Cartoona is a tile-laying, creature-building game of strategy and chance featuring the whimsical pop art creatures of Robert Burke. The game encourages creativity, strategic thinking and social interaction. Players compete by building colorful, and sometimes hilarious, cartoon creatures from different body part tiles. This instruction book includes a game overview, as well as rules for three different game variants.
Contents • 94 creature tiles, including nine distinct tile types used to build creatures 1. Ears 2. Nose/Mouth 3. Head 2. 4. Body (Front) 1. 5. Body (Back) 6. Feet (Front) - marked with an “F” 7. Feet (Back) - marked with a “B” 8. Tail 5. 9. Single tile creatures (OPTIONAL) 4. • 70 game cards • 1 scoring pad • 1 scoring pencil • 1 children’s game objective sheet • 8 player screens 7. 8. • This instruction book
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Overview The goal of Cartoona is to be the first player or team to reach 50 points by building colorful cartoon creatures. This is accomplished by placing tiles of different creature parts together and adding the points shown on the tiles as creatures are completed.
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Preparation 1. The game begins by shuffling the tiles and placing them on the table, face down in as many stacks as you wish. 2. Next shuffle the cards and place them face down on the table in a separate pile. 3. Write the name of each player or team on a scoring sheet. This is where points will be tabulated throughout the game. 4. The youngest person in the group, or the player who scored the lowest number of points in the previous game, plays first. Play then rotates clockwise around the table. 5. If playing a team game, players should sit so that play alternates by team. *Note on Single Tile Creatures: Single tile creatures (tiles that include a complete creature) are optional. Three single tile creatures are included in Cartoona. Each provides instant points by luck of the draw. If you enjoy the element of chance, include them; if you enjoy more strategy, remove them.
Tile Placement Tile placement is an important part of Cartoona. While it’s easy to build a wide variety of strange and wonderful creatures, choosing the right strategies that will maximize your points makes for a fun challenge. Below are the rules and some tips for placing tiles. 1. Begin new creatures with any body part tile. 2. All creatures face to the left. 3. Every new tile played must be placed next to an existing tile, with its edges and black lines lined up with those of the tile next to it. Example 11 - This creature is complete as all tile edges and black lines line up Example 12 - The back feet tile placement in this example is not allowed since this tile is a front feet tile. Notice how the tile’s edges and black lines in this example do not line up with those of surrounding tiles. 4. Tiles cannot be placed diagonally. 5. Bipedal creatures use front feet only. Example 13. 6. Each player can build only one creature at a time in team games, or two creatures at a time in singles games. 7. Each player should build his/her creature directly in front of him/her so that all players can see who has a creature under construction.
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8. Once a player completes a creature, he/she can choose to record the points. Simply count the points aloud, write them on the scoring sheet, then stack the tiles face down in the tile discard pile. 9. Each completed creature earns the sum of points shown on the tiles used to build it. 10. Incomplete creatures receive ZERO points. 11. Players can score and stack a creature as soon as they finish it, or they can keep it in play in order to play beneficial cards on it in later turns (See “Using Cards” section). Players can only score and stack their own creature(s), and only on their turn. Opponents can play negative action cards against finished creatures that remain in play. 12. Single-tile creatures (optional) should not be placed in the tile discard pile after being played - Any team or player who plays two single-tile creatures receives an instant +3 bonus. Any team or player who plays all three single-tile creatures receives an additional instant +5 bonus. See Example 14 on the right. 2+ 13. If a player completes, scores, and stacks a creature of the same color tiles, he/she scores DOUBLE THE POINTS. For the double-point multiplier, just add up the face value of all tiles used to complete the creature and then multiply by two.
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14. Single Tile Creature Scoring Let’s assume a player/team plays all of the following single tile creatures: First Single Tile Creature Played
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Example 15 - In this example, the player would receive 22 points. 6 points for the head and 5 points for the body equals 11. Then multiply 11 by 2 since the creature is all purple. Example 16 - In this example no multiplier is awarded since more than one color is used. 14. When a player places a dual-color tile, he/she has can choose to use either of the two colors and can change between them at any time. Example 17 - In this example the creature would be considered a single-color creature and would earn the double point multiplier, as long as the player claims the body to be purple. Example 18 - In this example, the creature cannot be considered a single color as two colors are used regardless of the color claimed by the player for the dual-color tile. Therefore, this creature does not earn the double point multiplier.
Face value, so in this case the player, or team scores +3 points Second Single Tile Creature Played
Face value PLUS a 3 point bonus, so after playing this tile the player, or team scores 2+3, or 5 points total
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Third Tile Creature Played
Face value PLUS a 5 point bonus, so after playing this tile the player, or team scores 4+5, or 9 points total
Points are instant, and these tiles cannot be stolen, or swapped.
