Gamewright - Forbidden Desert Cooperative Survival Adventure Board Game for 2-5 Players – Family Strategy for Ages 10+

I'm a big fan of the "Pandemic Light" game of Forbidden Island. It's a beautiful game that fun to play and helps people like how cooperative board games are played. Coming off my high from Forbidden Island I snatched up the sequel game Forbidden Desert. After purchasing it I realized it might be a mistake. Why have two slightly different versions of the same game? It sat on my shelf for a long time. I kept meaning to play it but never got around to it. Until now. This game may be similar to Forbidden Island, but it is not the same game. Forbidden Island had one thing out out to kill you (the slowly sinking island). Forbidden Island required you to collect and exchange cards in order to get the artifacts needed to win the game. Forbidden Island have a couple of "powers" to use to prevent disaster or press your advantage. This game on the other hand, has TWO things trying to kill you (you're slowly being buried in sand, and you're quickly dying of thirst). Forbidden Desert does away with card collecting and exchanging for artifacts and instead gives you mission to hunt for coordinates for said artifacts, shelters from the sun, precious water, and gear that again gives you powers to help keep you alive and win the game. All of this means... A Worthy Sequel When I finally got to play this game with just one other player, I enjoyed it very much. The artwork is fantastic. The gameplay is actually much simpler than it sounds, and its easy to get going right away. The "treasure hunting" mechanic works extremely well and makes the game exciting, as does the moving storm and draining water levels. I actually like this game better than Forbidden Island, because it seems to be more "action" oriented as you are dune-blasting, jet-packing, and digging for treasure, water, and clues, rather than just collecting cards and passing them around most of the time. This game is an outstanding value and whole lot of fun. If you enjoyed Forbidden Desert and want to try something new I highly recommend it. It's similar enough to feel familiar, and different enough to feel fresh and fun. Highly recommended to fan of Forbidden Island and Newcomers alike! Here's hoping for a sequel called (wait for it) Forbidden Planet! :)

My gaming group enjoys cooperative board games and we often play games like Pandemic. The only problem is that occasionally due to chance, the game ends in defeat very early and suddenly just with the flop of a bad card or two. We've lost games before the third cycle of turns begins. Forbidden Desert changes that up. Like Pandemic and other games of its ilk, there are several ways to lose (3 in fact; run out of sand tiles, the storm picks up to the skull marker, or any player dies of thirst), but all of them only occur mid to late in game. Of the dozen or so games we've played, we've never lost due to sand tiles (though we have gotten down to 3 tiles left), or the storm, but from thirst. We had an initial concern that with only 25 "board" tiles that the game would wear out its welcome once we got used to the gameplay, but the innovative game mechanics (mostly the shifting tiles of the sandstorm) and randomization makes every game unique and gives it a very, very long player interest lifespan. Everything is quality made, from the diecast engine for the airship to the embossed tin box. The rulebook is very clear and concise, and it's a great game for two or more players. Our only concern was about the propeller on the airship. While it's well made and we've never had a problem, there has been some concern that over time that connection will warp or break. There is a thumbwheel that you can slide up to pop the piece off, but with the propeller completely popped in so that it spins freely, it's near impossible to get the thumbwheel to slide up to pop it off. So, in summary: Pros: +No two games are the same +Rules are simple enough to learn very quickly but complex enough to require some strategic thinking. +Variety of roles allow players to try different combinations of "cast" so you can find what character both you like to play and synergizes well with your teammates. +Fun. Negatives: -Propeller piece may be a problem in the future. -No one liked playing as the Archeologist in our group. Neutral: We found that the more players, the more difficult the game was.

