Forbidden Island

Overview:

A cooperative game where players work together to gather treasure while the game board changes under them every turn. While there are several ways to loose the game there is only one way to win.

From their website:

Dare to discover Forbidden Island! Join a team of fearless adventurers on a do-or-die mission to capture four sacred treasures from the ruins of this perilous paradise. Your team will have to work together and make some pulse-pounding maneuvers, as the island will sink beneath every step! Race to collect the treasures and make a triumphant escape before you are swallowed into the watery abyss!.

Players: 2-4

Play Time: 30 minutes

Age Range: 10+

Playability:

An easy game to set up and learn makes this a great way to introduce new players to table top gaming. With everyone working together against the board you can discus strategy to work towards a common goal. Each player character has a special role that only they can perform that will be needed to survive. 

Ratting: 7 out of 10 (OTT-2 Stars)

Components:

Sturdy tiles and wooden pawns along with thick, coated cards and hard plastic treasures all come in a metal tin. The whole game is well produced and offers a nice presentation both on the shelf and on the table

Ratting: 8 out of 10 (OTT-2 Stars)

Writing:

The rulebook is well played out and describes the order of play and all player options well but a play through of one or two turns would take it to the next level

Ratting: 7 out of 10 (OTT-1 Stars)

Art Direction:

Beautiful artwork throughout the components make gameplay just that bit more enjoyable. Fonts are easy to read and iconography is consistent and easy to understand. The game is not designed for the colorblind.

Ratting: 8 out of 10 (OTT-2 Stars)

Replayability:

As the game board changes with every play and there are more roles than can be used at one time the game has great replayability. With a relatively short play time, players often ask to try again when the games wins. It is always good when loosing makes you glad you played and want to play again.

Ratting: 8 out of 10 (OTT-2 Stars)

Overall Opinion:

A truly fun, fast game that makes you work hard to win and when you loose you want to try again. Almost addictive, Forbidden Island will be a game that come back to the table often and makes a great gateway game for players new to tabletop.

Overall Ratting: 8 out of 10 (OTT-9 Stars)