Mare Polare (2004) Board Game

Mare Polare is a children’s memory game designed by Barbara Kinzebach and released in 2004 by Selecta Spielzeug. The game is intended for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 4 and up. The game features cute and colorful illustrations by the artist from Selecta Spielzeug.

Game Components of Mare Polare

14 ice floes, including one with a mirror

1 igloo

1 iceberg

4 Inuit pieces with a harpoon

10 recipe cards

1 dice

1 bag with 64 fish

Instructions

How To Setup Mare Polare

To set up Mare Polare, players start by placing the ice floes on the table, creating a series of floating islands. Each player chooses an Inuit piece and places it on one of the ice floes. The recipe cards are distributed among the players, each showing a unique mix of fish needed for their soup. The fish pieces are placed in a bag, and the dice is set aside. The game is ready to begin once all components are in place.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Co-operative Play: Players work together to gather the right fish.

Memory: Players must remember their recipe to succeed.

Game Objective:

The objective is for players to navigate from ice floe to ice floe to catch the specific fish required for their individual soup recipes.

If a player forgets their recipe, they can visit the oracle mountain (the ice floe with a mirror) to recall the needed ingredients.

Player Experience

Mare Polare offers a simple yet engaging experience, ideal for young children. The game promotes memory skills and teamwork, as players need to remember their recipes and collaborate to gather the correct fish. The Arctic theme adds a fun and educational element, introducing children to the concept of Inuit culture and their traditional practices.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Perfect for young children, with straightforward rules.

Educational: Enhances memory and teamwork skills.

Fun Theme: Engaging Arctic setting that kids love.

Short Playtime: Games last about 30 minutes, keeping children’s attention.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game may be too simple for older children or adults.

Dependency on Memory: Forgetting a recipe can significantly hinder progress.

Components: Some players might find the fish pieces and other components too small or fragile.

Personal Thoughts on Mare Polare

Mare Polare is an excellent choice for families with young children or for kindergarten and preschool activities. It is designed to be an introductory game that teaches basic gameplay mechanics and enhances cognitive skills like memory. While it may not offer the complexity or depth that older players seek, it is a delightful and educational addition to any children’s game collection. If you’re looking for a game that is both fun and educational for the little ones, Mare Polare is a great pick.

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