Several years ago my brother got us started on these amazing games. The first one he gave us was EuroRails. It's recommended for ages 10 and up. From the Mayfair Games website:
Celebrate one of the world's most vital and enduring passions: railroads. Use your initial investment to build track. Then pick up commodities where they are grown, mined, or manufactured and deliver them to a lucrative place of demand. Complete a delivery and make the money you need to buy larger, faster trains, and expand your railroad empire. Win the game by building the most effective railroad empire!
It certainly was a hit with some of us. Others found it a bit too long to play. No matter, Tim then gifted us with Empire Builder and IndiaRails. Same idea but different countries and shorter time to play a game. These are really great strategy games that can be quite addictive. This Christmas we started playing them again and Peter joined in the fun. He loves it and it's nice to play a game we can share.
A few years ago Tim gave us The Settlers of Catan. Another amazing game that we soon discovered was popular with lots of people. It doesn't take too long to play and is easy to learn. Also recommended for ages 10 and up.
So far we haven't introduced Peter to the joys of Settlers. This weekend is the time. I think I'll haul this out today and get Peter going. I have also heard that there is an iPad app for this game. If Peter decides he likes this, which I'm sure he will, I think we'll invest in the app.
What's so amazing about these board games is how it stretches Peter's world. His life in Haiti was quite small. Even kids his age in Canada and the USA don't have the knowledge of basic geography and history. When you find a quality game with the benefit of expanding our knowledge, it's just a win-win. I guess that's the point of educational games. But I don't think Mayfair Games markets itself in this category. They just make quality games that are educational.
Why did I include this photo? It was right next to another image on my computer this morning and it makes me smile. May 2010. Wow. So long ago.
1 comment:
Hi Beth, Erin has been talking about Settlers since being at Caton's and we finally got it this year for Christmas! We got to play it a couple of times over Christmas and enjoyed it, but now there are only two of us interested in playing which means we need to recruit a few people so we can play it again. We will have to make a "play date" with you!! :-)
Love, Carol
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