Enchanted Forest (1981) – Board Game Guys

Enchanted Forest

“Enchanted Forest” is a board game designed by Alex Randolph and Michel Matschoss that requires players to remember the locations of fairytale treasures. The game was first published in 1981 and has since gone through several editions. The game is popular and significant because it combines elements of memory, strategy, and luck, making it an engaging and challenging experience for players.

Game Components of Enchanted Forest

Board: Depicts a village, the Enchanted Forest, and a castle.

Trees: Each with a treasure picture on the bottom.

Treasure Cards: Placed face down at the castle, with the top card face up.

Player Pieces: Up to six pawns.

Dice: Two dice for determining movement.

King’s Request Cards: Show the treasure the king is currently seeking.

How To Setup Enchanted Forest

To set up the game, place the board in the middle of the playing area. Distribute the trees around the forest section of the board, ensuring each tree is placed on a specifically marked circle. Shuffle the treasure cards and place them face down at the castle, with the top card face up. Each player chooses a pawn and places it at the village starting point.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Memory: Players must remember the locations of the treasures.

Roll / Spin and Move: Movement is determined by rolling two dice.

Strategy: Players strategize to reach the castle before their opponents.

Game Objective

The objective is to find three treasures requested by the king.

Players roll dice to move around the board.

When a player lands next to a tree, they can look at the treasure underneath and try to remember its location.

When the king requests a treasure, players must rush to the castle to be the first to correctly identify the treasure’s location.

The first player to collect three treasure cards wins the game.

Player Experience

**Enchanted Forest** is an engaging game suitable for both children and adults, particularly family game nights. The game encourages memory development and strategic thinking in a fun and competitive setting. The whimsical theme and the exciting race to the castle make it enjoyable for players across various age groups.

Pros

Enhances Memory: Helps players develop their memory skills.

Simple yet Engaging: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 6 and up.

Thematic Variations: Available in several themed editions, such as *The Wizard of Oz* and *Efteling Sprookjesspel*.

Cons

Dice Luck: Movement is heavily dependent on dice rolls, which can introduce randomness.

Repetitive: Some players might find the gameplay repetitive.

Personal Thoughts on Enchanted Forest

**Enchanted Forest** is a classic game that stands the test of time, making it an excellent addition to any family game collection. It is particularly suited for children who are developing their memory and strategic thinking skills, but it also offers a fun and light-hearted experience for adults. The game’s simplicity and elegant design make it a must-have for gamers who appreciate games that are both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. As a winner of the 1982 Spiel des Jahres, **Enchanted Forest** has proven its enduring appeal and remains a great choice for family game nights.

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