Is “floe” another one of those words that Brits and Yanks spell differently?  Or is the title supposed to be a play on words?

Here is another game that has a firm & definite object to it, other than acquiring victory points.  I really like the theme here and I mostly like the artwork too… but its maybe just a little bit too busy.  But it sure does sound like the game has potential for fun.  And the artwork mostly captures that.

Between this, “Pandemic” and the upcoming Tilsit games (namely, “Sherwood"), maybe we are finally starting to see the tide turn towards some light-hearted, new & interesting themes that I think many people can get into.  I like the “Explorer’s” concept here and it is one that I think my female friends can also enjoy.

The only thing that will problematic with this game is that it plays 2-4 players.  I almost always am playing with 6+ players.  I understand “Pandemic” has that issue as well, but that game looks so good I don’t think I can pass it up.

But with these types of light, fun games… let’s remember...more people typically want to jump in!  So let’s not forget that all important 5th and 6th player… : )

At any rate, this game continues a very positive recent trend in boardgame design.  Cheers to Ludorum.

Now let’s hope it plays well!

Ryan Bretsch wrote: “[M]aybe we are finally starting to see the tide turn towards some light-hearted, new & interesting themes that I think many people can get into.”

Ryan, I think the sheer volume of games being produced will bring about a few that are to your taste, but overall the publishers covered on BGN will continue turning out titles that will have you covering your eyes.

Having read the rules and seen various graphics for the game, I’ll say that four players is a good limit for Ice Flow. With more, you’d have few options for movement and strategy; you could enlarge the board to accommodate more players, but then the 2-3 player game would be non-interactive.

I agree that many publishers have been limiting the number of players to no more than four, but not every design works with more players. Either they feel that the market isn’t there for games that handle 5-6 players, or they aren’t seeing good designs for this number.

Eric

Eric,

Well first let me say that I am not for the abolition of Eurogames, Ameritrash or many of the games reported on BGN.  When those games are featured here, I’m not covering my eyes.

I AM happy about getting some “balance” in those games being produced, however.  Let’s just say that my hope is that everyone gets what they want for Christmas.  : )

Also, I agree that a game designed to best accommodate four players should be left that way.  And I assume that’s the case for Ice Flow.

So for the 5-6 players angle, I was just speaking in more general terms.  I do believe the progressive family/gateway game is the type of game that is definitely very ripe for bringing 5-6 players to the table.

Cheers!

Ryan B.