The Color Monster (2018) Board Game

The Color Monster board game is based on the popular children’s book “The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings” by Anna Llenas. The game was designed by Josep M. Allué and Dani Gómez and published by Devir in in 2018. It is a cooperative game that aims to teach children about emotions and help them understand and manage their feelings in a fun and interactive way.

Game Components of The Color Monster

Game Board: Colorful board with emotion counters

Pieces: 1 Color Monster piece, 1 Girl piece

Die: Wooden die for movement

Jars: 8 jars to keep emotions in, made of thick cardboard

Shelves: 2 shelves for the jars

Counters: 5 counters for the emotions (Happiness, Sadness, Anger, Fear, Calm)

Tokens: Emotion tokens corresponding to each color

How To Setup The Color Monster

To set up the game, unfold the game board and place it on the table. Place each emotion counter on the space of the game board with the same color, with the drawings on the counters face up. Position the Color Monster and the Girl together on the pink starting space. Mix up the jars and place 4 of them on each shelf with the opening facing forward, hiding the drawings on the back. Finally, place the shelves and the die next to the game board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to help the Color Monster sort his emotions.

Dice Rolling: Players roll the die to determine movements (1 or 2 spaces, spiral to any space, or moving the Girl to the same space as the Color Monster).

Memory: Players recall and share situations that evoke specific emotions.

Objective: Sort all emotions into their correct jars without revealing three mixed emotion jars, which would cause the Color Monster to become too confused and lose the game.

Player Experience

The game is designed to be engaging and educational, encouraging players to express and understand their emotions. Each turn involves a player rolling the die, moving the Color Monster, and sharing a personal experience related to the emotion they land on. This mechanic fosters communication and empathy among players. The game also features chunky, child-friendly components, making it accessible and fun for young players.

Pros

Promotes Emotional Awareness: Helps children understand and express their emotions.

Encourages Communication: Players share personal experiences, enhancing social interaction.

High-Quality Components: Sturdy, well-made pieces suitable for repeated play.

Quick and Fun: Games last about 20-30 minutes, keeping young players engaged.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May be too simple for older children or adults seeking more complex gameplay.

Shelf Stability: Some users report issues with keeping the shelves together.

Repetitive Mechanics: Gameplay can become repetitive, though this is part of its educational charm.

Personal Thoughts on The Color Monster

The Color Monster is ideal for families with young children, serving as a tool to teach emotional intelligence and foster healthy communication about feelings. It is a great addition to any family game collection, offering a fun and educational experience that is both easy to learn and play. While it may not appeal to older players seeking more complex games, its simplicity and educational value make it a standout in the realm of children’s board games.

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