Forbidden Island is a visually stunning cooperative board game. Instead of winning by competing with other players like most games, everyone must work together to win the game. Players take turns moving their pawns around the 'island', which is built by arranging the many beautifully screen-printed tiles before play begins. As the game progresses, more and more island tiles sink, becoming unavailable, and the pace increases. Players use strategies to keep the island from sinking, while trying to collect treasures and items. As the water level rises, it gets more difficult- sacrifices must be made.
What causes this game to truly stand out among co-op and competitive games alike is the extreme detail that has been paid to the physical components of the game. It comes in a sturdy and organized tin of good shelf storage size. The plastic treasure pieces and wooden pawns are well crafted and they fit just right into the box. The cards are durable, well printed, and easy to understand. The island tiles are the real gem: they are screen-printed with vibrant colors, each with a unique and pleasing image.
With multiple levels of difficulty, different characters to choose from (each with a special ability of their own), many optional island formats and game variations available, Forbidden Island has huge replay value. The game can be played by as few as two players and up to four (though it can accommodate five). More players translates into a faster and more difficult game, though the extra help can make all the difference. This is a fun game, tricky for players of almost any age. Selling for under twenty dollars, oddly, Forbidden Island is a rare game of both quality and affordable price.For those who enjoy Forbidden Island, a follow-up project by Gamewright titled Forbidden Desert was released in 2013.
Designed by: Matt Leacock
Players: 2-4
Published by: ADC Blackfire Entertainment, Cocktail Games, Competo / Marektoy, Devir, Et Al.
Year Published: 2010
Recommended Ages: 10+
Time to Play: 30 minutes
AWARDS & HONORS
2011/2012 Boardgames Australia Awards Best International Game Nominee
2011 Vuoden Peli Family Game of the Year Winner
2011 Vuoden Peli Family Game of the Year Nominee
2011 Spiel des Jahres Nominee
2011 Nederlandse Spellenprijs Nominee
2011 Juego del Ao Winner
2011 Juego del Ao Finalist
2011 JoTa Best Light Board Game Nominee
2011 Deutscher Lernspielpreis "9 years and up" Nominee
2010 UK Games Expo Best Family/Children's Game Winner
2010 Mensa Select Winner
2010 Golden Geek Best Family Board Game Nominee
2010 Golden Geek Best Children's Board Game Winner
2010 Golden Geek Best Children's Board Game Nominee
2010 Golden Geek Best Board Game Artwork/Presentation Nominee
