Guest Author - Lynn Little

As a Xeko master, it is your task to restore balance to the Earth's ecosystem. Hone your skills by taking on other Xeko masters. Xeko is a collectible card game for two players and not only is fun but can be an education about other parts of the world.

The starter kit for the Xeko Mission: Madagascar has everything needed for two people to play this game. It includes a rulebook plus a playing guide for player 1 and 2. Each deck is marked for the first and second player. Use the decks and the play guide to walk you through how to play this game. Each game step is outlined and explained well.

The quick play guide will give players a good idea of how to play the game. Basically you begin play with placing the hotspot card, Madagascar, on the playing mat. Then players take turn putting species cards into play. Species card feature endangered animals found in Madagascar. Most species card has flavor text that gives a little information about the creature. For example, the Orange Pill Millipede has the flavor text, Two pairs of leg on every ring, makes me so happy I could sing!

Play ends when one player runs out of cards to draw. Then players add up eco-points on the board. The player with the most points wins the game.

Besides the species and hotspot cards, there are boost and Xeko cards. Xeko cards are special powers and events that can change the layout of the environment. Boost cards are played during Turf Wars. A Turf War is basically when two species are fighting for the same resources. When a Turf War happens,
there are several steps in resolving it that are outlined in the rulebook.

While it may seem there are a lot of rules, Xeko Mission: Madagascar is an easy game to play. This collectible card game not only has lovely cards that feature fun facts about Madagascar but is also a great learning tool to teach kids about the world.