—
rating
Ludopedia
6.6
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
A chilly, minimalist mystery perfect for fans of quick deduction!
Highlights
- Very satisfying logical deduction
- Fast and intense sessions
- Minimalist and elegant components
- Clever trick-taking mechanic
Keep in mind
- Extremely short for some
- Requires full focus on clues
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Ever experienced a sudden disappearance mystery? Well, the problem here is that one of the 21 penguins has simply vanished, leaving only 20 behind! In Pengin No Kieta Ashiato, you aren't just a regular card player; you are an ice detective trying to figure out which penguin number is the great fugitive. But don't think it's just luck. The game uses a very clever trick-taking mechanic to deliver the clues you need.
With every round, as cards are played and tricks are won, crucial information begins to emerge. The challenge lies in organizing this data mentally: which numbers appeared? Which ones stayed out? The game is a pure logic exercise disguised as a quick and charming match. With only 21 cards, it is extremely minimalist, meaning every single move counts and there is no room for silly mistakes if you want to reach the correct conclusion before your opponents.
It is the perfect kind of game for those who love that 'eureka!' feeling when you finally connect the dots. If you enjoy card games that challenge your brain without requiring a 50-page manual, this little polar mystery will keep you hooked from start to finish. Get your analytical mind ready, watch every card played by your friends closely, and try not to get lost in the ice while searching for the missing penguin!
With every round, as cards are played and tricks are won, crucial information begins to emerge. The challenge lies in organizing this data mentally: which numbers appeared? Which ones stayed out? The game is a pure logic exercise disguised as a quick and charming match. With only 21 cards, it is extremely minimalist, meaning every single move counts and there is no room for silly mistakes if you want to reach the correct conclusion before your opponents.
It is the perfect kind of game for those who love that 'eureka!' feeling when you finally connect the dots. If you enjoy card games that challenge your brain without requiring a 50-page manual, this little polar mystery will keep you hooked from start to finish. Get your analytical mind ready, watch every card played by your friends closely, and try not to get lost in the ice while searching for the missing penguin!
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Best player count
BGG community vote
4
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
杓子兵器 (Shakushi Heiki)
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a game last?
Super quick! You'll solve the mystery in 15 to 30 minutes.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all! The rules are simple; the real challenge is the logical deduction.
How many players can play?
The game is focused on 4 players for the ideal experience.
Is it for kids?
Yes, but older kids or adults will enjoy the logical challenge much more.
Do I need to know Japanese?
No, the mechanics are number-based, so the language barrier is minimal.
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