2014 Best Children’s Game

threepigs

Designer: Laurent Pouchain
Publisher: Iello
Players: 2 – 5
Playing time: 20 minutes
Suitable for: Ages 7 and up
Indicative price: $35 – $55
We shortlisted it because: A great introduction to dice rolling games that brings the classic fairy tale to life, The Three Little Pigs is the first in a series of beautifully presented bookshelf games from Purple Brain. Build your house of straw, wood and bricks, but beware the big bad wolf!

Other shortlisted games:

Banjooli Xeet

banjooli

Designer: Diego Ibañez
Publisher: Asylum Games
Players: 2 – 5
Playing time: 30 minutes
Suitable for: Ages 8 and up
Indicative price: $30 – $45
We shortlisted it because: A light hearted game for the whole family with a pleasant mix of luck and strategy. Banjoolie Xeet sees players guiding Ostriches along a race track in the hopes of seeing their own favourites prevail, but beware as these flighty birds are easily frightened.

 

Goblins Drool! Fairies Rule!

goblinsdrool

Designer: David Luis Sanhueza
Publisher: Game Salute
Players: 1 – 4
Playing time: 15 minutes
Suitable for: Ages 7 and up
Indicative price: $15 – $30
We shortlisted it because: A deck of gorgeously illustrated cards and the clever use of rhyming couplets as a game mechanic make for a unique game that will keep both children and adults entertained.