The outside of the box may seem strange, or at least indicate a seasonal game. What Sun Block’s outward visuals don’t say is that this is a game of dexterity and precise precision. It is a marvelous balance of whimsy with the intensity found in many stacking games.
This LEGO board game did not look to be a promising game from the outset, but the game play is both engaging and down right fun. Being a cheaper priced game makes it an excellent choice for those wanting a novel experience.
Building Sun Block, a LEGO Board Game
After you set up the beach, which mostly consists of angled wedge plates, you will spend your time building the playing pieces. This includes beach chairs, garbage cans, and umbrellas. This is a very fast build, which will leave you all the more time to play the game.
How to Play Sun Block, a LEGO Board Game
Once all the pieces have been built, choose a play order. LEGO recommends that the youngest player starts first and play continues clockwise. On your turn you will roll the LEGO dice and follow the result.
Three of the six sides are colored in basic colors that correspond with umbrellas. These colors are red, yellow, and blue. When you roll this, you may place that color’s umbrella onto any tan beach square.
If you roll the white tile with the purple circles, you must move the large matching umbrella that is already on the beach. This umbrella must only be placed where all four stud connection points touch the beach. This means the umbrella cannot hang off the side of the beach.
If you roll brown, you will have to move your beach chair. You can not place the chair next to another beach chair nor can you place it next to a garbage can.
If you roll orange, you must move a garbage can. If a garbage can is placed in a spot where it touches a beach chair, then the player that controls that chair must move their chair.
In order to win the game you must be the last person who does not knock over anything on the beach. When moving pieces you can pick up, rotate, or hold the board in any way. The only piece that can fall is the current piece the dice has instructed you to move. If anything else falls off, you lose and must remove your chair.
Interesting Elements in Sun Block, a LEGO Board Game
The LEGO dice is always a major feature in any LEGO board game. Besides this, you get a massive quantity of dishes in different sizes and colors. You will also receive several blue wedge plates that make up the sea, an eight sided tan plate that makes up the beach, and a decorated tile that matches the large umbrella.
Many of the umbrellas use a basic antenna to prop themselves up. Some will use a telescope or a much larger antenna in the case of the decorated large umbrella in the center. You will also receive a crab to incorporate with alternative rules.
Ratings for Sun Block, a LEGO Board Game
Originality: 5 out of 5 Studs. This game has both character and a great game design.
Replay Value: 4.5 out of 5 Studs. This is a fun game, but can get frustrating for those with larger fingers.
Fun Factor: 5 out of 5 Studs. This game is fast to play and easy to set up. It also has a whimsical setting which can add another layer of fun to your game.
Unique Parts: 3.5 out of 5 Studs. There are a few colored pieces that may be hard to come by, but the majority of the pieces are relatively common in nature.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Studs. You may not buy this set for parts, but it does make one of the best LEGO board game options out there.
Recommendations
If you are in desperate need of dishes in loud colors, this set is for you. Also, if you want a game that can test your patience and dexterity, this game makes an excellent choice. In addition, its relative low price point makes it a great buy for any LEGO fan.
List of LEGO Board Games to Search For
There are many other LEGO board games currently out and many expected to be released in the future. Here is a list of known board games (current and future) and their set number. Just a note: they are not necessarily being released in order of set number.
- Robo Champ, set #3835
- Magikus, set #3836
- Monster 4, set #3837
- Lava Dragon, set #3838
- Race 3000, set #3839
- Pirate Code, set #3840
- Minotaurus, set #3841
- Lunar Command, set #3842
- Ramses Pyramid, set #3843
- Creationary, set #3844
- Shave a Sheep, set #3845
- UFO Attack, set #3846
- Magma Monster, set #3847
- Pirate Plank, set #3848
- Orient Bazaar, set #3849
- Meteor Strike, set #3850
- Atlantis Treasure, set #3851
- Sun Block, set #3852
- Banana Balance, set #3853
- Frog Rush, set #3854
- Ramses Return, set #3855
- NinjaGO - the board game, set #3856
- Heroica: Draida Bay, set #3857
- Heroica: Waldurk Forest, set #3858
- Heroica: Caverns of Nathuz, set #3859
- Heroica: Castle Fortaan, set #3860
- LEGO Champion, set #3861
- Harry Potter Hogwarts, set #3862
What Sets Have Been Reviewed?
Instead of guessing which sets have or have not been reviewed, go to LEGO Board Games to get an overview. This article will briefly discuss each set in brief and let you know what sets are still on the horizon.
William Reed - With a B.A. in Communications and an intense love of LEGO, Will journeys forth to share and educate others about LEGO.
