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Mermaid Island (2011) Board Game

ByMichail

Mermaid Island is a children’s cooperative board game designed by Cynthia Jabar and released in in 2011. The game is published by Peaceable Kingdom and features beautiful artwork by Magellan. In Mermaid Island, players work together to help the mermaids swim to safety before the Sea Witch catches them.

Game Components of Mermaid Island

  • 1 game board
  • 3 mermaid tokens
  • 1 sea witch with stand
  • 4 wand tokens
  • 1 spinner
  • Instructions.

    How To Setup Mermaid Island

    To set up Mermaid Island, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a mermaid token and places it at the starting point on the board. The sea witch token is placed at its starting point as well. Distribute the wand tokens along the path on the board. Each player takes turns spinning the spinner to determine how many spaces they can move either a mermaid or the sea witch.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Category:** Cooperative
  • Number of Players:** 2 – 6
  • Age Recommendation:** 5 and up
  • Playing Time:** 15 minutes
  • Objective:** Help all 3 mermaids reach Mermaid Island before the sea witch does.
  • Mechanics:** Spin-and-move, cooperative play, use of wands to move the sea witch back.
  • Gameplay:** Players take turns spinning the spinner and moving either a mermaid or the sea witch. Mermaids can move 1 or 2 spaces and use bridge shortcuts. The sea witch moves only 1 space at a time and always takes the long route. If the sea witch lands on a mermaid, the mermaid must return to the start. Players can collect wand tokens to move the sea witch back one space[5′.

    Player Experience

    Mermaid Island is designed for families and young children, focusing on cooperative play rather than competition. Players work together, making strategic decisions to ensure all mermaids reach Mermaid Island safely. This game fosters teamwork, shared decision-making, and social and emotional development. The simple yet engaging mechanics make it a stimulating and fun experience for all players involved.

    Pros

  • Cooperative Play:** Encourages teamwork and collaboration.
  • Easy to Understand:** Simple rules make it accessible for young children.
  • Quick Gameplay:** Games typically last only 15 minutes.
  • Educational Value:** Teaches strategy, shared decision-making, and social skills.
  • Environmentally Friendly:** Made with soy-based inks on FSC paper and recycled plastics.

    Cons

  • Limited Complexity:** May be too simple for older children or adults.
  • Repetitive Gameplay:** Some players might find the game repetitive.
  • Choking Hazard:** Contains small parts, not suitable for children under 3 years.

    Personal Thoughts on Mermaid Island

    Mermaid Island is perfect for families with young children who are looking for a game that promotes teamwork and cooperation. It’s an excellent introduction to board games, teaching valuable social and strategic skills in a fun and non-stressful environment. While it may not be as engaging for older players, it is a great addition to any family game collection, especially for those who value cooperative play and educational benefits.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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