The Floor is Lava (2018) Board Game

The Floor is Lava is a popular children’s game that has been played for generations. The concept of the game is simple: players must imagine that the floor is made of lava and they must avoid touching it at all costs. The game has been a favorite among kids for its simple yet exciting gameplay.

Game Components of The Floor is Lava

25 colored foam “safety stones”

27 challenge cards

1 game spinner card with an arrow and base

Instruction sheet

How To Setup The Floor is Lava

To set up the game, players randomly place all the foam tiles around the room with the printed side facing up. A player is chosen to be the initial “spinner” and also manages the challenge cards. The challenge cards are shuffled and placed in a draw pile. Once everyone is ready, the first spinner yells out “The Floor is Lava!” and all players rush to stand on the closest foam tile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Player Movement: Players jump between foam tiles based on the color spun by the spinner.

Challenge Cards: Players landing on tiles with a “?” symbol must perform actions from the challenge cards without touching the floor.

Tile Removal: The last player to reach a safe tile has their original tile removed by the spinner.

Objective

The objective is to be the last remaining player by avoiding touching the floor, which is imagined as lava.

Players must jump to tiles of the spun color; if no tiles of that color are available, the spinner is spun again.

The game ends when only one player remains, who is declared the winner.

Player Experience

The Floor is Lava is designed to be an interactive and engaging game for both kids and adults. It promotes physical activity, quick thinking, and coordination as players navigate through the “lava” by jumping on the foam tiles. The game is versatile, suitable for indoor and outdoor play, and can be enjoyed during various social events like birthdays, holiday parties, or family game nights.

Pros

Promotes Physical Activity: Encourages players to be active and move around.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide age range, from 5 years old to adults.

Easy to Set Up: Simple and quick setup process.

Interactive and Fun: Combines physical movement with challenges and excitement.

Cooperative Option: Offers a cooperative version where all players work together to cross the “lava.”

Cons

Flimsy Components: Some players have reported that the spinner and challenge cards are flimsy, and the foam tiles can be thin and fragile.

Durability Issues: The tiles may not be sturdy enough for larger feet and can crumple easily.

Small Parts Hazard: Contains small parts, posing a choking hazard for children under 3 years old.

Personal Thoughts on The Floor is Lava

The Floor is Lava is an excellent addition to any family’s game collection, particularly for those looking to engage their children in physical activities that are both fun and imaginative. It’s a great way to get everyone off the couch and into an active, entertaining experience. While it has some durability issues, the overall enjoyment and benefits of the game make it a worthwhile purchase for families and groups of friends.

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