Forbidden Island (Saturday Review)

Forbidden Island is a thrilling and adventurous board game that challenges players to work together to escape a sinking island before it disappears beneath the ocean’s surface. Designed by Matt Leacock, the creator of the popular cooperative game Pandemic, Forbidden Island is a game that tests players’ communication, strategy, and teamwork skills.

The premise of Forbidden Island is simple yet engaging. Players take on the roles of fearless adventurers exploring a mysterious island that is rapidly sinking. As they navigate the island, they must collect four sacred treasures and escape via helicopter before it’s too late. However, the island is constantly changing, with sections sinking into the ocean and making it increasingly difficult to find the treasures and make their escape.

What sets Forbidden Island apart from other board games is its cooperative nature. Instead of competing against each other, players must work together and collaborate to achieve their common goal of escaping the island with the treasures. This makes for a unique gaming experience that encourages communication and teamwork among players.

The game also offers a high level of replayability, as the island’s layout changes with each playthrough, keeping the game fresh and exciting every time it is played. Additionally, Forbidden Island can be played by 2-4 players, making it a great option for both small and larger gaming groups.

Forbidden Island has received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay and cooperative mechanics. It has won numerous awards, including the Mensa Select Award and the Golden Geek Award for Best Children’s Game. The game has also been praised for its beautiful artwork and high-quality components, which add to the immersive gaming experience.

Overall, Forbidden Island is a fantastic board game that combines strategy, teamwork, and adrenaline-pumping excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of board games, Forbidden Island is sure to provide hours of fun and excitement for players of all ages. So gather your friends and family, prepare to explore the sinking island, and see if you have what it takes to escape before it’s too late!