Fireball Island and Mouse Traps
A plastic tiki idol (that resembles an angry terrier) is placed in the raised middle of a molded, 3d board, where it can rotate freely. Plastic men and multicolored pigs move their explorer pawns up the sides of the mountain along paths and through caves, trying to reach the top of the mountain, retrieve the idol's giant ruby, and take it down the other side to the waiting boat. However, both the idol and volcanic vents throughout the board periodically spit out "fireball" marbles, which physically roll down the mountain, either plowing through explorer pawns and pigs in their path, or toppling triggered bridges as they pass under them.
The game is Fireball Island, and it kicks some serious terrier booty. Michael and Marcella introduced the game to me, Tim, Ginger and Shanti last Tuesday night over pizza and drinks. What can I say? I felt like Indiana Jones.
So, games are cool and I don't play them enough. I love my friends, but we all know that the usual get-drink-and-make-fun/out thing gets old. Board games are a great way to mix things up. I have a great memory of playing Trivial Pursuit with the crew on my 304B porch (oh to have that wondrous apartment back! take me down with its foundation!). My favorite board game is definitely Scrabble and it's been too many months since I've kicked someone's crossword ass.
Since we're on the topic of 3D games from the 80's, my absolute favorite is DEFINITELY Mouse Trap. This site posts the rules, but the images are far more fun.
