Livingstone
Livingstone review
Livingstone is a fun, strategic family game that's easy to learn but offers some depth for more experienced players. I found it to be a good choice for playing with kids, especially those who are learning about money management and decision-making. The game is beautifully designed, with high-quality components that really enhance the experience. My kids loved the little treasure chests and the bag of gems.
The gameplay is simple enough to pick up quickly, but the dice mechanic adds a layer of randomness that keeps things interesting. I particularly enjoyed the decision-making involved in choosing your actions, especially regarding the diamond mining and Queen's contributions. The game also offers some interesting strategic choices, such as deciding when to explore and where to set up your tents.
While I enjoyed the game, I agree with some reviewers that the Queen's contribution rule could use some tweaking. It can be frustrating to lose the game solely because you contributed less money, even if you scored the most points. However, I think this is a minor issue that could be addressed with a house rule. Overall, Livingstone is a solid family game that I would recommend to anyone looking for a fun, engaging, and strategic game for all ages.