Moonlight Castle (2021) Board Game

Moonlight Castle is a board game released in 2021 by HABA, a renowned publisher of family-friendly games. Designed by Wilfried Fort and Marie Fort, this game is set in a magical world where players take on the roles of animal characters trying to build the most majestic castle under the light of the moon. With beautiful artwork by Monica Pierazzi Mitri, Moonlight Castle appeals to both children and adults who enjoy fantasy-themed games.

Game Components of Moonlight Castle

3D cardboard castle

Game board

River tiles

Stones (gems)

Character meeples

Player screens

Evil owl wizard mechanism

Acrylic sheet for tile dispensing

How To Setup Moonlight Castle

Setting up Moonlight Castle involves building the castle walls, which can be a bit fiddly but is a one-off task. Once the castle is constructed, you unfold the board, place the castle in position, and form a stack of face-down river tiles. You then draw three stones from the bag to start the game. The setup process, although lengthy the first time, is relatively straightforward after the initial construction of the castle.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The goal is to collect the most gems by converting stones into gems.

Player Actions: Each turn consists of two actions: moving to a space to gather stones or positioning next to the magical gem river, and converting stones into gems by paying the required stones shown on a river tile.

River Tile Mechanism: River tiles are dispensed from the castle using an acrylic sheet and the evil owl wizard, adding a magical element to the game.

End Game: The game ends when an end tile with no gems is revealed, and the player with the most gems wins.

Player Experience

Moonlight Castle offers a delightful blend of luck and strategy, making it engaging for both children and adults. The game encourages pre-move thinking and planning, especially when deciding how to use stones to acquire gems. The unique mechanism of the river tiles appearing from beneath the castle is particularly satisfying and adds to the game’s charm. However, the rulebook can be a bit whimsical, and some components may be prone to scuffing or damage if not handled carefully.

Pros

Fantastic Gimmick: The evil owl wizard and the sliding river tile mechanism are highly entertaining.

Cute Components: Character meeples and the 3D castle are visually appealing.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for playing with children, promoting fun and interaction.

Adjustable Gameplay: The game length can be adjusted by changing the number of tiles in the stack.

Cons

Rulebook Issues: The rulebook can be confusing, with some rules not clearly explained.

Component Durability: The cardboard pieces and player screens may not be very durable.

Expensive: Relatively pricey compared to other children’s board games.

Personal Thoughts on Moonlight Castle

Moonlight Castle is an excellent choice for families looking to spend quality time together through a fun and interactive game. It is particularly suitable for children aged 5 and up, as it introduces basic strategic thinking and color matching skills. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as the lengthy setup and potential durability issues with components, the game’s unique mechanism and engaging gameplay make it a worthwhile addition to any family game collection.

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