Nekojima

Stack electric poles on a cat island without letting a single cable touch or the tower fall.

Designers: David Carmona, Karen Nguyen
Published by: Unfriendly Games
Editions by: Lucky Duck Games, Gém Klub Kft., Hobby Japan, GaGa Games, Geekach LLC, HUCH!, Popcorn Games, Blackrock Games, Tranjis Games, BoardGameMan

In Nekojima, the Island of Cats in Japan, a new electricity network is being strung across a cramped island, and the curious local cats are strolling along the cables. Nekojima is a wooden dexterity game: you take turns placing or stacking little electric poles (denchuu) on set spots without letting any of the hanging cables touch. Be careful, because the player who brings the structure down loses. In the cooperative mode you try together to build as high and far as you can. It needs steady hands and a bit of nerve, plays in about 30 minutes, and works for one to five players from age 7. Released in 2023.

Wooden electric poles to place and stackHanging cables must never touchCompetitive or cooperative, solo option too

Who it's for

You want a charming dexterity game with a cozy Japanese cat theme and a clear, dramatic payoff when the tower falls.

Not for you if…

You have shaky hands or dislike physical games where one slip ends the round. The tension is the whole point.

Vibe's take

Hushed, giggly concentration and a very visible disaster waiting to happen. Everyone leans in when a pole goes up and groans when it wobbles.