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15. Players can score points by completing a wide array of wacky creatures by using between two to eight creature part tiles. Follow these examples:
Two-Tile Creatures In this example, the player would score 9 points (6 for the head tile, and 3 for the body tile).
Three-Tile Creatures In this example, the player would score 20 points (3 for the ears tile, 3 for the head tile and 4 for the body tile, or 10 points total. The player would then multiply this by 2, since all tiles used are blue, for a total of 20 points).
Four-Tile Creatures In this example, the player would score 10 points (1 for the ears tile, 1 for the head tile, 1 for the nose/mouth tile and 2 for the body tile, or 5 points total. The player would then multiply this by 2, since all tiles used are magenta, for a total of 10 points).
Five-Tile Creatures In this example, the player would score 10 points (3 for the ears tile, 1 for the head tile, 2 for the nose/mouth tile, 3 for the body tile and 1 for the feet tile--- or 10 points total).
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Six-Tile Creatures In this example, the player would score 28 points (3 for the ears tile, 3 for the head tile, 2 for the front body tile, 2 for the back body tile, 2 for the front feet tile and 2 for the back feet tile, or 14 points total). The player would then multiply this by 2, since all tiles used are yellow, for a total of 28 points.
Seven-Tile Creatures In this example, the player would score 14 points (3 for the ears tile, 1 for the head tile, 3 for the nose/ mouth tile, 1 for the front body tile, 4 for the back body tile, 1 for the front feet tile and 1 for the back feet tile--- or 14 points total).
Eight-Tile Creatures In this example, the player would score 22 points (2 for the ears tile, 2 for the head tile, 1 for the nose/mouth tile, 1 for the front body tile, 1 for the back body tile, 1 for the front feet tile, 1 for the back feet tile and 2 for the tail tile--- or 11 points total). The player would then multiply this by 2, since all tiles used are magenta, for a total of 22 points.
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Using Cards 1. A player starts the game with two cards and draws one card each turn. 2. A player can choose to play a card on his/her turn if desired, but only one card. 3. Point cards add, or subtract the point values shown on the card only when the creature they are played on is completed and scored. 4. When a card is placed, it must be placed on a tile to which it is then attached. 5. If a tile that has a card attached is swapped (see #8 below), the card goes with the tile. 6. If a tile with a card is stolen (see #9 below), or sent to the tile discard pile, the card should be discarded. 7. Cards can be played on tiles that already have cards (i.e.: a -2 Points card can be played on a tile with a +3 Points card for an end result of +1. A Change Color card can be played on a tile that already had its color changed by a previous Change Color card, etc.). If there is any confusion, just read the last card played and do what it says. 8. When a Swap card is played, it allows the player to swap for a tile in play, but only a tile of the same type. The tile used must be able to exactly REPLACE the tile a player is swapping. That is, the new tile must line up with all surrounding tiles in play. 9. When a Steal card is played that results in tile(s) being disconnected from other body parts, the remaining tiles stay in play - the space left on the board must be replaced by a tile that matches exactly. Example 19 - In this example the head tile is stolen, leaving the ears and body disconnected. 10. When a player is blocked from using a card by another card, both players must discard the cards played. 11. Instant and Special cards can be played anytime needed, even if it is not the player’s turn. All other cards must be played on a player’s turn. 12. The optional Cheat card allows a player to secretly steal a tile, and can be removed from the deck if desired. To succeed with a Cheat card the player must discard it without anyone saying anything after cheating. Dirty looks do not count as being caught. Players can use the “Cheat” card at any time, but must discard it once caught, or once it is used successfully (be an honest cheater!). If caught cheating without the Cheat card, or if caught not discarding the Cheat card after cheating, the player must immediately subtract 25 points (even if it brings him/her, or his/her team to a negative score). In addition, all tiles in the player’s hand must be given to the opposing target of the cheater.
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Gameplay Cartoona Full Game (Age 8 to Adult) Singles games (2 to 5 Players) In a singles game each player is competing as an individual against all other players. Each player can build two creatures at a time.
Team Games (4, 6, or 8 Players) In a team game players can build on their own creature, or build on the creature(s) of their teammates. Each player can build only one creature at a time. When forming teams, pick from the following options: Two teams of 2 players each Three teams of 2 players each Two teams of 3 players each Two teams of 4 players each
Play! 1. Each player draws five tiles and two cards to start, without revealing them to other players. 2. On your turn, draw one tile and one card (this should always be your first action). Then you may: 3. Place one tile on the board (if you choose). 4. Play one card (if you choose). 5. A player may play both a tile and a card every turn, and choose the order in which each is played. 6. Play rotates clockwise around the table. 7. Once a creature is completed it may be scored and stacked. 8. All tiles for scored creatures should be placed in the tile discard pile. 9. After all tiles are drawn, the tile discard pile should be reshuffled and re-stacked into new draw piles. On the rare occasion that all tiles are drawn and there are no tiles in the tile discard pile, the game ends and the player/ team with the most points wins. 10. The card discard pile should be reshuffled and put back in play after the last card is drawn. 11. Gameplay continues until one player/team reaches 50 points.
