By: Sit Down! Players: 2-4 Ages: 5+ Time: 15-25 mins
One day while experimenting and trying to create the gold, the King accidentally turned himself into a frog by using the wrong ingredients!
It now falls upon the Prince, Princess, Knight, and Wizard to work together and turn the King back to normal
Work together with friends and family to complete a series of scenarios in order to save the King!
What Is Magic Maze Kids?
Magic Maze Board Game Kids is a cooperative game for 2-4 players, in which everyone works together to navigate a series of game boards and scenarios and collect a set of specific items. The game is designed to be accessible to young players, making Magic Maze accessible to children aged 5 and older.
MMK is based on a game released in 2017 called Magic Maze which was published by Sit Down! In it, players take on the role of heroic adventurers navigating their way around a mall to find equipment to take with them on their next adventure. Everyone must work together to find all the equipment before time runs out, but communication is limited once the game starts so planning ahead and using the actions available each turn properly is crucial in guaranteeing success.
Released a year later, the Kid’s version takes the Magic Maze formula and strips it down to make a simpler and more accessible version for a slightly younger audience, while retaining some of the original mechanisms of magic from the original.
Set-Up Magic Maze Kids
Magic Maze Kids is made up of a series of scenarios and tutorials that players can make their way through in any order they like. The tutorials gradually teach the rules of the game, making its original mechanisms accessible to young players. The first time players tackle the game, it’s recommended to start with the tutorials, then play through game board A. Once the board is placed in the middle of everyone, assemble the cardboard cauldron and place the ingredient tokens nearby so they’re within reach of everyone. Players are then given an action tile, which is an arrow pointing up, down, left, or right. It’s easy to determine which direction it’s pointing as there is an N for ‘North’ at the top of each card. It’s at this point players follow specific set-up instructions for the scenario they’re playing, after which the game can begin.
How to Play
Magic Maze Kids plays out in an interesting way that may seem slow at first but has its purpose. Each tutorial and scenario adds a new mechanic to the gameplay in order to gradually introduce players to new concepts, where children cooperate simultaneously to achieve a common goal. This is why it’s recommended that when playing through for the first time, especially with younger players involved, everyone follows the scenarios in order. The first tutorial, for example, involves having the Prince character pick up a mushroom. As simple as that is, this serves the simplest of mechanics: how to move the characters. Each player will have an action card (or more if there are fewer than 4 players) and control each character, but they can only move them in the direction their card dictates, which means everyone controls all of the heroes but only in one direction. This means everyone working together, taking turns sharing, and talking through the best course of action. For children as young as five, these concepts are all important in general, but crucial in order to complete the missions throughout the game.
In the first few tutorials and the first game board, players are introduced to using more than one character, picking up items, blocking each other, and using mission cards. In the tutorials, there is a very basic mission to complete, but when players move to using the game boards things get a tad more complex. Players will take three mission cards, all of which with at least two objectives, which will dictate which character needs to collect which item. It’s then down to the players to cooperate and get the characters to the items in the order they’re displayed on the card. Once done, they pop the items into the cauldron and when enough missions are completed, the correct ingredients can be used to restore the King to his old self.
As play progresses players will face new challenges, like having to navigate their way around Griffins, Dragons, Unicorns, and treacherous terrain. They will also be able to tackle these obstacles in new and interesting ways. As the game evolves, each character has unique skills they can utilize to help them move around the board and lead them and their companions to victory. The Prince is able to jump over characters, the Princess can swim, the Wizard can move through portals and the Knight is able to move around across the forest using hidden paths. By the time players reach the last two boards they’ll have plenty of tools they can use, but plenty of barriers to overcome also. In fact with the final board the game uses a sand timer, so players need to not only complete their missions but must do so under pressure too. In these later scenarios, it’s always a good idea for parents when playing with their kids to offer suggestions and recommendations when stuck. Asking questions like ‘What do you think if we did this?’ or ‘What do you hope will happen if you do that?’ are great ways to engage their brains and understand not just what they’re doing but why they’re doing it too.
In theory, structuring the game in this way is an excellent approach as it doesn’t overload kids with too many rules or concepts at once. Being gradually introduced to what they can do to complete these scenarios means they can perfect one mechanic before taking on and trying to remember any others. Puzzle games like Magic Maze Kids rely on players working together effectively and communicating and cooperating well. Combining this with knowing how to use your characters effectively is what will ultimately lead to group progress and players being victorious by mastering the mechanisms of Magic Maze.
Of course if when all the scenarios are complete players want more of a challenge, the game comes with a set of optional rules that restrict communication, and planning, and add more stakes with the timer. These are perfect for those who aren’t quite ready for a more cerebral game but will help enhance the skills kids will have already become proficient in from practicing the game.
Which Version of Magic Maze Kids is Right for Your Family?
When deciding whether Magic Maze Kids or the original Magic Maze is suitable for you and your children, consider their level of experience with board games and their ability to grasp new mechanics. Magic Maze Kids evolves by offering multiple difficulty levels, adapting and growing with the child to provide a more challenging and engaging experience as they progress. This version is simplified to gradually teach core concepts such as teamwork, communication, and strategy without overwhelming children. If your kids are new to board games or have difficulty understanding complex rules, Magic Maze Kids provides an accessible and fun way to start.
On the other hand, if your children already have some experience with board games and can comfortably handle more intricate game mechanics, the original Magic Maze might be a better fit. It offers a higher level of challenge and requires more advanced strategic thinking and planning. This version also includes a communication restriction element, which heightens the intensity and encourages non-verbal cooperation.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the readiness and interest level of the players. For a simpler, more guided experience that strengthens fundamental gaming skills, Magic Maze Kids is the go-to option. If you seek a more challenging and immersive experience, and your kids are up for it, exploring the original Magic Maze will undoubtedly be rewarding.
Summary
Cooperative gameplay
Good-looking components and boards
Develops problem-solving and communication skills
Teamwork makes the dream work
Plenty of ways to play
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Final Verdict
Magic Maze Kids – Forest Magic Cooperative Game is a great cooperative puzzle game for younger children and families. It helps players enhance their communication skills, practice problem-solving, and experience winning and losing together as a team. The only real criticism about the game is how it can feel a bit ‘samey’. Although there are plenty of mission cards and even several levels of game boards, each mission essentially boils down to ‘take x to collect y’. With this being a game for younger children, however, their patience shouldn’t wear thin any time soon with the number of mission cards and optional rules available to mix up gameplay. Definitely a game worth trying and introducing your little ones to.
Also Read: Best Board Games for 5 Year Olds
If You Liked This:
If you successfully transformed the King back to normal and want to try something similar, below are some games we’re sure you’ll enjoy :
Magic Maze: The original Magic Maze is for those who want more of a challenge. Work your way through a shopping mall with other adventurers, keeping communication to a minimum, and collect the equipment you need before time runs out and mall security chases after you.
Unlock! Kids: A series of escape room-inspired card games. Work together and embark on a great adventure to search for clues and solve riddles. Three cases come in each box and provide hours of fun for junior detectives.
Labyrinth: A competitive maze game where things are always changing. Players work their way through a series of ever-shifting halls to collect treasure. Each turn the game board moves so you’ll never know where you’ll end up next.
Concept Kids Animals: A cooperative deduction game for those still practicing their reading. Players use cards indicating size, coloration, environment description, and more, to help the others guess the animal they’ve chosen.
Blokus: A great strategy and puzzle game for all the family. Fill up a board with 21 different shaped pieces, making sure the corners touch as you do! Try and outwit the other players by using as much space as you can.