Wouter & Ymke 
The mayor of Sonnie Village is in a bind. The villagers are grumpy, winter is fast approaching, and no one is ready for the cold season ahead. The only way to save the day? Teamwork! Everyone must pull together, finish building the village, and gather the harvest before winter hits. Can you and your fellow players work as a team to bring this sleepy village back to life? Let’s dive into the hustle and bustle of Pairish: The Building of Sonnie Village and see if you have what it takes to make Sonnie Village shine!
👥 2-8 players, ages 14+
⌛ Playing time: 15 minutes
📝 Designer: Hristo Hristov
🎨 Artwork: Mihail Topalov
🏢 Publisher: Boarderia (review copy provided)
Check out the Kickstarter campaign by clicking here
Gameplay Overview
In Pairish, players join forces to achieve a shared goal: building a Pairish in each player’s build zone. A Pairish is completed when a row of six cards in a player’s build zone aligns with the same number in the same position—think of it as creating matching sets of slopes, windows, or floors.
Each turn starts with all players simultaneously drawing a card from the house deck. Then, players select a card from their hand and place it face down in their build zone. Once everyone is ready, the cards are flipped over and added to the corresponding rows.
To wrap up the turn, players pass one card from their hand to the neighbor on their right. Since Pairish is all about cooperation, it’s smart to keep an eye on what others are working towards; passing the right card could be just the boost your teammates need.
The game ends once every player has successfully built their Pairish. The team’s final score is determined by how many turns it took to complete the task, so efficiency is key. Can you all work together and beat the clock?
Game Info
Pairish: The Building of Sonnie Village is designed by Hristo Hristov and published by Boarderia, with a Kickstarter campaign just around the corner. This cooperative game is well-suited for 2-8 players and is marked as suitable for ages 14+, though we found that kids as young as 8 can easily get in on the action. Our younger players had no problem diving into the game’s charming world and grasping the mechanics. With a playtime of just 15 minutes, it’s a quick but strategic experience that fits snugly into any game night lineup.
Components, Production, and Artwork
The game’s quality really shines through its components, especially the cards, which are the heart and soul of Pairish. They feel sturdy in hand, ready to withstand all the shuffling and dealing that comes with multiple rounds of play. The instructions are clear and concise, and the game’s layout makes it easy to jump right in without scratching your head for too long.
The artwork by Mihail Topalov is delightful—think whimsical, inviting illustrations that set a cozy and playful tone. The visual style perfectly complements the game’s family-friendly nature, bringing the village of Sonnie to life and making it an inviting place for players to explore. It’s like the game is giving you a warm hug every time you open the box.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Pairish’s gameplay is refreshingly straightforward, with a simultaneous play style that keeps things moving at a brisk pace, even when you’ve got a full table. The simple mechanics are easy to grasp, but there’s plenty of room for strategic depth, so you’ll never feel like you’re just going through the motions. Each turn, players are challenged to think ahead, manage their hand of cards, and carefully decide which card to play and which to pass on to their neighbor. It’s a game of give and take, where your decisions impact not just your own progress but the entire team’s success.
To do well, players need to balance their own goals while paying close attention to what their teammates are working on. Understanding the evolving needs of those around you is key—after all, you don’t want to be the one who holds back the group! The game’s cooperative nature really shines here, as successful play relies on syncing up your efforts and making the most of every card.
For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the game also offers the ‘Old-Timers’ mode, which introduces ‘the Mayor’s Task.’ This variant tightens up the gameplay with time limits and a new objective: earning and spending coins before the clock runs out. Each round becomes a bit more intense as you race against time and scramble to gather the resources needed to pay off your mayoral debts. Every game feels a little different, thanks to the varied Mayor’s Task cards that mix up the conditions for earning coins. Plus, each player’s personal task token creates more opportunities for thoughtful decision-making. Will you focus on completing your personal goal, or will you help the team meet the Mayor’s demands? Decisions, decisions!
Final Thoughts
Pairish: The Building of Sonnie Village is an engaging mix of approachability, charm, and teamwork-focused gameplay that’s sure to bring smiles all around. We loved how it emphasizes teamwork and communication—if you want to finish quickly and score well, keeping a keen eye on other players’ Pairish building is essential. Sometimes, that perfect card for your teammate is just a pass away, even if it means tossing it all the way across the table!
In our experience, Pairish offers a delightful and engaging experience that’s simple to learn but full of rewarding moments. It encourages players to think ahead, make smart choices, and work together to overcome challenges. Don’t miss out on the upcoming Kickstarter—check it out here.
📝 We received a copy of the game from the publisher, Boarderia.
