Strategy Challenges Collection 2: In The Wild-

"Strategy Games of the World" from Edmark has undergone a name change. This program is more strategy oriented than the first program and takes a great deal of strategic brain power. "Strategy Challenges 2" would be best suited for kids 10 and older. Younger kids could definitely play with a bit of adult introduction. My eight year old caught on to the concepts, but only as we played together.

Three new games are included in this program. Jungle Chess is an ancient Chinese board game in which various pieces representing jungle animals must try and capture each other, ultimately finding their way into the opponents nest site. This reminds me of the old 'paper, scissors, rock' game. Each animal is given a number. Each piece can only capture numbers which are lower than themselves. The animals correspond to this numbering plan meaning that the stronger and more dominant animals can capture the weaker species. The exception is the rat who can capture the elephant. My kids got a kick out of the story of the elephant being afraid of a mouse. When a player is captured, the dominant piece is transformed into a spectacular animation which roars at you. This came as a delightful surprise. I would keep it a secret as you play with your kids. Let them enjoy the surprise of that first transformation.

Surakarta is an old Indonesian game involving tracks which make loops and double loops. The board looks like a crazy sort of freeway off-ramp. The object is to capture your opponents pieces. In order to do this you must find a clear loop to zip around. The pieces look as if they are on fire as they zoom around the loop ultimately capturing and destroying an opponent. This game takes a lot of forethought and "thinking through the consequences" as my daughter calls it.

The favorite at our house was Tablut. This board game reminded us of a very complex game of checkers. You must choose to play offensively or defensively. If you are the offensive player you must move your king piece to one of the outside rows. If you choose to be the defensive player you must prevent the king piece from finding a clear passage and at the same time try to encircle the king to win yourself.

Each of these games strengthens skills in evaluating and anticipating outcomes as well as the ability to consider varying points of view. Your kids may not be studying math, but they will definitely be learning! Each game includes both defensive and offensive strategies. This is more fun than a game where everyone is racing after the same goal. Edmark has included a resource area which helps your child learn about defensive and offensive strategies employed by various members of the animal kingdom. Learn how butterflies protect themselves, or what special offensive capabilities an otter possesses. Well done audio clips accompany each video clip of an animal in it's natural habitat. This was an impressive addition to an already well done program. If you are tired of loosing board game pieces, here is a sure fire way never to loose another. "Strategy Challenges" is a wonderful program and worth every penny. You would pay more than this for three board games...and then you would have all those pieces to loose.

Grading:

Educational value- 5
Entertainment value- 4
Use of medium- 4
Age- 10+

You can purchase this program directly from Edmark at http://www.edmark.com/prod/strategy/sc2/