Box cover of the board game "Mouse Trap" by MB Games, featuring colorful text, cartoon mouse characters, a cage trap, and an image of two children playing the game. The tagline reads "the crazy game with 3 all-action contraptions!" and there is a note that adult assembly is required, with an age recommendation of 6+.
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Mouse Trap (1963)

ByMichail

Mouse Trap

“Mouse Trap” is a board game first published by Ideal in 1963 for two to four players. It was one of the first mass-produced three-dimensional board games, and its design was inspired by Rube Goldberg. The game was created by Marvin Glass and designer Gordon Barlow from Marvin’s company, Marvin Glass and Associates, which was later granted a US patent in 1967. The game has been popular for over 50 years, with its intricate gameplay, clever design, and fascinating origin story captivating generations of players.

Why is Mouse Trap Popular?

“Mouse Trap” is popular for several reasons:
– Rube Goldberg Inspiration: The game is inspired by the complex devices of cartoonist Rube Goldberg, which made it an instant success.
– Three-Dimensional Gameplay: The game was one of the first mass-produced three-dimensional board games, adding a new dimension to board gaming.
– Cooperative and Competitive Play: Players initially cooperate to build a working mouse trap in the style of a Rube Goldberg machine, and then turn against each other to trap opponents’ mouse-shaped game pieces.
– Unpredictable Gameplay: The game’s mechanics allow for unexpected outcomes, as the trap may not always work as intended, giving players a chance to live another day and play another turn.

Game Components of Mouse Trap

  • Game Board: Features a colorful, 1960s pop-art design with specified build spaces and a continuous loop.
  • Rube Goldberg Mechanism: Includes over 20 individual parts such as gears, levers, a bucket, a ball, a see-saw, and a plastic cage.
  • Mouse Tokens: Four plastic mouse pieces for 2-4 players.
  • Dice: For player movement.
  • Cheese Tokens: Introduced in the 1975 version to add an extra layer of strategy.

    How To Setup Mouse Trap

    Setting up Mouse Trap involves cooperative effort among players to assemble the Rube Goldberg-like mechanism. Players roll dice to move around the board and land on specified “build” spaces where they add parts to the trap. The trap is assembled in a specific order, with pieces attached to the board via tabs and holes. The setup process is intricate, resembling a model kit, and requires careful attention to the instructions provided on the board.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Movement: Players roll dice to advance their mouse piece around the board.
  • Trap Assembly: Cooperative phase where players build the Rube Goldberg mechanism.
  • Trap Activation: Players aim to capture each other’s mouse tokens by landing on the “turn crank” space when an opponent is on the “cheese” space.
  • Game Objective: The last player remaining, after all others have been trapped, is declared the winner.

    Player Experience

    Playing Mouse Trap is a unique blend of cooperation and competition. The initial phase involves building the complex trap, which can be both engaging and frustrating due to its propensity to malfunction. Once the trap is built, the game shifts to a competitive mode where players aim to outmaneuver each other. The unpredictability of the trap’s success adds an element of surprise, making each game different.

    Pros

  • Creative and Complex Mechanism: Inspired by Rube Goldberg’s designs, the game offers a fascinating and intricate setup process.
  • Educational Value: Teaches patience, fine motor skills, and basic engineering concepts.
  • Nostalgic Appeal: A classic game that has remained popular over decades.

    Cons

  • Setup Complexity: The trap can be difficult to assemble, especially for younger players.
  • Unpredictable Malfunctions: The mechanism doesn’t always work as intended, which can be frustrating.
  • Tedious Gameplay: Some players find the initial cooperative phase tedious, especially if the trap doesn’t work correctly.

    Personal Thoughts on Mouse Trap

    Mouse Trap is a game that caters to a wide range of audiences, particularly those who enjoy mechanical puzzles and nostalgic toys. It is ideal for families and children aged 7 and above, as it combines fun with a bit of educational value. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer straightforward, quick games, as the setup and gameplay can be quite involved. For model builders and fans of Rube Goldberg, Mouse Trap is a treasure that offers hours of engaging and sometimes hilarious gameplay.

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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