Cloaked Cats (2019) Board Game

Cloaked Cats is a board game released in 2019 by HABA, a well-known publisher of family games. Designed by Connor Reid and illustrated by Pablo Fontagnier, this game combines elements of deduction and fantasy with a fun animal theme. It is suitable for players aged 7 and up, with a playtime of around 20 minutes. The game is part of the Family Games series by HABA, known for their engaging and accessible titles.

Game Components of Cloaked Cats

Trait cards: Each player receives three trait cards.

Cat cards: Featuring cats with various features such as pose, color, stripes or spots, and accessories like yarn, martini glass, hat, or mouse.

Masks: Each player has masks in their player color.

Fans: Players use fans to hold their trait cards.

How To Setup Cloaked Cats

To set up the game, each player receives three trait cards which they place in their fans, along with a hand of three cat cards. The remaining cat cards are placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Deduction: Players deduce opponents’ hidden traits.

Card Placement: Players place cat cards and masks.

Guessing: Players guess opponents’ traits.

Game Objective

Unmask Opponents: Players aim to unmask other players’ traits before their own are revealed.

Gather Information: Use cat cards and masks to gather and deduce information.

Win the Game: The player who deduces the most information about other players wins.

Player Experience

In **Cloaked Cats**, players take on the roles of cats at a masquerade party, each trying to unmask the others. The game is simple enough for children as young as 5 or 6 to understand, yet it provides a engaging mental challenge. Players must critically think about which cat cards to play to gather information without revealing too much about themselves. The game encourages children to assess available information, determine what they know and don’t know, and make strategic guesses.

Pros

Promotes Critical Thinking: Helps kids develop their critical thinking and deduction skills.

Accessible Rules: Easy to learn and play, making it suitable for young children.

Engaging Gameplay: Encourages strategic thinking and keeps kids engaged.

Family-Friendly: Can be enjoyed by the whole family, including both children and adults.

Cons

Limited Challenge for Adults: The game may not be as challenging for adults as it is for children.

Components Management: Requires careful management of cards and masks to avoid confusion.

Personal Thoughts on Cloaked Cats

**Cloaked Cats** is an ideal game for families looking to introduce their children to deduction games. It is particularly suited for kids aged 7 and above, though younger children can also enjoy it with some guidance. The game’s charming art and streamlined gameplay make it a great addition to any family game collection. While it may not offer the same level of complexity for adults, it is still a fun and engaging game that promotes critical thinking and strategic play.

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