Shut the Box (Wii U) Review

Based on an old pub game of the same name, Shut the Box features the same basic gameplay. The goal is to eliminate all of the numbered tiles (one through nine) by rolling a pair of dice. For example, if the dice were rolled and a three and two popped up, the tiles that could be eliminated are five, four and one, or three and two. This process continues until all of them are eliminated, or a number is rolled that cannot be eliminated, such as snake eyes with no two available to remove.

In the original game, a box is used with tiles that can be flipped down once their number is eliminated, effectively "shutting" the box. There isn't one in this particular game, though, so the title might lead to some confusion for those unfamiliar with the premise. In fact, there is not much present at all. There are two dice, but they are not animated, only revealing their dots once a button is pressed. The tiles simply disappear when tapped should their number correspond to the dice.

What does make Shut the Box different from most iterations is that it features three rows of numbers, rather than a singular row. The second row has them inverted, counting down from nine to one, adding a layer of complexity not present in the original. Many different strategies can now be used to eliminate all 27 tiles.

Scoring is based on what tile is removed, allowing for a maximum score of 135. A three is worth three points, a four is worth four points, and so on. The scoring seems a bit trivial based on this; it would be much better if there were a timing bonus, rewarding players that made quick decisions. Unfortunately, Shut the Box does not seem intent on innovating but rather replicating an old pub game.