Da Vinci's Challenge is a new abstract game published by Briarpatch Games and designed by Paul Micarelli. The game is for two or four players aged 8 to adult. The game board is a pattern of circles and triangles which forms a beautiful design known as the Flower of Life, an ancient symbol which was carved on the walls of Egyptian pyramids and later studied in depth by Renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci.
The game rules are simple. Each player is given 72 game pieces (one player is dark and one is light), divided into two shapes: triangles and ovals. The players then take turns placing each of these pieces on the board over an open space which is the same shape. Their goal is to create certain pre-designated symbols within the larger symbol and to prevent the other player from doing so. Different symbols are assigned different point values, the more difficult ones to create are naturally worth more points. The game continues until no more players can make symbols. To play with four players, simply split the players into teams of two and play using normal rules.
Strategy for the game is more complex. Some players may try to rack up large amounts of low-scoring symbols while others may try to forego the low-scoring symbols in order to try to set up some of the larger, higher-scoring symbols. Some players may play offensively, allowing other players to score in favor of setting up their own symbols. Some may play defensively, using a majority of their moves to block other players from playing their symbols. The best strategy is probably to play a combination of low and high-scoring symbols and a combination of offense and defense. However, take your time and figure out which strategy works for you.
DA VINCI'S CHALLENGE AT-A-GLANCE:
GAME BOX INCLUDES: Game board, 72 of each color of assorted pieces (triangles and ovals), Score sheets, Game Rules
YOU'LL NEED: Pen or pencil, Plastic baggie to hold all of the pieces between games (so they don't get lost or wind up in children's mouths).
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $24.99
AWARDS WON: Dr. Toy's 10 Best Games for 2005, Oppenheim 2005 Platinum Award, 2005 Mensa Select competition, iParenting Media Award for Excellence, and more.
TRY IT IF YOU LIKE: Othello, Go, Penti, Chess, Checkers
PERFECT FOR: The classic game fan who is looking for something new and interesting in addition to the old standards; The Da Vinci Code fan who is now up for anything and everything Da Vinci-related.
RATING: Five Vitruvian Men out of Five
Da Vinci's Challenge Board Game
