Castle Panic 2nd Edition | Cooperative Board Game for Adults and Family | Ages 8+ | for 1 to 6 Players | Average Playtime 45 Minutes | Made by Fireside Games

This is one of my favorite board games! It is easy to learn and great to play in a mixed-age group. It is a cooperative game where the players are working together to defeat all the monsters (ogres, trolls, etc.) before their castle is destroyed. I’ve both won and lost several times, and you can adjust the difficulty level to fit your group. Everything came in good condition and it was easy to assemble a few pieces that had two parts. The cards and pieces are high quality and have detailed illustrations, and I can tell the game will last a long time. This is a great game for team-building or a fun family game night!

Description:Castle Panic is a cooperative tower defense game set in a fantasy realm for 1-6 players with a playing time of 60 minutes.Simplicity: Moderately SimpleObjective: The players act as a team to defend their castle at the center of the board. Monsters march out of the forest ring towards the castle. The players lose if all six towers are destroyed by the monsters. If all monsters are defeated before the last tower falls the players win the game.Basic Game Play: Each player will be dealt a hand of cards. The number of cards dealt can change depending on how many players are in the game. On your turn you have the opportunity to defeat monsters on the board. The board is divided into Colors (Red, Green, and Blue), arcs (numbered 1-6), Rings (Forest, Archers, Knights, Swordsman, and Castle), and Spaces.On a players turn they may use their cards to “hit” a monster and damage it by a point. The player then discards the played card. It takes one hit to defeat a Goblin, two hits to defeat an Orc, and three hits to defeat a Troll. You may only target a monster with a hit card that matches the monster's location (e.g. Blue Swordsman may only hit a monster in the blue section of the Swordsman’s ring.)When the player has accomplished all that they wish to do they move all monsters one ring closer to the castle keeping them in the same arc. Two more monsters are drawn from the bag. The player rolls the die and places the new monster in the forest ring of the matching arc number then rolls the die again for the second monster. If an action token is drawn the player or players follow the required task. The next player then begins their turn.Thoughts: This game is simple to pick up and by a player’s third turn they’ll know what is going on and how to make a decision on what to do. The game is entertaining and the anticipation of what monster will show up next is one of its highlights.Some players may wish for more and this game can only go so far with just three types of monsters and a healer. Despite that fact I still enjoy this game. Having your castle overrun with monsters closing in is intense and the event tokens will stir things up during the game. It is very satisfying when you’re able to perform a move that clears the board of the monsters.The components are of great quality and the art work is fitting for the focus of the game. Castle Panic is wonderful family entertainment.Rankings:Components: 2.5/3Theme: 3/3Mechanics: 3.5/4Enjoyment: 8/10Overall: 17/20 (85%) = BConclusion: Castle Panic is a Great game that rarely disappoints me. High on my request or recommend list.

Castle Panic provides a solid and enjoyable tower defense experience that strikes a balance between accessibility and strategy. The game mechanics are straightforward, making it easy for players of varying skill levels to dive into the action without feeling overwhelmed.The cooperative aspect of Castle Panic adds a unique layer to the gameplay, fostering teamwork and collaboration. It's refreshing to have a game that encourages players to work together to withstand the relentless waves of monsters. The simplicity of the rules allows for a quick setup and an equally swift start to the game, making it an excellent choice for casual gaming sessions.The variety of monsters and the evolving Castle Panic ring add an element of surprise to each playthrough. The escalating difficulty keeps players on their toes and provides a good challenge without becoming too punishing. The blend of offense and defense decisions adds a strategic element that keeps the gameplay engaging.While the components are of good quality, the overall visual appeal could be enhanced. The artwork is charming, but a bit more detail could have been added to elevate the game's aesthetic. Additionally, for players seeking a more complex and in-depth gaming experience, Castle Panic might leave them wanting a bit more depth in terms of decision-making and strategic choices. If you like this game, and want to try one with a bit more complexity and better visual appeal, try "The Siege of Runedar".In summary, Castle Panic is a highly enjoyable and accessible tower defense game that successfully balances simplicity with strategy. While it may lack some of the depth desired by more seasoned gamers and could use a visual upgrade, its cooperative nature and quick gameplay make it a solid choice for a fun gaming night with friends and family.