Forbidden Sky (2018) Board Game

Forbidden Sky is a cooperative board game designed by Matt Leacock and published by Gamewright in in 2018. It is the third installment in the Forbidden series, following Forbidden Island and Forbidden Desert. In this game, players work together to power up a rocket and launch it before they are struck by lightning or blown off the platform.

Game Components of Forbidden Sky

37 tiles

36 cards

32 circuit components

13 meter clips

6 wooden pawns

1 storm meter

1 storm meter stand

1 starting grid

1 rocket

Rules of Play.

How To Setup Forbidden Sky

To set up Forbidden Sky, players start by creating the floating platform using tiles, which are drawn and placed to form the game board. Each player chooses a character with unique abilities and places their pawn on the starting tile. The storm deck is shuffled and placed within reach, and each player is given a set of equipment cards. The rocket and circuit components are prepared according to the rules, ready for the players to assemble the electrical circuit.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Cooperative gameplay

Modular board

Real electrical circuit construction

Resource management (health, ropes, equipment)

Variable player powers

Game Objective

Players must work together to explore a mysterious platform, construct a real electrical circuit, and launch a rocket before being struck by lightning or blown off the platform.

The game involves scouting, exploring, moving, placing wires, and sharing equipment.

Each turn, players draw a storm card, which can cause health or rope damage, adding to the urgency and challenge.

Player Experience

Forbidden Sky is known for its intense and thrilling experience. Players are immersed in a high-stakes scenario where they must navigate a treacherous platform during an electrical storm. The game requires strategic thinking and cooperation, as players need to plan their actions carefully to avoid hazards like lightning strikes and high winds. The satisfaction of completing the electrical circuit and launching the rocket is a highlight, but the game’s difficulty ensures that failures are frequent and memorable.

Pros

Unique and engaging electrical circuit mechanics

High replayability due to modular board and variable player powers

Exciting and cooperative gameplay

Educational element in understanding basic electrical circuits

Includes a range of equipment cards to help mitigate risks

Cons

Extremely challenging, even at novice levels

Can be frustrating due to random events and tight time constraints

Requires careful planning and coordination among players

Personal Thoughts on Forbidden Sky

Forbidden Sky is ideal for those who enjoy cooperative games with a high level of complexity and challenge. It is particularly suited for players between the ages of 10 and 14, or anyone with an inquisitive and scientific mind. However, due to its difficulty, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those who get frustrated easily. The game’s unique blend of strategy, teamwork, and science makes it a standout in the board game community.

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