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Save the Whales (1978) Board Game

ByMichail

Save the Whales is a cooperative board game released in 1978 by the Animal Town Game Company. The game focuses on educating players about the importance of saving whales and protecting marine life. It is designed for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 8 years and older.

Game Components of Save the Whales

  • Game board**
  • 21 Dawn O’ Day cards**
  • 21 Old Father Neptune cards**
  • Metal catcher ship**
  • Metal magic barnacle**
  • 8 Metal whale movers** (blue whale, bowhead whale, fin whale, gray whale, humpback whale, orca whale, right whale, sperm whale)
  • Specialty dice**
  • 1-SP and 5-SP discs**
  • Cloth storage bag**
  • Metal POW button**
  • Rules**

    How To Setup Save the Whales

    To set up the game, players need to place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a whale mover and places it at the starting point on the board. The catcher ship, Dawn O’ Day cards, Old Father Neptune cards, and other game components are distributed according to the rules. The metal POW button, if available, is also placed on the board.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Cooperative gameplay: Players work together to save the whales.
  • Card-based actions: Players use Dawn O’ Day cards and Old Father Neptune cards to perform various actions such as moving whales, catcher ships, and accessing different spaces on the board.
  • Resource management: Players manage Special Points (SPs) to take actions.
  • Objective: The goal is to save all eight whales from extinction by beating the worldwide forces threatening them.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Save the Whales** is an educational and enjoyable experience that teaches players about the interrelationships involved in saving endangered species. The cooperative nature of the game fosters teamwork and communication among players. The game’s realistic and environmental themes make it engaging and informative, particularly for those interested in marine conservation.

    Pros

  • Educational value: Teaches about whale conservation and environmental issues.
  • Cooperative gameplay: Encourages teamwork and collaboration.
  • Detailed components: Includes hand-sculptured metal whale movers and a metal magic barnacle.
  • Engaging theme: Combines fun with learning about marine mammals.

    Cons

  • Availability: The game is rare and often sold in vintage condition.
  • Missing components: Some versions may be missing parts, such as the POW button.
  • Complexity: The game involves various rules and components, which can be overwhelming for younger players.

    Personal Thoughts on Save the Whales

    **Save the Whales** is an excellent game for families, schools, and environmental enthusiasts looking to combine learning with fun. It is particularly suited for children aged 8 and up who are interested in marine biology and conservation. The game’s cooperative nature makes it a great tool for teaching teamwork and social skills. While it may require some patience to set up and understand the rules, the educational value and engaging gameplay make it a worthwhile experience.

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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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