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As soon as I heard what the theme for Arch Ravels was, I knew I had to have this game. I didn’t even see the images for it before I told my partner to get it, and I was not disappointed. If you haven't guessed already, Arch Ravels is all about knitting! What’s more, it includes a knitting pattern for an item you can knit in the game.
Arch Ravels is designed by XYZ Game Labs, who also created Tiny Tina’s Robot Tea Party, Inoka, and RobotLab. This is a game of buying yarn, learning patterns, completing patterns, and tackling special requests. This is easier than you think, and furthermore definitely quicker than real knitting! The time for this game is 30 – 45 minutes and for 2-4 players.
Inside The Box
If you love quality miniature components in a game then this will tick a box for you. Arch Ravels contents are:
- Game board
- 4-character boards
- Wooden balls of coloured wool
- Cut out shapes of the items you have to knit
- Bowls to store your wool in
- 4 wooden action markers
- Project cards
- Pattern tiles
- Yarn, event and special request cards
The components of this game have been well thought about. I especially love that there is a tray to keep all the smaller parts in. When we purchase games with lots of small compartments we usually have to go searching for tubs or boxes to store them in, but not with Arch Ravels.
Arch Ravels' instruction book is 11 pages long with clear steps and sections. It also has clear pictures in it too so you know exactly what they are talking about. And, as I mentioned earlier, it also includes a knitting pattern to make an octopus from the game.
Set-Up
Arch Ravels is quick and easy to set up. Sometimes you are limited for time and just want a game that is easy to get out and put away. This would make the list. You do have to change the number of certain cards added for how many are playing though. This is fairly straightforward to do if the game was put away properly. Arch Ravels also does not take up too much room when set up.
Gameplay
There are 4 characters that you can be in Arch Ravels, each with different abilities. In this way, it is similar to Disney Villainous. Each character card has 2 sides so you can either be male or female. As I am a girl, I do tend to choose female characters in the games I play. My partner, who I play this with, prefers to play male characters. I can feel like I have girl power and he can feel more macho. Each turn you get to do one of four actions:
- Shop
- Craft
- Exchange
- Unique action
Each of these actions will differ depending on which character you are. Some characters can shop for more items while some can craft more. Each turn you have to do a different action, which is similar to Terraforming Mars (the card game).
What Category Does Arch Ravels Fall In?
I class a family board game a game that anyone can play. For me, that includes anyone from your 7-year-old niece to your great aunt who does not play games. Arch Ravels would come under family board game in my opinion. Although the recommended age for Arch Ravels is 8+, this is a game anyone could get to grips with including my 6-year-old daughter. The only drawback would be picking up the small parts if anyone had issues picking up small parts, but what games now does not contain small parts?
My partner does not like to do crafts at all. He normally wants to play space theme games such as Star Realms, Roll for the Galaxy, and Space Base. He was surprised that he did actually like this game. Never did he think he would say the words “I am going to knit a teddy and a scarf.” So, it does show Arch Ravels really is a game for anyone.
Arch Ravels would be a good introductory game to play with non-board game players. It is easy to get to grips with what to do and what is happening.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Arch Ravels is a game anyone can play. It entices you with its attractive images and components. It is easy to set up and fairly quick to play. I am so glad I have this on my gaming shelves.
