High Rise Penguin: Waddle It Take to Reach the Top?

Build up the penguin tower and be careful not to knock it down, as you strive to be the last penguin standing.

Published by Alley Cat Games, High Rise Penguins is a card and dexterity game designed for 2-6 players, with a 15-minute play time.

Gameplay

An iceberg piece is folded so that it will stand up and be set in the center of the table, and one card is placed on top to start the tower. The rest of the cards are shuffled, a certain number based on player count is dealt out to each player, and the rest are spread out around it. The penguins and crystals are also placed around it.

On a player’s turn, he must complete the challenge dictated by the card on top of the tower. Challenges include placing another iceberg on top of the tower, taking a penguin meeple and moving it to the top room of the tower (the space between cards separated by the top iceberg), or placing one or two crystals into the room with the least crystals. Alternatively, the challenge may skip the player’s turn, reverse play order, or force him to draw two cards into his hand.

If the player’s turn was not skipped and the tower did not fall, after completing the challenge he must play a card. To play a card from his hand onto the tower, it must have the same color or the same symbol as the one currently on top. If he does not have a legal card to play, he must draw a new one into his hand. If he draws a new one and it can be played, then he may immediately do so.

After playing a card, if the active player only has one card left in his hand, he must announce 'penguin.' If he fails to do so and another person notices it, he must draw a card.

The first person to play his last card wins the game. Alternatively, if the tower falls, the player with the fewest cards (excluding whoever caused the tower to fall) is the winner. Finally, if all the cards get played onto the tower, everyone wins.

Review

High Rise Penguins blends dexterity with a bit of take-that from classic card games such as Uno. There’s forcing a player to draw cards, skipping turns, or reversing gameplay. There's also keeping an eye on each other’s hand size and trying to play cards an opponent won’t be able to match, all while trying to balance the penguin tower. It’s an interesting combination that puts a fresh spin on the dexterity gameplay.

This is a small, compact game. The components are all on the smaller side, and consequently they can all fit in a small box. In fact, the size of the components might bring some extra challenge to some players with larger hands, as it can be a little tricky to slide a penguin in if you’re not careful.

The iceberg pieces are purposely uneven and bring a lot to the dexterity challenge of the game. The penguin meeples are adorable, the crystal pieces a nice tactile element, and overall the game has a colorful, attractive table presence.

Turns are brisk and gameplay speedy. There is a great escalating tension to the game as the tower grows higher and higher. It’s an interesting blend of mechanics that works surprisingly well. The take-that and luck-of-the-draw gameplay will frustrate some players, but if you’re already a fan of Uno-style card games, this elevates that with a nicely challenging dexterity component.

Pros: Artwork and penguin meeples, interesting blend of mechanics, speed of gameplay

Cons: Luck and take-that elements will frustrate some players, size of components can be an issue

Disclosure: we received a complimentary review copy of this game.