Magic Mountain (2021) Board Game

Magic Mountain is a cooperative board game designed by Jens-Peter Schliemann and Bernhard Weber, and published by AMIGO in in 2021. The game is aimed at children aged 5 and above, with a playtime of around 15 minutes. The game is set on a mystical mountain where players work together as a team to help the mountain inhabitants reach the summit and defeat the evil wizard.

Game Components of Magic Mountain

3-D Game Board

6 Molded Hero Pieces (students)

4 Molded Villain Pieces (witches)

5 Colorful Balls (marbles)

Cloth Bag

4 Board Supports

Illustrated Instructions

How To Setup Magic Mountain

To set up the game, players first assemble the 3-D game board using the provided supports to create a sloping surface. The hero pieces (students) are placed at the top of the trails, while the villain pieces (witches) are positioned at various points on the board. The colorful balls (marbles) are placed in the cloth bag. Players then pull a marble from the bag and release it at the top of the mountain, allowing gravity to guide it down the trails.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to save the village from the villains.

Random Element: Players pull a hidden marble from the bag, introducing an element of randomness.

Gravity-Driven Movement: Marbles roll down the mountain, interacting with characters on the board.

Objective: Get the hero pieces (students) to the bottom of the mountain before the villain pieces (witches) arrive.

Color Matching: Characters move to the next available space of the matching color when hit by a marble.

Player Experience

Playing **Magic Mountain** is a delightful and engaging experience, especially for families. The game combines the excitement of watching marbles roll down a sloping board with strategic thinking about the best paths to choose. Adults can enjoy the game’s simplicity while still engaging in deeper decision-making, while children are kept involved through the randomness and unpredictability of the marble’s path. The game also includes variations for different difficulty levels, ensuring it remains challenging and fun as children grow older.

Pros

Easy to Teach: Simple rules make it accessible for young children.

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork between kids and parents.

Unique Gameplay: Combines skill, action, and educational elements.

Adjustable Difficulty: Includes options to freshen up the game as children grow older.

Engaging for All Ages: Adults and children can enjoy it together without feeling too simplistic.

Cons

Randomness: The unpredictable nature of the marbles can be frustrating at times.

Setup Time: Requires some assembly of the 3-D game board.

Personal Thoughts on Magic Mountain

**Magic Mountain** is an excellent choice for families looking to spend quality time together through gaming. It is particularly suitable for young children due to its clear objectives, simple rules, and interactive gameplay. The game’s ability to scale up in difficulty makes it a long-term addition to any family game collection, ensuring it remains enjoyable as children grow older. With its unique blend of cooperation, strategy, and fun, **Magic Mountain** is a standout in the realm of children’s board games.

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