Forbidden Bridge (1992) Board Game

Forbidden Bridge is a board game that was released in 1992 by Hasbro. Designed by John Wallis and illustrated by Drew Struzan, it falls under the categories of Action / Dexterity, Adventure, Children’s Game, Exploration, and Fantasy. The game is suitable for players aged 7 and above, making it a great option for families to enjoy together.

Game Components of Forbidden Bridge

Gameboard: Represents the jungle environment.

Idol: A motorized figure that shakes the bridge when activated.

Bridge: Consists of 13 planks and 7 railings to save pieces during shakes.

Explorer Pawns: 4 pawns for each player.

Boats: 4 canoes for players to travel.

Jewels: 15 jewels with a storage bag.

Dice: 2 dice, one numbered and one with special icons (idol, explorer, jewel).

Cards and Labels: Label sheet and other scenery elements.

Scenery Pieces: 8 plastic rock pieces and 4 cardboard slides.

How To Setup Forbidden Bridge

To set up the game, assemble the bridge and place it between the idol and the cliff. Set up the six rubies in each of the idol’s hands. Place the bridge planks and railings according to the specific order indicated in the directions. Each player chooses an explorer pawn and places it in their canoe. The youngest player goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Be the first player to retrieve two jewels and return them to your canoe.

Dice Rolls: Players roll two dice – one numbered die and one special die with icons (idol, explorer, jewel).

Numbered Die: Determines how many spaces to move.

Special Die:

Idol Icon: Activates the idol to shake the bridge, potentially knocking players off.

Explorer Icon: Allows moving another player’s piece to a different position on the bridge.

Jewel Icon: Enables stealing a jewel from another player on the same space.

Bridge Navigation: Players must navigate the treacherous bridge, using railings for safety during shakes.

Jewel Collection: Players collect jewels from the idol’s hands and return them to their canoe.

Player Experience

Forbidden Bridge offers a thrilling and interactive experience, especially with its motorized idol mechanism that adds a dynamic element to the game. Players must balance strategy with luck, as the special dice rolls can significantly impact gameplay. The game’s jungle theme and physical components make it engaging for both children and adults.

Pros

Interactive Mechanics: The motorized idol and bridge shaking mechanism create a unique and exciting experience.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 7 and up, making it a great option for family game nights.

Strategic Depth: Players need to think strategically about where to place their pieces on the bridge and when to take risks.

Cons

Component Loss: Small components like railings can easily get lost.

Repetitive Gameplay: Some players might find the gameplay repetitive, especially if the idol is activated frequently.

Luck-Dependent: The game is heavily influenced by dice rolls, which can lead to uneven gameplay experiences.

Personal Thoughts on Forbidden Bridge

Forbidden Bridge is perfect for families and anyone looking for a light-hearted, adventurous board game. While it may not offer complex strategy, its innovative mechanics and interactive elements make it a cherished classic. For those who enjoy nostalgic games or are looking for a fun, easy-to-play game, Forbidden Bridge is an excellent choice. However, it may not appeal to players seeking more complex or competitive gameplay experiences.

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