Zuuli

Unfringed, Popcorn Games · Board game · 2022
5.6 Ludopedia 6.7 BGG 1–6 · best 4 Solo 15 min Weight 1.6/5
Buy · from US$ 15.91
5.6 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Zuuli is that card game that takes you by surprise: it looks cute, but it has a layer of strategy that will make you think! If you enjoy fast-paced games with interesting decisions and a super charming animal theme, you can dive right in. It's a fun race to see who builds the most efficient and highest-scoring park, with the right dose of interaction and planning. A great choice for those looking for something light, yet with depth.

Highlights
  • Super engaging animal theme
  • Fast and dynamic gameplay
  • Interesting strategic decisions
  • Well-integrated mechanics
  • Great for family and friends
Keep in mind
  • Might be light for experts
  • Moderate language dependency
  • Indirect interaction
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In Zuuli, your goal is to build the most incredible and profitable wildlife park over three years of gameplay. This fast-paced and strategic card game challenges you to collect enclosures, rescue cute (and not-so-cute!) animals, and install upgrades to maximize your score. But don't be fooled by the friendly artwork: the strategy here is deeper than it seems!

Each round, you'll participate in a closed draft, choosing the best cards for your hand. Hand management is crucial, as you'll need to decide which cards to use for enclosures, which for animals, and which for valuable upgrades. The melding and splaying mechanic comes into play as you organize your enclosures, ensuring the right animals are in the correct habitats and that coexistence rules are respected. After all, you don't want a lion saying 'hello' too closely to an anteater, right? And more peculiar critters, like the tree frog, have very specific habitat requirements you need to meet to score high.

Beyond simply collecting sets of cards for animals and enclosures, some special animal rules can boost your score. A lion, for example, might take up less space if accompanied by other lions – a valuable tip for optimizing your park. Zuuli is a fun adventure full of clever decisions, where every card choice and animal placement counts towards the success of your animal sanctuary. Get ready for an engaging and charming game experience!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–6 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Theme: Nature Theme: Zoos, Aquaria, Safari Parks
Publisher Unfringed, Popcorn Games
Designer Chris Priscott
Artist Chris Priscott

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

783owners
132wishlist
17want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is Zuuli an easy game to learn?
Yes! Zuuli is quite accessible, with simple rules that you'll pick up quickly. The complexity comes from the strategic decisions, not the learning curve.
How many players can participate in a game of Zuuli?
Zuuli can be played by 1 to 6 players, which makes it super versatile for different groups and even for solo play!
What is the average duration of a Zuuli game?
Games are quite fast, usually between 15 and 30 minutes. Perfect for a shorter game session or for multiple rounds!
Do I need to know English to play Zuuli?
The game has a moderate language dependency. It's good to have a translation of the cards or rules handy, but there isn't a lot of complex text.
Is Zuuli a good game for families with children?
Absolutely! The animal theme is very appealing to children and the rules are easy to understand, making it an excellent option for family game night.
What are the 'melding and splaying' and 'closed drafting' mechanics in Zuuli?
Melding and splaying is how you organize your enclosures and animals, overlapping cards to display information. Closed drafting is when you choose cards from your hand to play, but the choices are revealed simultaneously, adding an element of surprise.

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