Critter Cruise (2020) Board Game

Critter Cruise is a children’s board game released in 2020 by HABA, a well-known publisher of family-friendly games. Designed by Antje Gleichmann and illustrated by Benjamin Petzold, Critter Cruise is a cooperative memory game that is suitable for players aged 3 and above. The game features adorable animal characters on a cruise ship, adding a fun and engaging element for younger players.

Game Components of Critter Cruise

Wooden animal figures

Suitcase tiles with animal pictures

Suitcase tiles with water spots (soggy suitcases)

Path tiles with dry and water sides

Noah character figure

Ark (constructed from the game box)

Ramp for leading animals onto the ark

How To Setup Critter Cruise

To set up the game, place the wooden animal figures on a single pathway. Shuffle the suitcase tiles and lay them face down. Construct the ark using the game box and set up the path tiles with their dry sides facing up. Players start by placing Noah next to an animal on the pathway.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to match animals with their suitcases.

Memory Matching: Players flip over suitcase tiles to match the animal next to Noah.

Movement: Noah can move one space forward, backward, or remain stationary on each turn.

Soggy Suitcases: Suitcase tiles with water spots cause path tiles to be flipped to their water side.

Objective: Get all animals onto the ark before all path tiles are flooded.

Player Experience

Critter Cruise is an engaging and interactive game that encourages teamwork and strategic thinking. Players must carefully decide which direction to move Noah to maximize the chances of matching animals with their suitcases. The game fosters working memory growth as players need to remember the locations of the suitcases. It is highly praised for its cooperative nature, making it enjoyable for children of different ages to play together without feeling frustrated.

Pros

Cooperative Gameplay: Encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Memory Building: Helps develop working memory in children.

Easy Setup: Simple and quick to set up.

Adorable Design: Features classic wooden HABA animals and a cleverly designed ark.

Accessible: Can be played solo or with multiple players.

Cons

Limited Player Independence: Younger players may need guidance from older players or adults.

Potential for Wear and Tear: The ark and path tiles could show wear if handled roughly.

Personal Thoughts on Critter Cruise

Critter Cruise is an excellent choice for parents seeking a fun, educational, and cooperative game for their children. It is particularly suitable for families looking to introduce biblical themes in a playful manner. The game’s short playtime of about 10-15 minutes makes it an ideal addition to any family game collection, especially for preschoolers who can enjoy it independently or with family members. Overall, Critter Cruise is a great way to teach children the value of teamwork and strategic thinking while having fun.

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