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Cartoona Basic Game (Age 5 to Adult) This variation of the game is played without using the cards. Each player works to build his/her own creatures with the goal of scoring more points than his/her opponent(s). It can be played as a singles, team, or solitaire game.
Single Basic Game (2 to 5 players) 1. Each player draws five tiles to start without revealing them to other players. 2. The youngest player, or the one who scored the lowest number of points in the previous game, goes first. 3. On his/her turn, each player draws two tiles and then plays one tile face up on the table (only one tile, and only if the player can.) Any tile can be played first; after that, new tiles must connect to what the player already has placed (See Tile Placement). 4. After the player places a tile, he/she must discard one tile face down in a tile discard pile. Play then rotates clockwise to the next player. 5. When a player completes a creature he/she should add up the number of points as shown on the tiles and record the score on a scoring sheet. If the finished creature is composed completely of a single color (all magenta, yellow, blue, or purple), the player scores double the face value. 6. Incomplete creatures receive no points. 7. Stack and keep each completed creature to the side. 8. The game ends when the last tile is drawn and the player who draws it finishes his/her turn. 9. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Team Basic Game (4, 6, or 8 Players) The basic variant also can be played in teams of two, three, or four. In team games, the rules are the same as in the singles basic game, except: 1. Each player should draw only one tile per turn and not discard. 2. Players should sit so that play alternates by team. 3. Each player can place a tile on his/her own creature each turn, or he/she can place a tile on a teammate’s creature(s). 4. Single-tile creature bonuses are counted the same as in a singles game, as long as any player on the same team plays them. 5. The team with the most combined points from all teammates wins.
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Solitaire Basic Game (1 Player) The basic game can also be played in one player mode. In this version, the goal is to build four complete creatures. One of each color (magenta, yellow, blue and purple). If a player can do this before running out of tiles, he/she wins. If a player cannot, he/she loses. To play solitaire Cartoona follow these rules: 1. Players should place all tiles face down on the table in any number of stacks he/she desires. 2. Only tiles of the same color can be played next to each other. 3. The player should draw one tile each turn and do one of the following things: a. If the tile drawn is of a color that has not yet been played, the player must play it. b. If the tile drawn can be played next to a tile of the same color, the player has the choice to either play it, or discard it. c. If the tile drawn is the same color as a creature already started, but cannot be played on that creature, the player must discard the tile. 4. A player can select either color when drawing a dual-color tile. 5. Single-tile creatures are not used and may be removed before the game begins, or simply discarded when drawn. 6. Play continues until one creature of each color has been completed, or the tiles run out.
Cartoona Children’s Game (1 to 6 Players - Age 3 to 8) Tiles can be used without the cards to put together thousands of different creature combinations like a puzzle. Young children can do it alone, or learn to cooperate by doing it with others. It’s an exciting way for young children to be creative while developing cognitive skills. Just give the tiles to a child and ask him/her to build some creatures! Young children can also compete against the clock, or against other children by seeing who can complete a task first. For the competitive version: 1. Begin by placing all tiles face down in stacks on the table off to the side 2. A parent, or a player, then selects and announces a goal creature to build that all players will attempt to create. For example: • A creature with three eyes • A creature with only purple and blue parts • A creature that adds up to exactly four points • A creature with wings and stilts
• A creature with only yellow parts • A creature made with seven tiles • A creature with blue ears and yellow legs • One two tile creature and one single tile creature
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Let children be creative and come up with their own target creatures to build after they get the hang of it! 3. For timed solo games set a clock or timer for between 1 and 10 minutes, depending on the child’s skill level. 4. For games with multiple players the youngest player will go first. 5. To start the game, someone should say, “Cartoona!” For solo games, start the clock at this time. 6. On his/her turn, a player should draw one tile, look at it, reveal it to all players and decide if it can be used to build the target creature. 7. If the player thinks it can be used, he/she should place it on the table directly in front of him/her (this is now ready to build upon). If he/she cannot use it, or decides not to use it, it should be placed it face down in the middle of the table--- not in discard stacks and not back in the draw stacks. 8. Play then rotate clockwise to the next player, or a new turn begins in solitaire games. 9. After a tile has been placed in the middle, it becomes a second option to draw from for all players. Now, on each turn, players have a choice between tiles in the middle of the table, or those in the draw stacks. 10. A player may place any tile he/she wishes on their first turn. After that, new tiles must connect to what the player has already placed. 11. If a player places a tile he/she later wants to remove from a creature “under construction”, he/she is allowed to pick it up and place it face down in the middle of the table instead of drawing a tile. Play then rotates as normal. 12. The first player to complete the target creature wins. In solo games, if the player completes the creature before time runs out, he/she wins.
Thank you for playing!
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