Abalone

Abalone is a game that has been around for a while, and for good reason. It's simple to learn, but challenging to master, and it's a lot of fun to play. I've always been drawn to abstract strategy games (like Go), so I was naturally intrigued by Abalone. The rules are simple: push your opponent's marbles off the board by pushing your own marbles around the board. Sounds easy, right? Well, it's not as easy as it sounds. There are a lot of strategic possibilities, and the game can be quite intense. I have several abstract strategy games, and this one really stands out as a favorite because of its tactile, satisfying gameplay. The marbles are glass, and they have a nice, heavy weight to them. They make a satisfying "clack" sound when you push them around the board. The board itself is made of plastic, and it's durable and well-made. I can see why this game has been around for so long. It's a classic!

However, I am really bummed about the slanted box. It's just so impractical, and it makes it difficult to stack with my other games. I mean, what was the designer thinking? Seriously. It's like they just didn't care about storage! It makes the game feel less polished, and it just doesn't feel worth the price tag. I'd gladly pay extra for a box that doesn't make me want to yell at it every time I look at it.

I've played Abalone with kids as young as six and adults, and everyone has enjoyed it. I would recommend this game for anyone who likes strategy games or wants to try something new. Just be sure to keep the box in mind. It's a great game, but it could be even better!