Parlour game tested: "Gipfelkraxler"
20.10.2016
Translation: machine translated
In round three of our game test series, we take a closer look at the board game "Gipfelkraxler". A game of chance based on the principle of Yatzy, in which you have to scramble up the summit with your ibexes. But be careful: don't fall off!
Though the game is suitable for two or more players, we, your trusted game testers Christian (Product Manager Toys) and I (Marketing Manager Toys), grabbed two work colleagues for this test, who really stirred up our game round. This time, neither of us won!
The game
The summit is calling! The aim of the family game is to be the first to get two of your five ibexes (playing pieces) to the summit. But don't be fooled, the path is not easy. You need a lot of luck with the dice and it also helps if you are in the right place at the right time. There is no limit to the number of ibexes on the large fields below. On the small fields closer to the summit, however, there can only be one ibex at a time. As a result, you are quickly displaced and end up back at the starting point. If you are lucky, however, you can push your own pieces further towards the goal with a chain reaction. On your turn, you roll the dice up to three times and try to use the result to move your ibexes one space further up. The further you go towards the summit, the more valuable the dice results must be (three of a kind, small road, full house, five of a kind, etc.). The game is explained in detail in the video at the top and here you can go directly to the game instructions.
Facts
- Playing time: 30 minutes (We certainly had 40 minutes of pure playing time, without explanations.)
- Number of players: 2-4 players
- Recommended age: from 8 years
Christian says:
"A perfect dice game for the whole family. Anyone who already enjoys the classic Yatzy will love this game. It is beautifully designed and even the youngest social gamers will have no problem understanding this game. It's perfect for an exciting afternoon of games with the whole family. For die-hard board game fans who roll the dice as badly as I do, however, it can quickly become frustrating. But your luck can change quickly on the mountain!"
- Happiness factor: ★★★★★
- Strategy factor: ★★☆☆☆
- Complexity: ★★☆☆☆☆
- Replay appeal: ★★★☆☆
- Top: Beautifully designed family game in the style of the classic Yatzy.
- Flop: It can quickly become frustrating for players with a lack of dice luck.
Irene says:
"The game is mainly based on the luck of the dice. A little strategic thinking is required so that you can give yourself an advantage and, above all, so that you don't suddenly push yourself down the mountain. The fact that you have to roll difficult combinations of numbers can make the game a bit long. I can imagine that it's great fun for children. For me, however, it has a rather low replay appeal, as the course of the game can be influenced too little and too much luck determines the outcome of the game. But if you're looking for a simple game that's easy to learn and fun to play, you'll enjoy it."
- Happiness factor: ★★★★☆
- Strategy factor: ★☆☆☆☆
- Complexity: ★☆☆☆☆
- Replay appeal: ★★☆☆☆
- Top: With the ibexes, streams and the summit, the game is beautifully designed and offers a welcome change from the well-known Yatzy.
- Flop: There are no red playing pieces. I'm ALWAYS red, that's not possible! No wonder I didn't win.
And the winner of the game says: "I don't normally have any luck with the dice and was therefore very surprised that I actually won. The game was definitely fun!"
More about parlour games:
This is how it was assessed
- Luck factor: 1 star = luck has hardly any influence; 5 stars = game outcome is only determined by luck
- Strategy factor: 1 star = You hardly have to think strategically; 5 stars = You will only win with good strategy
- Complexity: 1 star = Easy; 5 stars = Challenging
- Replay appeal: 1 star = I don't have to play this again immediately; 5 stars = This is addictive
Irene Portmann
Senior Brand Communications Manager
Irene.Portmann@digitecgalaxus.chI love the strategy game “The Settlers of Catan”, the Ravensburger puzzle “Colourful Cupcakes” and the pink fluffy unicorn that sits on my desk (a birthday present from my workmates). Not only do I have a weakness for toys, I also get excited about good food and comedy TV shows.