OZ FLUXX

Oz Fluxx is out, and that means you're off to see the Wizard -- or you're hoping to unite the Tin Man with his Artificial Heart -- or just Follow the Yellow Brick Road. This latest Fluxx game from Looney Labs has no surprises in terms of gameplay -- but a terrific feel for the world of Oz.

The rules of Oz Fluxx are the same as in previous Fluxx games. At the start of the game, players have a hand of three cards and follow the starting rule "draw 1, play 1." Players can play Keepers (objects needed to win), Goals (which have Keeper requirements -- usually 2 or 2 of 3 together -- to win; a Goal card replaces a previously-played Goal ), New Rules (such as drawing more cards, playing more cards, or limiting the number of cards you can hold), Actions (stealing Keepers from other players, or drawing 3 cards and playing 2 of them), Creepers (cards that get played automatically and prevent victory -- unless they're part of the current Goal), and Surprise cards (that have different effects if played on your turn or another player's turn).

Oz Fluxx plays like the other versions of Fluxx: quick, simple, and pretty fun. The artwork is cartoony and light, with a kid-friendly feel to the land of Oz. The cards capture the feel of The Wizard of Oz: the Creepers are the villains from the movie, while Water can be used to discard the Wicked Witch of the West and the Falling House can get rid of the Wicked Witch of the East. And the game is very easy to teach and can last briefly (with great luck) or up to 30 minutes (as players can draw and play massive amounts of cards, or constantly switch Goals to prevent others from winning).

The only problem with Oz Fluxx is thatthere's very little difference in gameplay from the other versions of the game. If you've played the other versions, this will be extremely familiar. But if you haven't played Fluxx before -- or if you're a fan of The Wizard of Oz; or you like playing Fluxx -- then Oz Fluxx is a fun little game.

Overall grade: B-

Reviewed by James Lynch