affiliate links below (note there has been no affiliate links until this point)
Reviewer’s Note
For clarity: we don’t get paid for our reviews. I paid for all copies of Similo with my own money and I don’t regret it one bit, so there! We have tried not to let this affect our review in any way.
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