Zoollywood

Bluepiper Studio, Niza Gams, SD Games · Board game · 2021
— Ludopedia 7.2 BGG 2 · best 2 30 min Weight 2.2/5
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— rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Zoollywood is one of those games that takes you by surprise: it looks cute with the penguins, but it delivers a sharp and challenging abstract strategy for two players. If you love cerebral duels where every move counts and anticipation is key, this one will hook you. It's a clever race to dominate the board, perfect for those looking for something quick yet with plenty of tactical depth.

Highlights
  • Intense strategic duel
  • Fun and lighthearted theme
  • Charming miniatures
  • Quick and dynamic matches
  • Surprising tactical depth
Keep in mind
  • Two-player only
  • Initial learning curve
  • May not suit luck-seekers
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In Zoollywood, get ready for a super fun abstract strategy competition where penguin actors vie for a starring role in a movie! This game is tailor-made for two players who enjoy a good tactical duel, with quick matches lasting about 30 minutes. Despite the lighthearted and humorous theme, featuring cute penguin miniatures, don't be fooled: strategy is the main course here.

Your goal is to be the first to place all 16 of your penguin eggs on the board. But it's not just about placing them anywhere! Each turn, you must choose one of three crucial actions: Landing, Hatching, or Exploring. Each of these actions has a different impact on the board and your race to victory. Landing allows you to place new eggs, Hatching can expand your presence more aggressively, and Exploring gives you a chance to maneuver your existing penguins into more advantageous positions.

The game's cleverness lies in the interaction between these actions and how you manage your hand of command cards. It's a true mental tug-of-war, where you need to anticipate your opponent's moves, create efficient action chains, and, of course, leverage any bias that might arise in your favor. The 'Catch the Leader' mechanic can also come into play, keeping the dispute fierce until the very last egg. If you enjoy games that blend careful planning, a touch of humor, and charming miniatures, Zoollywood might just be your next addiction!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

Soundtrack

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Animals: Penguins Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher Bluepiper Studio, Niza Gams, SD Games
Designer HaoYuan Zhang, Liu Xiao
Artist Odie Wu, Suzi, Yu Wang

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

742owners
130wishlist
10want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
Is Zoollywood a competitive or cooperative game?
It's a purely competitive game! Two players face off in a tactical duel to see who can dominate the board first with their penguin eggs.
What is the average playtime for a game of Zoollywood?
Matches are quite quick, usually lasting around 30 minutes. Perfect for a fast game session or for playing multiple times in a row!
Is the game easy to learn?
The basic rules are simple to understand, but the strategic depth requires a few plays to master. The learning curve is smooth, but mastery comes with practice.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find a modular board, cute penguin miniatures, penguin eggs for each player, and command cards that dictate your actions.
Who is Zoollywood recommended for?
It's highly recommended for fans of abstract strategy games, two-player duels, and anyone looking for a game with a fun theme but plenty of tactical depth. If you enjoy chess or checkers, but with a modern and visual twist, you'll love it!
Are there any expansions for Zoollywood?
As of now, there is no information about official expansions for Zoollywood. The base game already offers plenty of replayability with its mechanics.
What is the complexity of the game?
On a scale of 5, Zoollywood's BGG weight is 2.1667, classifying it as a light-medium complexity game. Easy to get into, challenging to master.

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