Noueni (2013)

About this game

Noueni - Japanese for "On top of" describes this abstract game. Each player has their own unique deck of 18 cards. Each card is broken up into two halves and each half has a scoring orb on it. You have a handful of cards and you try to attach them to cards that have already been played. It is simple to add a card next to another, but then both players continue to score. Overlapping cards is much more difficult, but then you cover up their scoring orbs. Only uncovered orbs score at the end of the game. Laying new cards follow a simple set of rules: 1) Connectors on connecting edges must match in number (0, 1, 2, or 3 lines.) 2) New tiles can be placed next to a tile, or overlapping one half of other tiles. 3) A tile may not completely cover another fully exposed tile. The goal of the game is to have the most visible scoring orbs. Make sure you end up on top.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 4.
• Rules load. At 1.5/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.