IGISORO

We are thrilled to unveil the latest iteration of IGISORO, version 1.2.1, marking a significant leap forward in the evolution of this classic Mancala game for both Android and iOS platforms. Rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of the African Great Lakes region, IGISORO pays homage to the historical significance of Mancala games, which have been enjoyed for centuries as a source of entertainment, strategy, and community bonding. This version not only reinforces the game's commitment to its cultural origins but also introduces many enhancements that elevate the gaming experience.

Version 1.2.1 brings forth a series of noteworthy improvements, including essential bug fixes that ensure a seamless and glitch-free gameplay. The introduction of a new game reset button allows players to start afresh with ease, while an enhanced and more user-friendly interface ensures a more intuitive navigation throughout the game. Building on the spirit of connectivity, the update offers a superior 2 devices pairing experience (via BlueTooth), fostering a sense of engagement between players. The 2 device game play works across any iOS or Android devices, including cross-platform connectivity between iOS and Android. The game now boasts enjoyable non-deterministic game levels, adding an element of surprise and strategy to each playthrough. The goal is not just to win but also to enjoy the game. Additionally, the new SPECTACLE mode enhances the visual learning, immersing users in a captivating game watching. This release not only brings IGISORO into the future of mobile gaming but also honors its historical roots, making it a must-have for Mancala enthusiasts and casual gamers alike.

Board

Igisoro is played with a 4x8 board of pits and 64 seeds. A player's territory is the two rows of pits closest to them.

Start

The starting position is shown below; Each player starts with 4 seeds in each pit in the back row of their territory.

Turns

On their turn, a player chooses a pit containing more than one seed in their territory and sows them placing one seed in each pit as he/she moves counter-clockwise around their territory. Below, we show the state before and after the first player chose to move the seeds from the highlighted pit.

At the end of a turn, there are three ways in which the players turn may continue:

1. If the pit where the last seed is sown is not empty, the player picks up all seeds from this pit and begins to sow again, starting from the next pit.
2. Capturing: If the last seed is sown into an occupied pit of the inner row and both opponent's opposite pits are not empty, the player captures all seeds from these two opponent pits and sow them starting from the pit next to the previously emptied pit on their side.
3. If the last seed falls into an empty hole, the player's turn ends.

Reverse play: Guteba/Kugarama

Only for a direct capture, a player starting from, or arriving at the highlighted special pits below may choose to move counter-clockwise. When he/she starts from any other pit, he/she can only move counter-clockwise.

Completion

The game is over and a player has lost when he/she can not sow any of his or her seeds; i.e no pit in his or her territory eventually has more than one seed. An example is shown below.

Developer: Antoine Nzeyimana

PO Box: 5728, Kigali, RWANDA

Email: anthonzeyi@gmail.com