Kraken-Alarm (2010) Board Game

Kraken-Alarm is a children’s game released in 2010 by Competo/Marektoy, designed by Oliver Igelhaut and illustrated by Michael Menzel. The game is centered around the concept of a kraken attacking a ship, and players must work together to save the sailors before the ship sinks.

Game Components of Kraken-Alarm

Game board

Research ship

Kraken Kuno figure

Kraken-Dad Kurt figure

Sea creature chips

Pendulum

Supplies (for the captain)

How To Setup Kraken-Alarm

To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a research ship and places it on the starting point on the board. The Kraken Kuno and Kraken-Dad Kurt figures are positioned according to the game’s instructions. The sea creature chips are scattered across the board, and the pendulum is set in the middle. Each player receives a set of supplies.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Collect as many sea creatures as possible while avoiding Kraken Kuno.

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Players move their research ships to discover sea creature chips.
– If a ship finds Kraken Kuno, the player calls out “Kraken Alert!” and sets the pendulum swinging.
– The pendulum can cause the ship to capsize, resulting in the captain giving up supplies.
– The game requires memory to remember the locations of sea creatures and Kraken Kuno.

Player Experience

Kraken-Alarm offers an exciting and interactive experience for young players. The game is filled with colorful sea creatures and the thrilling possibility of encountering the Kraken. The pendulum mechanic adds an element of unpredictability, making each game unique and engaging. Players must balance the need to collect sea creatures with the risk of encountering Kraken Kuno.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The underwater adventure theme is appealing to children.

Interactive Mechanics: The pendulum and ship capsizing mechanics add excitement and unpredictability.

Educational: Encourages memory and strategic thinking.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for young children and families to play together.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The game outcome can heavily depend on luck, especially with the pendulum.

Simple: The gameplay may be too simple for older or more experienced players.

Personal Thoughts on Kraken-Alarm

Kraken-Alarm is perfect for families with young children who love adventure and animals. It’s an excellent introduction to board games, teaching basic game mechanics and encouraging social interaction. While it may not be complex enough for older players, it is a delightful addition to any family game collection.

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