Mark's #46: Sindbad

Sindbad is a multi-layered game, though at first glance it appears to be simply a roll'n'move with some investing strategies. So I'd better define why I think this exploration game from Flying Turtle is multi-layered, right?!

• It can be played by young children... Braeden is 4 & 1/2 and has a grand time encountering monsters and figuring out what to do next with his diamonds.
• It can be played by gamers - who can do a lot more strategizing about what & what not to do.
• The numbered adventure cards add some interesting questions to your standard "roll/move/explore" pattern: is now the time to use a card to move? should I save it for later to attack another player or fight off the pirates? is this card more valuable for the gems it will gather or for the safe move I can make right now?
• You can play a risky "go for all the marbles" kind of game... or diversify your holdings & build up cash steadily.

However you do it, Sindbad has plenty of evocative art & theme as you journey into the adventure.