Happiness Board Game was released in 1972 by Milton Bradley. It is a children’s game designed for 2–6 players, with a runtime of approximately 60 minutes. The game involves roll/spin and move mechanics, as well as set collection elements.
Game Components of Happiness
Board: Features six circular tracks representing Faith, Health, Friendship, Knowledge, Love, and Self Improvement.Spinners: Unique spinners such as the Rainbow Wheel, an arrow-through-the-heart spinner for Love, a lightning bolt spinner for Faith, a computer wheel spinner for Knowledge, and a pachinko-style hand for Friendship.Rainbow Stand: Each player has a Rainbow Stand to place keys earned from completing the tracks.Cards: Fate and self-improvement cards that players draw as part of the game.Special Spaces: Coloured spaces on the tracks that can cause players to return to the start or draw cards.
How To Setup Happiness
To set up the game, players place their pieces on the starting point of the board. Each player selects a Rainbow Stand to keep track of their progress. The unique spinners are positioned on their respective tracks, and the fate and self-improvement cards are placed within reach.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Number of Players: 2-6Age Range: 9+Objective: The first player to complete their Rainbow of Happiness by earning keys from all six tracks wins the game.Movement: Players move around the board using the various spinners, with movements determined by the spinner outcomes.Challenges: Players encounter special coloured spaces that can set them back or require them to draw cards.Progress Tracking: Players place keys in their Rainbow Stand as they complete each track.
Player Experience
Playing the Happiness Game is an immersive experience that combines elements of luck, strategy, and self-improvement themes. The game’s unique spinners and pachinko-style hand add a fun and unpredictable element to the gameplay. The board’s positive sayings, such as “Life Loves You” and “Books Are Your Friends,” enhance the game’s upbeat and motivational atmosphere.
Pros
Unique Spinners: Adds a fun and interactive element to the game.Positive Themes: Encourages players to focus on positive attributes like love, faith, and friendship.Visual Appeal: The board and components have a distinctive 1970s aesthetic that can be quite nostalgic.
Cons
Complex Setup: Setting up the game, especially the spinners and Rainbow Stands, can be somewhat time-consuming.Luck-Dependent: The use of spinners and special spaces means that luck plays a significant role in the game, which might not appeal to players seeking more strategic gameplay.Out of Production: The game is no longer in production, making it harder to find and potentially more expensive to purchase.
Personal Thoughts on Happiness
The Happiness Game is ideal for those who enjoy retro board games and are looking for a unique gaming experience that combines fun with positive life messages. It’s a great addition to any vintage board game collection and can be an interesting conversation starter. However, due to its age and the reliance on luck, it may not appeal to all modern gamers.
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