The Alley Cats Game (1976) Board Game

The Alley Cats Game is a classic board game that was released in 1976 by Ideal. It is designed for 2-4 players, making it a great option for small groups or families. The game revolves around a group of alley cats who are trying to collect as many fish bones as possible while avoiding obstacles along the way. With its humorous theme and simple gameplay mechanics, The Alley Cats Game is suitable for children aged 8 and above.

Game Components of The Alley Cats Game

Game board

Player tokens (cats)

Dustbin tokens

Dog tokens

Food tokens

Dice for determining movement

How To Setup The Alley Cats Game

To set up the game, each player chooses a cat token and places it at the starting point on the board. The dustbin tokens are distributed around the board, and the dog tokens are placed at random locations. Each player rolls the dice to determine who goes first, with the highest number going first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Family-friendly, children’s game

Designer: Uncredited

Objective: Find food in the dustbins while avoiding dogs.

Mechanics: Roll-and-move, token placement

Gameplay: Players take turns rolling the dice to move their cat tokens around the board. The goal is to reach a dustbin to find food without being caught by a dog.

Player Experience

The game is designed to be simple and enjoyable for children. The mechanic of rolling dice and moving tokens makes it easy to understand and play. The element of avoiding dogs adds a fun and challenging aspect, requiring strategy and a bit of luck.

Pros

Easy to learn and play

Simple, family-friendly gameplay

Encourages strategic thinking in young players

Cons

Limited complexity and depth

May not hold the interest of older players

Lack of credited designer might reduce its historical or collector’s value

Personal Thoughts on The Alley Cats Game

The Alley Cats Game is ideal for young children who are just starting to get into board games. It teaches basic gameplay mechanics and introduces the concept of strategy in a fun and accessible way. However, it may not offer enough complexity or challenge for older players or those looking for more sophisticated gaming experiences.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.