Summer holidays are in full swing! Even though there are a lot more things open now, and opening up, I know that we will still be spending quite a lot of time at home. The weather has been looking good, so some games to play is always a good thing in the summer. A board game out in the garden is always a winner over here.
My children and I have been trying out some board games from Gibsons Games recently, and one that we have been really enjoying is one of their new games, Rockpool. As the name suggests, the game is where you ‘go rock pooling’ with your team (chosen by team colours), as well as a loyal puppy on your team.
It is a game that is great fun, but also comes with a great message about the ocean, waste, sea life and what we can do to help.
One of the aims of the game is to collect up as many shells as you can, as well as having the aim of cleaning up the rubbish that comes from the beach, all done before the tide comes in or the tide turns. There are even some cheeky creatures who will look to steal your shells.
I am not going to lie, there are quite a few different aspects to the game, and although the instructions are clear and straightforward, it did take us a game or two to get to grips with that we needed to do. There are some elements of the game that involve calling out to collect shells, and it took a little bit of time for the children to remember that they needed to do that when they saw a shell card. The ages on the puzzle are from six and over, and because of some of the more technical aspects to the game, like the ‘calling out’ I do think that that is the right age for the game. My daughter is six and did get on with the game eventually, but any younger and it would be more difficult for them to understand to master.
I really like that the game is fun, but it comes with a great message too. As we were playing, we were talking about the impact the litter has on the environment, and beaches and oceans in particular, and how we need to be careful with our rubbish, especially plastic. As you need to collect rubbish from the beach and rock pool in order to increase your chances of winning, it is a really positive message.
For £13, I really don’t think that you can go wrong. Whether it is for your own game collection or for a gift, it is a great choice, and comes with a great message of little ones. Rockpool can be enjoyed by groups of 2 to 6 players.
Have you heard of this game before? What games are firm favourites in your household? It would be great to hear what you think.
*the game has been gifted as part of a larger campaign, however all opinions are my own.
