Exactly Eight Times Better Than Checkers
On Sunday I showed you CrossWise, a Thrift Treasure find that was a solid abstract strategy game. If you’re a fan of this type of game, but are stuck with Chess and Checkers, then I have a perfect solution for you. Octi from FoxMind Games combines the game of Checkers with a round of Capture the Flag to create a classic title that should be in anyone’s game library.
At first glance it appears to be a simple game. And it IS simple to learn. Your goal is to get one of your pieces onto one of the starting spots of your opponent. That’s it, first to do that wins.
But these are not ordinary Checker pieces. In fact, your starting pawns cannot move at all! At the beginning of the game you can call them “naked”, with eight obvious holes that allow you to “program” your piece.
These tiny arrows are the keys to your success. They are inserted one at a time into your discs, opening up a movement in the direction of the arrow.
On each turn you can do one of two things – either move your pawn or insert an arrow into it. You can add multiple arrows into one piece, but to do so will require multiple turns.
On the other side of the board your opponent is doing the same, slowly moving his army towards your bases. The decision on whether to place an arrow or move a disc is a key strategy you must master in order to be successful.
Some pieces will be deployed as distractions, while others sneak their way forward. You can capture another opponents piece by jumping over them “checker-style”, but only in the direction in which you have arrows in your piece.
This basic game goes rather quick, with each round lasting only 5-10 minutes. There seemed to be a definite advantage to going first, so multiple rounds would be necessary to level the playing field. However, the game also includes additional rules for more strategic options, along with a different board on the back of the starting version. This allows for a ton of replay value as once you master one game, you’ll have to start from scratch to figure out your strategy for the next one.
FoxMind has proven that you can take elements from a classic game and update it to keep it fresh and challenging. Take a look at all of the titles they have available and you’ll see that they are not new to this type of game! With over 100 current and former titles, they surely have something for your library. If not, follow them on Facebook and Twitter to see what they have coming out next!
I like that the rounds are quick. That is perfect for my little one who loves games, but has a really short attention span.
This looks really cool. My 8-year-old son would probably love it.
It looks like there is a lot of strategy and thinking in this. I like that! I’m a big fan of quick games too!
That sounds like fun. Bet it gets interesting.
Wow, this game sounds liek a fun one! We’re always looking to add to our board game collection – looks like FoxMind has a few that would be a great fit for us! 🙂
I love strategy games and I’ve hooked my oldest grandson onto these types of games too. I got him started with chess. This sounds like a really great game that would interest us. Thanks for putting it on my radar.
seems like the kind of game my husband would like to play with our son
My son would love this. He is great at games of strategy!
What a cool game! I love board games like this that really make the kids use their noodles. I love it!
I have never heard of this game. It looks really interesting. I’ll have to take a look at it a little more.
This game is like Checkers on steroids and it looks awesome. It must be so much fun to play and compete with it.
I am in awe that you can remember how to play all your games! I can barely remember how to play one correctly!
It sure does sound like checkers on steroids – but I like that it still be somewhat used as a classic game
This looks so fun! I love Checkers, and this has my name written all over it! Have a great weekend 🙂
I love the game feels familiar and yet reimagined. Learning the rules & strategies can be daunting with a new game.
I love challenging games! They really stretch your brain, and this one would totally rock!
I absolutely love the sound of this game, i am a checkers fun and definitely would enjoy this game or at least try since i have to be planning not only my moves but the arrows and watching my opponent.
This looks so cool! I know my husband would absolutely love to play this.
This looks like a game my wife would absolutely LOVE.