Imagine stepping into the heart of a wild jungle or launching into the unknown of outer space—without even leaving your living room. With the Jumanji and Zathura board games, you get both worlds packed into thrilling, movie-inspired gameplay. These games, both based on the magical books by Chris Van Allsburg, let you dodge rhinos, outsmart robots, and face wild twists with every roll. So, whether you’re up for jungle survival or a cosmic journey, Jumanji and Zathura deliver all the adventure you need for your next game night!
Table of Contents
From Books to Board Games: The Origins of Jumanji and Zathura
Origins as Picture Books:
- Jumanji was first published in 1981 by Chris Van Allsburg, captivating readers with a story of a magical board game that brings a jungle adventure to life.
- In 2002, Van Allsburg followed up with Zathura, a companion book that took readers on a new adventure through space. Despite their differences, Zathura directly follows Jumanji, connecting both games into a shared universe.
Movie Adaptations:
- Hollywood brought Jumanji to life on the big screen in 1995, starring Robin Williams. Its success inspired a board game adaptation that immerses players in the same jungle chaos.
- In 2005, Zathura: A Space Adventure, directed by Jon Favreau, hit theaters, launching audiences into an epic space odyssey. It, too, led to a board game that captures the film’s suspenseful, sci-fi vibe.
From Story to Game Night:
Both adaptations translated the book’s thrills into interactive board games:
- Jumanji: Players face jungle dangers—wild animals, floods, and other unexpected obstacles, all designed to recreate the high stakes of the story.
- Zathura: Players confront space hazards—black holes, aliens, and robots—as they work together to survive and make it back to Earth.
How Each Game Captures Its Unique Theme
With each game, you’re not just playing—you’re fully stepping into another world where every turn takes you deeper into adventure.
- Jumanji – Jungle Survival:
Jumanji transports players to a dense jungle filled with unexpected twists. Every roll of the dice threatens players with wild animals and natural disasters, making teamwork essential to escape the jungle intact. - Zathura – The Perils of Space:
Zathura raises the stakes with its isolated, space-themed challenges. Players face cosmic threats like black holes and robots, where every choice counts. The game’s intense space theme demands strategy and cooperation to safely return to Earth.
Jumanji vs. Zathura: Board Game Rules and Key Differences
How Jumanji Board Game Works
Step into the jungle with the Jumanji board game, where your mission is to survive as a team and make it to the board’s center. Here’s how it plays out:
- Objective: Reach the center of the board without being overtaken by jungle dangers.
- Gameplay Mechanics: Each player takes turns drawing “Danger” cards, which reveal a jungle hazard or wild animal that players must confront together.
- Team Survival: Use special dice rolls or items to help each other out of sticky situations. If the team fails, the jungle wins and takes over!
This setup encourages teamwork and a steady pace, capturing the suspense of the jungle as each card pull brings new challenges. The game is ideal for families or those who enjoy cooperative gameplay with a jungle adventure twist.
How Zathura Board Game Works
For a space-bound adventure, the Zathura board game propels players into the unknown, where survival depends on quick thinking and strategy.
- Objective: Navigate space hazards and make it safely back to Earth.
- Gameplay Mechanics: In each turn, players face complex space dangers—like asteroids, robots, and black holes—that often require multi-step solutions.
- Survival Skills and Strategy: Unlike Jumanji, Zathura calls for more individual decision-making within the team, testing each player’s ability to adapt quickly in a high-stakes environment.
This game’s layered challenges add an extra level of complexity, making it perfect for fans of strategy and sci-fi who are ready to brave the mysteries of space.
Jumanji Board Game Editions
Jumanji Game Rules (Original & Deluxe)
The original 1995 Jumanji board game brings the wild adventure of the Jumanji movie right into your living room, mirroring the chaos and excitement seen on screen. Released alongside the iconic film starring Robin Williams, this board game allows players to take on the role of jungle explorers battling against mysterious forces.
The later Deluxe version adds audio cues and time-sensitive rules that keep the game fast-paced. Work as a team, overcome each obstacle, and remember—no player can be left behind!
The Noble Collection Jumanji Replica Board Game
For die-hard fans, the Noble Collection’s Jumanji Replica Board is a must-have. This collector’s edition is modeled directly from the original movie and comes with intricate wooden detailing, animal tokens, and even a classic “Jumanji” center logo. Not only does it make a fantastic display piece, but it’s also fully playable for game nights where you want to feel like you’re part of the movie.
Where to Buy Jumanji and Zathura Board Games?
Looking to buy this collector’s item? Amazon and eBay often have listings, but remember to check out the authenticity. Deals pop up around big sale days, so Black Friday or Cyber Monday might score you a discount.
