Tsuro Review
There are so many modern board games out there now. The golden age of the board game renaissance is certainly upon us. Yet, as I attempt to feature as many games as possible, old and new, I’m still surprised that some of the seemingly classic modern hobby board games don’t feature on my website. Tsuro is one of those titles that has been lacking… until now!
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Setup
Unfold the board and let each player choose their coloured marker which they can place on one of the outside spaces on the edge of the board. Shuffle all the tiles and place them in a stack with the Dragon tile at the bottom. Deal each player three tiles. Boom! You are ready to play!
Gameplay
The winner of Tsuro will be the player that can survive on the board the longest. Over the course of the game players will place a tile on their path and follow the relevant line with their token. Other players tokens that join this new tile will also follow their own line forward too. It’s as simple as that! Place a tile that connects to your player piece and follow the path with all tokens that border it. If that path leads to the edge of the board, that player is eliminated. The player who placed a tile, redraws a new tile and the next player takes their turn.
The tiles aren’t infinite and at some point the draw deck will be depleted and players will have to navigate with less tiles. When a player is eliminated their tiles go back into circulation among those who need it. A dragon tile indicates who gets the first tile in this event.
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What it’s like
The biggest advantage of Tsuro is that it plays up to eight people. To a degree it is the more the merrier, although at higher player counts, luck plays a slightly bigger factor.
It’s simple to pick up and play and like I say, there is a little bit of luck, but you always feel like you are making decisions, even if they are as light as the game. I don’t see this accessibility as a negative.
Games do start off quite slow as you tend to avoid the other players, but reaches a tantalising interactive challenge as the game goes on. The slower pace at the start is obviously highlighted more in a two player game.
That said, turns are quick as you will often know your ideal tile to lay… unless someone has encroached on your area, because then it gets tricky! This leads to player elimination, but games are quick so unless your playing with kids and it’s the youngest player eliminated first, you should be golden!
While I mention kids, this is a fantastic option to include younger players. My boys have been playing Tsuro pretty much competitively, since they were five. I think the children have especially enjoyed it as it looks like a ‘grown-up’ game aesthetically, but they can play competitively. You can even play open handed to accommodate young players who are learning.
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Table Presence
This is a beautiful game. I love the player markers with their impressed dragons. I also like the sturdy tiles that you lay.
As I mentioned, this looks more grown up than it is, and Tsuro could’ve easily been rethemed with snails and bright colours to appeal to a younger audience, but I think adults would’ve then overlooked it.
My copy has just started to show a little wear, but that is because it has had plenty of use, not because of poor quality components. The rulebook is good and gets you up and playing in no time, but then, there isn’t that much to factor in.
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What the kids thought
Max (9): I love the artwork on the board. The dragons on the pieces are awesome too. I like how the tiles take you different places, although it’s annoying when you kill yourself! Tsuro is one of my favourite games. It’s good with lots of players, the more the merrier, no wait, the more hectic!
George (13): I love the little pieces with the dragons on. It’s fun to try and muck up your opponents while saving yourself, and I enjoy trying to stay alive.
Harrison (16): It’s a good puzzle. There isn’t much about it, you’re laying a tile and moving, but I really like it!
Final thoughts on Tsuro
Tsuro is quick to learn, fast to play and can be a little cutthroat at times! Although this board game is light, it always delights whoever I play it with.
Normally I dislike player elimination with a passion, but most games of Tsuro only last a round or two after the first person has left the board. With games only lasting 15-25 minutes players will not be sitting on the sidelines long.
My only real negative is that it is quite pricey at full RRP for the amount of game you actually get. That said, I am well under £1 in terms of cost-per-play so perhaps its value can be argued to the contrary!
There is a lot of family and game night fun to be had with Tsuro, making it a solid staple for most people’s collection!
Key Facts
Number of players: 2 to 8
Board Game Review Recommended Age: 5+
Publisher’s Recommended Age: 8+
Playing Time: 20 minutes
Setting Up and Take Down Time: 1 minute
Designers: Tom McMurchie
Publisher: Callipe Games
RRP: £39.99
Summary
Tsuro is a board game that I would have no hesitation recommending to a family, those new to modern board games, or those looking for a quick game to sit a few more players. If you are looking for a light party game that isn’t a traditional party game, Tsuro is probably it!
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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
- Will be played loads
- Inclusive for all the family
- Great looking
- Plays up to eight
- A non-traditional party game
- Accommodates young players too
Cons
- Not as good at two players
- Player elimination
- Can be over too quick
- Quite expensive
- Very light
Need more games?
If you already own Tsuro and enjoy it, or are looking for other inspiration, you might also like these similar games:
- Karuba
- Tucana Builders
- Next Station London
- Whistle Stop
Buy Tsuro
If you want to buy Tsuro 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
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