Hansel & Gretel (2021) Board Game

Hansel & Gretel is a board game released in 2021 by the publisher Granna. Designed by Krzysztof Jurzysta and illustrated by Maciej Szymanowicz, this game is based on the classic fairy tale of the same name. It falls under the categories of Adventure, Children’s Game, Fantasy, and Novel-based games, making it a perfect choice for families and younger players.

Game Components of Hansel & Gretel

Tiles: Used to create and complete sweets like frosted croissants, ice cream cones, and donuts.

Gingerbread House: A 3D cardboard structure that serves as the central board.

Character Pawns: Hansel, Gretel, and the witch Baba Yaga.

Gingerbread Tokens: Earned for completing sweets, these tokens can be used for movement bonuses.

Tile Placement Grid: Where players place their tiles to assemble sweets.

Colored Dots: On the perimeter of tiles, determining character movement.

How To Setup Hansel & Gretel

To set up the game, players first assemble the 3D gingerbread house, which is simple and requires only folding and placing the roof. The character pawns are placed on the track around the house. Each player starts with a set of tiles, and the objective is to create a grid of sweets by placing these tiles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to escape the witch.

Tile Placement: Players place tiles to complete sweets, earning gingerbread tokens.

Character Movement: The number of colored dots on the perimeter of the tiles determines how many spaces each character moves.

Objective: Collect 5 gingerbread tokens before the witch catches Hansel or Gretel, or vice versa.

Movement Bonuses: Gingerbread tokens can be used to move characters or stop their movement.

Player Experience

Players enjoy the clever and challenging gameplay, particularly the balancing act of ensuring the witch does not catch up to Hansel or Gretel while still making progress. The game includes variants to adjust the difficulty level, such as adding special chocolate tiles or easier tiles that automatically give a gingerbread token. The wooden Meeples and 3D gingerbread house add to the game’s visual appeal and immersive experience.

Pros

Engaging Cooperative Mechanics: Encourages teamwork and strategic thinking.

Educational Value: Develops math, observation, and logical thinking skills.

Adjustable Difficulty: Variants make the game accessible to different age groups and skill levels.

High Production Quality: Made from 100% recyclable materials and features a stunning 3D gingerbread house.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children as young as 6, and enjoyable for adults playing with kids.

Cons

Learning Curve: Initial games may result in losses as players adjust to the mechanics.

Luck Element: Drawing a witch’s hat tile can disrupt strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Hansel & Gretel

**Hansel & Gretel** is an excellent choice for families looking for a fun and educational game. It is particularly suited for children aged 6 and above, teaching valuable skills in mathematics, observation, and logical thinking. The game’s adjustable difficulty and cooperative nature make it appealing to a wide range of players, from young children to adults who enjoy playing with their kids. While it may not be the go-to game for serious gamers, it is a delightful addition to any family game collection.

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