All you need to know about Forbidden Island
Buy on Amazon How to Play Forbidden Island Guide
What is Forbidden Island about?
Forbidden Island immerses players in a daring quest to retrieve sacred treasures from a sinking island.
Gameplay Overview
In Forbidden Island, 2 to 4 players take on the roles of fearless adventurers, each with unique abilities that aid in navigating the treacherous terrain of the island. The island itself is composed of beautifully illustrated tiles that are randomly arranged at the beginning of each game, ensuring a unique experience every time.
The objective is to collect four treasures and escape before the island sinks. Players must strategize together, deciding the best actions to take on their turns, which include moving, shoring up flooded tiles, exchanging treasure cards, and claiming treasures. The game progresses as players draw cards that not only aid their quest but also dictate the rise in water levels and the sinking of island tiles.
Game Mechanics
The island’s tiles start to “sink” as the game progresses, which can cut off paths or even lose treasures if not shored up in time. Players must balance the urgency of gathering treasures with the necessity of keeping the island afloat.
The game uses a novel flood mechanic, represented by a deck of cards that dictates which tiles get flooded or sink each turn. This mechanic, coupled with the varied player powers, provides a depth of strategy and teamwork. Every turn feels important and can drastically change the state of the game, creating a palpable tension that keeps players invested.
What Makes It Fun
Unlike competitive games, players work together towards a common goal, which fosters a collaborative atmosphere. The game is accessible to beginners yet challenging enough to keep seasoned gamers engaged through its escalating difficulty levels, determined by the initial water level set at the start of the game.
Moreover, the random setup of the island tiles and the unpredictability of the flood deck ensure that no two games are the same.
Rulebook and How to Play Guides
Daroolz How to Play Rules GuideAwards Won by Forbidden Island
2020 Guldbrikken Best Family Game Nominee
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 Año Winner
2011 Juego del Año 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