If you’ve ever dreamed of navigating treacherous deserts while laughing in the face of adversity, then Gamewright Forbidden Desert is your ticket to a mirthful and thrilling adventure! This cooperative board game is a delightful blend of strategy, teamwork, and desert drama that will keep you on your toes and rolling with laughter. First off, let’s talk about the game’s design. The vibrant multi-colored artwork is a feast for the eyes, transforming your table into a sun-soaked desert landscape that is both mesmerizing and slightly mischievous. The components are sturdy and well-crafted, from the detailed desert tiles to the nifty player pieces that make you feel like you’re truly embarking on an epic journey. The gameplay is where the real fun begins. As you and your fellow adventurers work together to survive the scorching heat and unearth the hidden treasures of the Forbidden Desert, you’ll find yourselves in the midst of a thrilling challenge. Each turn brings a new twist, and the cooperative nature of the game means that every victory feels like a team triumph, and every setback becomes a shared adventure. But here’s the whimsical twist: despite the intensity of the desert sun and the cunning sandstorms, you’ll be surprised at how much fun you can have in this arid wasteland. The game’s blend of strategy and chance ensures that no two games are ever the same, and the laughter you’ll share with your fellow explorers will make every setback feel like a minor hiccup in an otherwise glorious quest. One thing to note is that this game does not come with a complimentary camel or magical oasis—but if it did, it would make the experience even more enchanting! Instead, you’ll have to rely on your wits, teamwork, and a sprinkle of good humor to make it through the desert unscathed. In summary, Gamewright Forbidden Desert is a whimsical, cooperative adventure that will make your game nights memorable and your desert escapades unforgettable. Whether you’re strategizing with friends or working together as a family, this game offers endless fun and laughter. So gather your fellow adventurers, brace yourselves for the heat, and let the desert adventure begin!

Forbidden Desert is a thrilling cooperative board game that’s perfect for playing with friends. From the very first turn, it pulls everyone into a tense, strategic struggle for survival as you work together to escape a deadly desert before it’s too late. What really makes Forbidden Desert shine is its teamwork. Every player has a unique role with special abilities, and success depends on smart communication and planning. Each decision feels meaningful—do you dig for parts, shield teammates from the blazing sun, or race against the sandstorms closing in? The game constantly keeps you on your toes, and the difficulty feels challenging without being frustrating. The theme is incredibly immersive. The shifting sands, limited water, and relentless storm create real pressure, making every victory feel earned. Even when you lose (and you probably will at first), it just makes you want to try again with a better strategy. Overall, Forbidden Desert is a fantastic strategic co-op game and an excellent choice for friends who enjoy working together under pressure. I loved it—from the tension to the teamwork to the sense of accomplishment when you finally escape. Highly recommended for game nights with friends.

Positives of the game: 1. Easy to learn. You will have the rules figured out in about 15 minutes. Less if you have played "Forbidden Island". This is a strong plus if you are playing the game with new people to the group or if you are playing with younger players. 2. Easy to play. Play your four actions, draw cards for the storm, play passes to the next player. Easy enough. 3. Very challenging. In my experience with co-op games, I want to play something that is fairly challenging to beat (in some cases, losing the game can be more fun than winning). This game is very tough to beat. You will have to work as a team and plan your moves carefully as even one error from one person can cause the game to end. Even if you beat the game on an easy setting, you can increase the difficulty to suit you likes. Right now the normal setting is proving to be quite a challenge. 4. Lots of replay. Different character rolls as well as the difficutly setting means you will play this game for a while (you definately will get your money's worth out of it). 5. A very beautiful game design. Tile and card art is very nice. The ship and its pieces are of very good quality (Make note of this Hasbro). Negatives: 1. The tiles can be damaged. This game heavilly relies on what is hidden underneath the tiles that make up the game board. If a tile becomes damaged through use, it takes away a bit of the secrecy. The players note which tile is damaged and knows what is underneath of it. I would recommend tile covers to protect them. It's a couple of bucks but it prolongs the life of the game. 2. Do not play this game if you or anyone in your group is a sore loser. You will be beaten in this game plenty of times. Overall: Despite the tile issue, this game is fantastic! If you enjoyed "Forbidden Island", this is a must. If you have not played "Island", you do not need to as this game is very easy to learn but tough to beat. You will enjoy this game!

