What would Christmas be for a gamer without a new game? Well, I don’t have to worry about that, because my son picked up the Skylanders Island Quest The Adventure Game.
To the table top
Skylanders is normally known as the highly successful video game that’s played on all consoles and even the DS gaming system. This game, however, takes things to the table in board game fashion, thanks to Pressman games.
The set comes with 32 Skylander cards that you can choose from, with each card representing a familiar Skylander character. From there, you have six island board pieces to travel around by hopping spaces on the board, depending on the roll of the dice. On the islands you will find “Challenges” that you have to overcome. These challenges could be an enemy to beat or a gate to open. Depending on your Skylander and your current level, you have to roll a die to try to beat the enemy. Successfully doing so allows you to try to pull an element token.
The first player (2 to 4 player game) to collect all eight elements becomes the winner! You start with two elements, so technically you only have to collect six elements during your journey. The player is only allowed to use a Skylander for the elements you have collected.
Is it worth the trip?
I give this game 7 of 10 stars, but my son thought I should give it 10 of 10. I like it because it falls into the realm of casual games for me (roughly 30 min. game time). It takes a very small amount of time to set up and get started, so you can play a quick game for fun or multiple games for a night of entertainment. The rules are straight forward and easy, and my 7-year-old had no difficulties following them.
For the price, it is right in line with most board games of this type (I think I paid around $25), so not bad. If you want to try to lure someone (your kiddos) from the video game world to a more reality-based game that requires you to sit at a table with one or more people, this might be a good way of crossing over.
We bought this at good old Wally World (WalMart), but I think any of the big box stores might carry it or, better yet, ask your local gaming store to order it. Add it to your collection if you have Skylander fans in the household.
