Review Details

Forbidden Desert

Product Review (submitted on October 16, 2015):

This is a great cooperative game that provides a puzzly challenge along with engaging game play. The story of the game is that you have crashed your flying machine in the desert and you need to find all the components of your ship before you are lot in a terrible sandstorm.

The components of this game are top notch. The board is made up of thick tiles that feel substantial. The markers for sand are also great and are double sided to help the players remember which tiles they are able to traverse through. There is a small replica of your flying ship with its parts which is part of the allure of the game. The parts of the ship feel sturdy and I was surprised at the quality for a game in this price point.

The game play is similar to other cooperative games like Pandemic and Flash Point: Fire Rescue. Each player takes on a role that has a special ability unique to them. On their turn, a player will have a number of action points to spend to move, clear sand, or excavate (flip over a tile). Players will need to search the board to find the parts to their ship and ultimately the landing pad to leave. During the searches the players may gain cards with special powers up like a Dune Blaster or Jet Pack. Also, they may find a oasis so they can refill their water or a tunnel that will protect them from the sun and allow them to quickly move around the board.

The added challenge comes with the storm deck and the sand storm that will cover tiles with sand and in some cases bury the players. They will have to dig themselves out before being able to move. As a result of the sandstorm, the board will move around a bit and make long term planning a little more difficult for the players. Also in the storm deck are cards that will reduce the water in the players' canteen.

This game can be challenging since there are multiple ways to lose the game but only one way to win. But when you do manage a win, it is a great feeling.