Sushi Go Party Board Game Review
Sushi Go Party! is a card drafting game designed by Phil Walker-Harding and published by Gamewright in 2016. This expanded version of the original Sushi Go! supports 2 to 8 players, plays in about 20 minutes, and suits ages 8 and up. The game transforms the simple pick-and-pass formula into a customizable experience with over twenty different card types to mix and match each session.
Sushi Go Party! Overview
Players compete to score points by collecting sets of sushi-themed cards over three rounds. Each turn, everyone simultaneously picks one card from their hand and passes the rest to the next player. The twist comes from building combos that score differently based on what you collect.
The party version adds a menu board where players select which card types to include before each game. This creates variety and replayability that the original lacked.
| Designer | Phil Walker-Harding |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Gamewright |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Players | 2-8 |
| Age Range | 8+ |
| Playing Time | 20 minutes |
| Game Type | Card Drafting, Set Collection |
| Complexity Rating | Light (1.29/5 on BGG) |
What’s in the Sushi Go Party! Box
The game includes 181 cards featuring colorful artwork of various sushi dishes, appetizers, and desserts. Each card type has distinct illustrations that make them easy to identify at a glance.
A central game board displays the score track around its perimeter and has slots for menu tiles. The 22 menu tiles slide into the board to show which cards are active for the current game and explain their scoring rules.
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cards | 181 |
| Menu Tiles | 22 |
| Player Pawns | 8 |
| Game Board | 1 |
Card quality is standard for Gamewright products. The box insert has individual slots for each card type, making setup faster once you learn where everything goes.
Sushi Go Party! Pros and Cons
- Supports up to 8 players without extending game length significantly
- Customizable card menu creates different experiences each session
- Quick to teach with rules that fit on a single page
- Simultaneous turns eliminate downtime between players
- Pre-built menu suggestions help new players get started
- Score board eliminates the need for pen and paper tracking
- Setup takes longer than the original due to card selection
- Some card combinations work better than others
- Limited strategic depth compared to heavier drafting games
- Cards may wear quickly without sleeves
- Two-player games feel less dynamic than larger groups
How to Play Sushi Go Party!
Setup
Place the game board centrally and give each player a pawn starting at zero on the score track. Choose which card types to use by selecting one roll type, three appetizers, two specials, and one dessert. Nigiri cards appear in every game. Insert the matching menu tiles into the board slots.
Shuffle the dessert cards separately. Add 5 desserts to the main deck in round one (7 for 6-8 players), 3 in round two (5 for larger groups), and 2 in round three (3 for larger groups). Deal cards based on player count: 10 cards each for 2-3 players, 9 for 4-5, 8 for 6-7, and 7 for 8 players.
Turn Structure
All players pick one card from their hand simultaneously and place it face-down. Once everyone has chosen, reveal cards together. Pass remaining hands to the left and repeat until all cards are played.
Some cards like Chopsticks and Spoon allow bonus actions. Call out the card name during the reveal phase to trigger its effect before the next pick.
Scoring and Winning
After each round, score all cards except desserts. Move pawns on the track accordingly. Collect dessert cards and set them aside until the final scoring after round three. The player with the highest total wins. Dessert card count breaks ties.
Where to Buy Sushi Go Party!
| Retailer | Region |
|---|---|
| Amazon | Global |
| Target | United States |
| Bored Game Company | India |
| Zatu Games | United Kingdom |
| Board Game Bliss | Canada |
Sushi Go Party! Game Mechanics
Card drafting forms the core mechanism. You see what opponents take and must decide whether to grab cards for your own sets or deny them scoring opportunities. This creates tension without direct conflict.
Set collection drives scoring. Maki rolls reward having the most icons among all players. Tempura and Sashimi need pairs or triplets to score. Dumpling values increase with each additional card collected. Understanding how each set scores helps you prioritize picks.
Simultaneous action selection keeps everyone engaged. No waiting for other players to finish their turns. The game moves at the pace of the slowest decision-maker, which rarely causes delays given the simple choices.
Who Should Play Sushi Go Party!
Families with children aged 8 and up will find the rules accessible. The game works as an introduction to card drafting before moving to more complex titles like 7 Wonders or Blood Rage.
Groups looking for a quick opener or closer for game nights benefit from the short playtime. The 8-player capacity makes it suitable for larger gatherings where many games struggle to accommodate everyone.
Players who enjoyed the original Sushi Go! but wanted more variety should consider upgrading. The party version contains everything from the base game plus significant additional content.
Skip this one if you prefer games with deeper strategic decisions or dislike the randomness of card distribution in drafting games.
FAQ
Is Sushi Go Party! good for beginners?
Sushi Go Party! works well for beginners. The rules take about five minutes to explain, and new players typically understand the flow after one round. The game includes pre-built menus labeled “My First Meal” specifically designed for introductory sessions.
How long does Sushi Go Party! take to play?
Most games finish within 20 minutes regardless of player count. Setup adds 5-10 minutes for card selection and shuffling. Experienced groups who know their preferred card combinations can reduce setup time considerably.
What’s the best player count for Sushi Go Party?
Four to five players offer the best balance between card availability and competition. Two-player games work but feel less dynamic. Large groups of seven or eight play smoothly though some card types become restricted at these counts.
Is Sushi Go Party! worth buying if I own the original?
The party version includes all cards from the original plus many new types. If you play Sushi Go! regularly and want more variety, the upgrade provides substantial additional content. The game board and menu system also improve the experience.
What games are similar to Sushi Go Party?
7 Wonders uses similar card drafting with more complexity. Fairy Tale offers comparable pick-and-pass mechanics with a fantasy theme. Point Salad provides quick set collection with simpler rules. Citadels adds role selection to the drafting formula.
