As a devoted parent who treasures the magic of bonding over gaming adventures with my darling bratlings, the sheer joy that washes over me when stumbling upon fresh and enthralling family games is indescribable. Recently, our hearts were captivated by the enchanting wonder of “Hansel and Gretel,” a splendid board game crafted by the brilliant minds at Foxmind. Drawing inspiration from the timeless fable that has stirred imaginations for generations, this mesmerizing creation promises an absolutely delightful and immersive journey for players aged 6 and beyond. Believe me, dear friends, any little one brimming with curiosity and wonderment will undeniably find themselves basking in pure joy while embarking on this thrilling escapade, regardless of whether they have reached the tender age of 5 or beyond.
How Do You Play?
In “Hansel and Gretel,” players embark on a cooperative journey to collect five gingerbread tokens from the charming yet perilous gingerbread house. Each turn involves strategically placing tiles into the central tableau to complete pictures of various desserts. Completing a picture earns players a gingerbread token, which can be spent for a one-time movement bonus. However, players must beware of the witch’s hat tiles, as they trigger a free move action for the cunning witch.
At the end of each round, Hansel, Gretel, and the Witch move around the track on the box, dictated by the colored dots on the tableau’s edge. If the witch catches up to the siblings, or if they circle around and she catches them, players lose the game. Victory is achieved by claiming all five gingerbread tokens before the witch closes in.
What Did We Think?
“Hansel and Gretel” truly shines with its impeccable design, boasting chunky wooden Meeples that beg to be touched and a spellbinding 3D gingerbread house that effortlessly ensnares the players’ gaze. Also makes this a great option for under the tree this Christmas for any game playing family. The gameplay itself is nothing short of genius, demanding players to skillfully navigate the delicate dance of matching candy shapes, always remaining one step ahead of the cunning witch, while strategically positioning tiles adorned with enchanting purple dots. This delicate balancing act adds an enthralling layer of complexity that fuels the game’s unwavering allure, captivating both the young and the young at heart.
The 3D pieces of the game, including the gingerbread house and player Meeples, were a hit with me especially – seeing it is truly the best game for the holidays if you’ve grown tired of your current collection of games and looking for something new. This could also be perfect option for a “Christmas Eve” gift so you can play as a family before bed with hot chocolates and a good movie. Additionally, “Hansel and Gretel” offers variants to adjust difficulty, such as introducing special chocolate tiles for a harder challenge or adding a tile that automatically grants a gingerbread token when drawn for an easier game.
“Hansel and Gretel” exceeded all expectations and left a lasting impact on our gaming table. Prepare to be swept away by the sheer joy and excitement your kids will experience while playing this phenomenal game. Brace yourselves for endless requests to play it again and again. As a gaming group, we may have had our doubts, but “Hansel and Gretel” proved us all wrong, delivering an extraordinary and truly pleasurable experience during our family sessions. It breathed new life into our gaming routine, breaking free from the monotony of mundane memory and random games typically designed for children aged 5 and older. If you are on the hunt for a captivating and immersive game for your precious little ones, look no further than the enchanting realm of “Hansel and Gretel.” With its irresistible gameplay and enchanting components, it is an absolute masterpiece that will captivate both young and old alike.