Cheeky Monkey (2007) Board Game

Cheeky Monkey is a children’s board game designed by Reiner Knizia and published by Arclight Games in in 2007. The game revolves around players collecting sets of various animals while trying to avoid the mischievous monkey who can steal their treasures. With cute artwork by Bob Haime, Valerie Hochberg, and Rob Walker, the game has become a favorite among families looking for a fun and light-hearted game to play together.

Game Components of Cheeky Monkey

Animal Tokens: 8 different types, ranging from 3 elephants to 10 monkeys, made of thick cardboard and stackable.

Plush Monkey Bag: A colorful, drawstring cloth bag from which players draw the animal tokens.

Animal Bonus Disks: Each disk features a map of the animal’s habitat and basic facts about the species.

Instructions: Simple rules included on a single double-sided sheet of card.

How To Setup Cheeky Monkey

To set up the game, players simply need to place the animal tokens inside the plush monkey bag. The instructions are easy to follow and can be learned quickly. For younger children, simplified rules are available to ensure everyone can participate.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Draw Tokens: Players draw animal tokens from the plush monkey bag, aiming to collect as many as possible without drawing a duplicate of an animal already drawn in the same turn.

Steal Tokens: Players can steal the top token from another player’s pile, adding a fun and interactive element.

Bonus Disks: Players earn bonuses for having the most tokens of a particular animal at the end of the game.

Objective: The goal is to amass the most valuable collection of wild animals while managing the risk of losing what you’ve gained if you draw a duplicate animal.

Player Experience

Cheeky Monkey offers a lively and engaging experience for the whole family. The game’s bright colors, simple rules, and interactive elements make it accessible and enjoyable for children as young as 4 years old, while the probability and strategy involved keep adults entertained as well. The game promotes laughter and excitement, making it a great addition to any family game night.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of all ages, with special rules for younger children.

Quick Playtime: Games last only 15 minutes, making it perfect for short sessions.

Educational: Includes basic facts about different animal species on the bonus disks.

Interactive: Allows players to steal tokens from each other, adding a fun social element.

Cons

Token Fragility: The animal tokens can be fragile and may break if not handled carefully.

Personal Thoughts on Cheeky Monkey

Cheeky Monkey is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a light-hearted, fun game that is easy to learn and play. It is particularly well-suited for families with young children due to its educational content and simple gameplay. The game’s portability and quick playtime also make it a great option for travel or as a filler game between longer sessions. Overall, it is a delightful addition to any game collection, promising hours of fun and laughter for players of all ages.

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