My First Castle Panic (2019) Board Game

My First Castle Panic is a cooperative board game designed by Justin De Witt and published by Fireside Games in in 2019. It is a children’s game set in a fantasy world where players work together to defend their castle from monsters.

Game Components of My First Castle Panic

1 Game Board

1 Castle Piece

1 Wall Piece

26 Castle Cards

16 Monster Tokens

4 How-to-Play Cards

1 Rulesheet.

How To Setup My First Castle Panic

To set up the game, lay out the board, place the castle on the castle space, and the wall in front of it. Position the three starting monsters (marked with a star) on the first three spaces of the board. Place the remaining monster tokens face down near the board. Shuffle the cards and deal one to each player. The youngest player starts, playing clockwise.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Draw a Card: Each player draws one card at the start of their turn.

Play a Card: Players can play a card from their hand to capture a monster. The card must match the shape and color of the space where the monster is located.

Ask for Help: If a player cannot use a card, they can ask another player for help.

Move the Monsters: All monsters move one space closer to the castle.

Draw a New Monster: A new monster token is drawn and placed at the start of the path.

Objective: The players win if all monsters are captured and the castle remains intact. If the castle is destroyed, the players lose[5.).

Player Experience

**My First Castle Panic** is designed to be accessible and engaging for young players. The game encourages teamwork and strategic thinking through simple shape and color matching. Players work together, sharing cards and coordinating their moves to defend the castle. The game’s artwork and clear iconography make it easy for pre-reading children to understand and participate.

Pros

Fun Art Style: The game features cute and appealing artwork.

Easy to Understand Rules: Simple rules make it accessible to young children.

Predictable Gameplay: Each turn follows a consistent sequence.

Good Cooperation: Encourages teamwork and communication among players.

Quick Playtime: Games last only about 20 minutes.

Cons

Too Random: The game’s outcome can be heavily influenced by luck, leading to quick losses.

Short Staying Power: Children may age out of the game quickly as it is designed for a narrow age range.

Components Durability: The cardboard components, especially the castle, can show wear quickly.

Personal Thoughts on My First Castle Panic

**My First Castle Panic** is an excellent introduction to cooperative board games for young children. It teaches valuable skills such as teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving in a fun and interactive way. While it may not offer long-term complexity, it is a great gateway game that prepares children for more advanced games like the original *Castle Panic*. It is ideal for families with children aged 4-7 and makes a wonderful gift for young gamers.

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