Viva Game Board Game Review
Viva, designed by Tobias Angelo Kaufmann and published by Game Division AG in 2023, brings a fresh twist to color-matching card games. This competitive game supports 2 to 6 players aged 8 and up, with matches lasting 40 to 60 minutes. The objective: empty your hand before anyone else while navigating blocked colors that change throughout play.
Viva Game Overview
Viva challenges players to shed cards by matching colors while avoiding blocked combinations. Cards display either one or two of six possible colors, and strategic placement becomes critical when all three table spaces share a common color, triggering a table clear that punishes neighboring players.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Designer | Tobias Angelo Kaufmann |
| Artist | Erich Brechbühl |
| Publisher | Game Division AG |
| Year Released | 2023 |
| Players | 2-6 |
| Age Range | 8+ |
| Playing Time | 40-60 Minutes |
| Game Type | Card Game |
| Complexity Rating | 1.00 / 5 |
What’s in the Viva Box
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Color Cards | Deck featuring single and dual-color cards across six colors |
| Blocking Cards | Cards that determine restricted colors each round |
| Personal Blocking Cards | Penalty cards assigned to last-place finishers |
| Rulebook | Multilingual instruction manual |
The cards feature clean graphic design by Erich Brechbühl with distinct color combinations easy to identify across the table.
Viva Pros and Cons
✦ Pros
- Simple rules make teaching new players quick and painless
- The blocking mechanic adds tactical depth beyond basic matching games
- Multi-match scoring system creates ongoing tension across sessions
- Scales smoothly from two players up to six without rule modifications
- Portable size makes it suitable for travel or gaming on the go
✦ Cons
- Card draw luck can occasionally determine outcomes regardless of strategy
- The 40-60 minute playtime feels lengthy for this weight category
- Limited strategic depth may not satisfy experienced gamers seeking complexity
- Neighbor punishment mechanic can create imbalanced experiences at certain player counts
How to Play Viva
Setup
Shuffle the color cards and deal an equal hand to each player. Place one card face-up to establish the first blocking card. Leave space for three face-up cards on the table.
Turn Structure
On your turn, play one card to an available space. The card must not contain blocked colors. Place cards in empty spaces or stack onto existing cards if at least one color matches.
Table Clear
When all three table cards display a common color, the table clears. Adjacent players receive penalty cards, creating opportunities for strategic targeting.
Winning the Game
The match ends when one player empties their hand. The final card must land on the blocking card pile matching at least one color. The last player holding cards receives a personal blocking card for subsequent matches. After 8 or 12 matches, the player with most wins takes overall victory.
Where to Buy Viva
Viva remains available through select retailers and online marketplaces.
| Retailer | Notes |
|---|---|
| eBay | New and used copies from various sellers |
| BoardGameGeek GeekMarket | Community marketplace with collector sales |
| Local Game Stores | Availability varies by location |
Viva Game Mechanics Explained
Viva relies on two core mechanisms: hand management and matching. Players evaluate which cards to play based on current table state, blocked colors, and remaining hand composition.
The matching system operates on dual levels. Played cards cannot contain blocked colors, and cards placed onto existing stacks must share at least one color. This creates layered decision-making absent from simpler card games in the same category.
Strategic positioning matters when triggering table clears. Since penalties target neighboring players specifically, seating arrangement influences who benefits from aggressive plays.
Who Should Play Viva
Viva fits groups seeking accessible card games with more interaction than standard matching fare. The complexity rating of 1.00 places it firmly in gateway game territory, appropriate for casual sessions or introducing newer players to hobby games.
Families with children aged 8 and up will find Viva accessible yet engaging. Groups who enjoy Uno but want additional strategic layers should consider Viva. Similar games worth exploring include other lightweight card games for mixed-age groups.
Skip Viva if your group prefers heavier strategic experiences. Players seeking cooperative family games should look elsewhere since Viva operates as a purely competitive experience.
FAQ
Is Viva good for beginners?
Viva works excellently for beginners thanks to its low complexity and straightforward rules. New players can learn basic mechanics within one round. The familiar color-matching concept helps newcomers feel comfortable immediately.
How long does Viva take to play?
A complete Viva session runs 40 to 60 minutes when playing 8 or 12 matches. Individual matches conclude in 5 to 10 minutes each. Groups can adjust match counts to modify total playtime.
What is the best player count for Viva?
Viva performs best with 4 to 5 players where the neighbor punishment mechanic creates interesting dynamics. Two-player games work but lose interactive tension. Six players can extend match lengths significantly.
Is Viva worth buying?
Viva offers good value for groups seeking portable, easy-to-teach card games with more depth than standard matching titles. Serious strategy gamers may find it too light for regular rotation.
What games are similar to Viva?
Viva shares DNA with Uno through color-matching but adds blocking restrictions and positional punishment. The Game and other lightweight card games offer comparable accessibility with different mechanisms.
