We are beyond excited to share a fantastic new resource for everyone ready to jump into the world of Animal Rescue Team.
As many of you know, Animal Rescue Team isn’t just another cooperative game in our catalog, it marks a very special milestone in our history. It is the debut title in the “Shut Up & Sit Down Presents” line, a unique partnership between Play to Z Games and the world-class board game critics at Shut Up & Sit Down (SU&SD).
Now, the team at SU&SD has released their official How to Play video, making it easier than ever to gather your team, set up the board, and start saving animals.
Another Way to Learn: DIZED
We understand that everyone learns differently. While a video is great for the whole group to watch together, some people prefer a more hands-on approach. We are thrilled to announce that a fully interactive tutorial for Animal Rescue Team is also available on DIZED. This app guides you through setup and gameplay turn-by-turn while you have the physical components on the table in front of you. It’s like having a friendly expert right there at the table to answer your questions as you play. DIZED is available as a smart device app and is also usable on computer web browsers. Find the DIZED Tutorial for Animal Rescue Team here: https://app.dized.com/game/animal-rescue-team
A Partnership Built on “Hidden Gems”
If you are new to the Animal Rescue Team buzz, you might be wondering: Why is a review channel helping publish a board game?
The “Shut Up & Sit Down Presents” line was born out of a shared vision between our founder, Zev Shlasinger, and the creative minds at SU&SD. The goal was simple but ambitious: to hunt down “hidden gems”. These are the games that are innovative, full of heart, and belong in every collection. And we want to give them the polish and spotlight they deserve.
When we saw Animal Rescue Team, we knew we had found our first candidate.
Co-designed by the legendary Matt Leacock (creator of Pandemic) and Lisa Towell (a real-life animal rescuer), this game blends top-tier mechanical tension with a theme that feels grounded and heroic. It’s not just about moving pieces; it’s about the logistical puzzle of evacuating a rhinoceros with a flatbed truck while a wildfire nips at your heels. It’s funny, stressful, and incredibly rewarding…exactly the kind of “magic” SU&SD loves to champion.
Why Animal Rescue Team is Special
This partnership allowed us to collaborate closely on the game’s development. SU&SD provided input on art direction and presentation, helping us ensure that Animal Rescue Team pops on the table just as much as it pops in gameplay.
The result is a game that feels accessible yet deeply strategic. You aren’t fighting monsters or conquering empires; you are saving lives. The authentically researched scenarios provided by Lisa Towell give the game a unique flavor that stands out in a crowded market. It’s a game where you feel good about what you’re doing, even when the dice don’t go your way.
Ready to Join the Team?
If you haven’t picked up your copy yet, now is the perfect time. With the official tutorial video live, you can have the game unboxed and playable in minutes.
We want to say a huge thank you to the community for the incredible reception so far, and to our partners at Shut Up & Sit Down for helping us bring this vision to life. This is just the beginning of the “SU&SD Presents” line (keep your eyes peeled for news on Dogs of War!), but right now, there are animals that need saving!
Grab your dice, gather your specialists, and press play on the video above. We’ll see you in the field!