Rumis is a game of placing blocks to build a shape.

Can you control the game from above?

In the game Rumis, the players construct an Inca building with their stones.

Rumis Game Overview

Quick Rules Summary

Players take turns playing a shape into the same structure. The newly placed shape must touch a shape that the payer has already played and can not leave any inaccessible gaps.

The board has height restrictions, in our case we were playing with a pyramid.

How do you win?

When everyone has played all of their pieces, or no one can play the game ends.

Players score 1 point for each individual square visible when looking down at the board. They lose 1 point for each block they didn’t place and the player with the most points is the winner.

Main Mechanisms

Pattern building? Area majority? I’m not entirely sure if these are the right terms for this game or not but they feel right to me.

USP

I’m sure in 2003 when it was released it was unique but not so much looking back from 2023. Although the 3D building is fairly unique.

Theme

Erm… not really. It does have a slightly Mesoamerican look but it’s incidental. It was re-released in 2008 as Blokus 3D with absolutely no theme at all.

Setup

Gives blocks to players and put a game board out. I believe that’s it.

Components & Artwork

The blocks are really nice. They have odd shapes and it’s fun to look for the joints where they glued different ‘standard’ shapes together.

The boards are OK, with minimal artwork across the game.

Ease of Teaching

Very simple, just keep your eye on new players and check their placement after each turn.

Similar Games

For me, it’s an abstract area majority game like Ingenious but obviously 3D.

Rumis Review

Positives

Very good gameplay with a fun puzzle.

I like the chunky blocks.

Several boards with different game styles for each.

Negatives

Players can easily, and accidentally, make a mistake with placement which has a knock-on effect on future players’ turns if not caught right away.

Rumis Summary

A very fun game as a little time filler, would definitely play it again.

Jesta ThaRogue