This is a great family game. The rules and mechanics are a little hit and miss. They were very overwhelming at first and we had to play the game a few times in our "learning mode" before we really understood everything. After that it was a simple and easy game The only downside is your character can die. If you are playing with younger ones, they can get upset at that. My 7 year old has died a few times and pouts a little since she's out of the game. But usually the survivors just let her join in on the decision making when that happens though. And it doesn't happen very often. Usually we try very hard to keep each other alive. That being said, this is a fun game that our family likes to play because you are working together to solve the problem instead of against each other. I have a lot of fun when the game gets really intense and all the ideas the kids come up with to solve the problems and work together. The game does require a fairly large area to play in. We can do so on the floor or the dining room table, but it would be a tight squeeze on a card table. Game play for us has lasted anywhere from 15/20 minutes upwards of an hour depending on how the cards are drawn. I would recommend this game and highly encourage people to give it a fair shot once the rules are understood. If anything turns you off to the game fresh out of the gate, it can be the complexity of the rules. But once you understand them, it's a really fun game. Our "learning mode" is learn the rules as you play. It takes a really long time for the first play through when you do it this way, but it speeds up as things are better understood.

The propeller came with the top piece loose, besides that everything ok. The game is great, easy to learn, hard to beat; but a lot of fun.

I was first introduced to Forbidden Island when playing a friend's copy and found it to be a fun game with some unique mechanics. When I learned about Forbidden Desert I figured this would be similar but was surprised at the added twists this game has. It still relies on cooperation (though in my experience it seems like games tend to gravitate towards an overall "leader") but now literally adds the new layer of sand. It's a challenging game with replayability (winning is not easy and varies from game to game based on how the board is randomly pieced together). You and your fellow players find yourselves to have crash landed in the desert and are in a race against time to not only excavate the rumored sun powered aircraft but to also piece it together before the sand storm becomes too strong. Some fun game play differences when comparing with Forbidden Island: tunnels can be uncovered allowing you to move further along the playing field, there is a sand storm that has a mind of its own adding a level of unpredictability to the game (you do not know where the sand will pile up next or how many tiles the storm impacts), the way parts are unveiled adds a bit of uncertainty as you hope what lies beneath the sand will help save you (while in Forbidden Island you could come up with a plan on how to retrieve the different elements). The quality is high- with the game coming in a nice tin and pieces made of sturdy, thick cardboard as well as metal/plastic craft pieces. The only thing to be careful for is the propeller, it is rather fragile and can easily break. Cooperative games are not for everyone, as I have found when attempting to introduce others to the concept, and Forbidden Desert is no exception to some not understanding/enjoying these types of games. If you enjoy cooperative games then this is a fun time that I can see you playing again and again! If you have Forbidden Island, this is definitely a step up. The makers said that they were taking on the challenge of creating a completely new game play experience while leaving elements of Forbidden Island in tact and I believe they have succeeded.

Tres bon jeu pour toute la famille. Plus facile à jouer que L'Ile Intedite (mails ils sont les 2 sont tres sympa)

I have Forbidden Island already and I liked it. I was looking forward to trying Forbidden Desert, but when I played Forbidden Desert, I was amazed at how much they fixed the game and made this amazing. The new mechanics really complete the core idea and while I still like Forbidden Island, it now feels incomplete compared with Forbidden Desert.

Chegou tudo certo.

Tiene muchas variables para diferentes niveles de juego, tal vez no es tan complejo como esperábamos (pero a hay más experiencia en diferentes juegos de mesa cooperativos) si puedes ganar incluso entre 2 personas en el ajuste más difícil, pero está muy divertido y vale la pena.

Fantastic cooperative game that gets surprisingly intense, sometimes very suddenly! We have adapted the game a bit to allow for a 6th player, which doesn't seem to affect the playability. Just have to keep track of the water on the last card somehow because there are only enough card markers for 5 players. It seems to be much harder to succeed with fewer people- especially 2-, which is a fairly realistic, if unintended, feature of the game mechanics. It was easy for us to learn the rules and play right away. My children who were able to play are ages 5 to 12 yrs old. There is a minimal need for reading, but since everyone is playing together, the cards can be read by anyone so non-readers can still play fully. Excellent bonding game, really paradigm-shifting for those who play competitively more often than not, and genuine feeling of triumph with success because it is generally very tricky to succeed and easy to get really involved in the intensity! A lot of practical strategy involved, and that evolves with game play, so you have to be in the moment and keeping a lot of factors in mind when making decisions together. Every game is new, requiring a novel application of strategies built into the game with gear cards. We saw this game on TableTop on Youtube, watched a play-through, and then bought it. It is really fun. I think we have more fun than they did (and they were having a lot of fun). Haha. :)