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Forbidden (2004) Board Game

ByMichail

Forbidden is a card game released in 2004 by Winning Moves Games. It is a set collection game designed for 2-4 players with a recommended age of 10 and up. The game has a runtime of around 35 minutes and is known for its strategic gameplay and quick rounds.

Game Components of Forbidden Island

  • Game board representing an ancient deserted island
  • 28 Island tiles
  • 4 Treasure tokens
  • 4 Adventurer pawns and their corresponding character cards
  • 24 Treasure cards
  • 1 Waters Rise tracker
  • 1 Waters Rise marker
  • 1 Helicopter token
  • 1 Sandbag token
  • 1 Diver token
  • 1 Explorer token
  • 1 Navigator token
  • 1 Pilot token
  • 1 Engineer token
  • Waters Rise cards

    How To Setup Forbidden Island

    To set up the game, players first assemble the island by randomly arranging the 28 Island tiles in a specific pattern. Each player chooses an adventurer and places their pawn on the corresponding starting tile. The Treasure cards are shuffled and placed face down within reach of all players. The Waters Rise tracker and marker are set to the starting position. Each player starts with a hand of three Treasure cards.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Cooperative gameplay: Players work together.
  • Tile placement and movement: Players move around the island and retrieve tiles as the island sinks.
  • Card drawing and management: Players draw Treasure cards and Waters Rise cards.
  • Variable player powers: Each adventurer has unique abilities.

    Game Objective

  • Collect all four treasures (each representing a different element).
  • Return all players to the helicopter pad.
  • Escape the island before it sinks.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Turn Structure: Each turn consists of three actions (move, trade cards, or return a tile to a non-flooded state), drawing two Treasure cards, and resolving any Waters Rise effects.
  • Winning Condition: The players win if they collect all four treasures and escape the island via the helicopter.
  • Losing Conditions: The game is lost if the island sinks completely, or if a player is trapped and cannot escape.

    Player Experience

    Forbidden Island offers a thrilling cooperative experience where players must communicate and strategize to escape the sinking island. The game is known for its simple yet engaging mechanics, making it accessible to players of all ages. The adjustable difficulty level, through different settings like Novice and Legendary, ensures the game remains challenging and fun for repeated plays.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn: Simple instructions and a quick setup time.
  • Adjustable Difficulty: Multiple difficulty levels to suit different player preferences.
  • High-Quality Components: The game comes in a nice tin with quality molded plastic artifacts.
  • Engaging Gameplay: Combines strategy and luck, making each game unique.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for players as young as 8 years old.

    Cons

  • Player Balance: Some characters have more powerful abilities than others.
  • Hand Limit: The limited hand size can be restrictive, especially in smaller player counts.
  • Luck-Dependent: The game relies heavily on card draws, which can sometimes lead to unavoidable losses.

    Personal Thoughts on Forbidden Island

    Forbidden Island is an excellent introduction to cooperative gaming, ideal for families and new gamers. It offers a fun and challenging experience with its adjustable difficulty levels, making it appealing to a wide range of players. While it may lack the complexity of more advanced cooperative games like Pandemic, it is a great stepping stone for those new to the genre. The game’s thematic elements and high-quality components add to its charm, making it a worthwhile addition to any board game collection.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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