Fairy Crystal Forest

great board game

This game is meant for girls between the ages of 5 and 9. My 7 year old daughter still really loves this game while my 5 year old is starting to get into it and likes playing with the components. The accessories and the art work is the real draw. Plastic crystals, wands with jewels, and pastel shades all conspire to make this a huge draw for the "princess" infatuated girls. There is an interesting background story as well in this game.

Essentially, the game is a race to the finish line, but if a parent can assist with the narrative that is here in the game, both on the board and in the components, then the magic of the game will be revealed.

As mentioned, the components are a draw, but I do find the game board to be a little cluttered. I would have liked to see the path that has to be followed to be more clearly defined. I like the art, and there was a huge effort here - it shows, but some order to the whole thing would have gone a long way.

What I really like about this game is it is not a licensed game. Disney, Looney Tunes, and Marvel comics are not here. I feel that that is part of the magic for the kids. It is unfamiliar to them.

In conclusion, if you have a little princess or fairy at home between the ages of 5 and perhaps 9, then this is the perfect game for daddy to bring home. But play it with them and build up the excitement, magic and the mystery by being the game's narrator.

I met the designer of the game who is based here in Mississauga, Ontario. She put her heart and soul into this. But it is hard to market this kind of game these days and I do not believe that the game sold very well. Not sure how easy it is to pick up a copy these days. I do know that Kroeger ( a Toronto game and toy company who helped with this project, still has stock on hand, although they generally deal at the wholesale level - but if you would like, give them a try.)