Tips for Buying Board Game on Amazon
- Check Seller Reviews: Since new copies are rarer, make sure to verify seller ratings and product condition before purchasing, especially with vintage listings.
- Look for Bundle Deals: Occasionally, sellers bundle Zathura with Jumanji or other themed games, which can make for a great collection starter.
- Watch for Deals and Availability: Some sellers may offer discounts, especially during peak shopping seasons like Black Friday or holiday sales, so keeping an eye out for limited-time offers can score you a good deal.
Jumanji Board Game Drinking Rules
Turning Jumanji into a drinking game adds a fun twist to an already wild adventure, bringing new layers of laughter and suspense. Here are some simple, safe drinking rules to incorporate into your jungle journey:
Suggested Drinking Rules for Jumanji:
- Draw a Danger Card: Every time you draw a Danger card, take a sip. If you successfully avoid the challenge, everyone else has to take a sip instead.
- Get Stuck in the Jungle: If your character gets “stuck” or faces a setback, take a big gulp to brace yourself for the adventure ahead.
- Teamwork Wins: When a player saves another, both the savior and the saved must take a celebratory drink.
- Wild Animals: When an animal is involved in a challenge (like lions or rhinos), everyone takes a drink to stay “brave”!
- Jumanji Call: Whenever someone has to say “Jumanji” (usually at the end of the game), everyone finishes their drink—congratulations on making it out of the jungle!
These rules can make your Jumanji game night a memorable experience, but remember to pace yourself—just like in the jungle, it’s all about survival.
Zathura Board Game Drinking Rules
For fans who prefer the sci-fi excitement of Zathura, the following drinking rules bring a touch of cosmic fun to the space adventure:
Suggested Drinking Rules for Zathura:
- Asteroid Dodge: Each time you encounter an asteroid or obstacle, take a sip to keep up your “space nerves.”
- Robot Attacks: If a robot appears in your turn, everyone raises a toast to surviving another turn in space, and you take a gulp.
- Black Hole Hazard: Falling into a black hole requires a shot or big drink—it’s a perilous experience, after all!
- Team Rescues: When a player helps another out of trouble, both must toast and take a drink for teamwork in the cosmos.
- Zathura Finish: Upon reaching Zathura (or declaring a winner), all players finish their drinks to celebrate making it back to Earth safely!
These drinking rules make for a thrilling night that brings Zathura’s space-bound adventure to life with an adult twist. Enjoy the journey, and remember to drink responsibly as you make your way back from the edge of the universe.
Jumanji and Zathura Community Tips and Strategies
Fans of Jumanji and Zathura have shared some clever strategies across Reddit and Quora that add depth and excitement to the gameplay experience. Here are a few highlights:
- For Jumanji: Many fans recommend focusing on teamwork and supporting each other when encountering particularly challenging cards. Some players even create “house rules,” such as granting each player one extra chance to avoid a challenge per game, which can make the experience last longer and allow everyone to stay engaged.
- For Zathura: Space hazards make Zathura more complex, and fans suggest using strategic item placement and taking time to discuss each move. Some players recommend setting up additional challenges, like adding a time limit per turn, to heighten the stakes and make each choice matter even more.
- Favorite “House Rules”: Many fans on both Reddit and Quora suggest adding house rules to increase difficulty. For instance, in Jumanji, players can add new animals or re-roll on certain cards to make the jungle feel even more “alive.” In Zathura, players sometimes incorporate additional black hole penalties or increase the challenge levels of robot encounters.
Common Questions about Jumanji and Zathura
Is Zathura connected to Jumanji?
Yes, Zathura is a “spiritual sequel” to Jumanji, both written by Chris Van Allsburg and linked by their shared themes of adventure through magical board games. The storylines are separate, but they exist in the same fictional universe.
Which came first, Jumanji or Zathura?
Jumanji was the first story, published as a picture book in 1981. Zathura, published in 2002, starts where Jumanji left off, transitioning from jungle to space adventures.
What are the main differences between the games?
Jumanji offers jungle-based challenges and focuses on cooperation, while Zathura brings space hazards and has a slightly more complex set of rules. Both offer unique themes and challenges that attract different kinds of players.
Are there collectible versions for both games?
Yes, the Noble Collection offers a collector’s replica of the Jumanji board. However, Zathura board game editions are rare, especially as a collectible, so they may only be available through secondhand markets.
What other board games like Jumanji and Zathura work with drinking rules?
Magic: The Gathering is a great choice! Known for its complex deck-building, Magic can easily be adapted for a fun drinking twist: take a sip whenever an opponent summons a creature, gulp for each spell countered, and finish your drink if you lose all your life points. These rules add a lively edge to the game’s spellbinding strategy, perfect for a fantasy-themed game night!