Published by Ravensburger in 1987, The Squirrel Game cast players as squirrels racing to gather enough pinecones to survive the winter.
GAMEPLAY
Gameplay combined simple roll-and-move elements with light strategy and risk in a woodland setting.
Players matched their wheelbarrow colour to the corresponding overalls worn by the squirrel pawns. Squirrels travelled around a woodland-themed board, gathering pinecones in small wheelbarrows and attempting to bring them safely back to their individual hoards at the corner of the board.
Each squirrel could carry a maximum of six pinecones, requiring players to decide when to keep collecting and when to unload their supply. Spaces and player interactions could help or hinder progress, including opportunities to take pinecones from other squirrels or force them to unload. The game used a familiar woodland setting to introduce decision-making, counting, and turn-based competition.
The first player to acquire 15 pinecones within their hoard ensured winter survival and won the game.
IN THE BOX
A complete game included the game board, 66 pinecones, four wheelbarrows (red, yellow, green, blue), four squirrel pawns, a small bowl, and one die. A printed instruction booklet was included inside the box.
ABOUT RAVENSBURGER
Ravensburger is a German game, puzzle, and toy company founded in 1883 by Otto Maier. Based in Ravensburg, Germany, the company published its first board game, A Trip Around the World, in 1884 and became known for its engaging board games, children’s books, and jigsaw puzzles. Ravensburger remains a privately held company owned by the Maier family. Its brands include BRIO, ThinkFun, Carlit, Wonder Forge, and others.
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