Kamakai, by Laboludic

Finding the right strategy game for preschoolers can be challenging. It needs to be simple enough for young children to navigate while also incorporating enough decision-making elements to give them a sense of control over the outcomes. Enter “Kamakai” by @laboludic , a delightful marine life card game featuring an adorable yet fearsome tiger shark.
Why I love ❤️ this game: (1) Kamakai is a vibrant ocean-themed game that’s all about strategy and fun! The game includes 52 cards featuring marine animals-fish, turtles, crabs, and seahorses-in five colors, along with five Kamakai tiger shark tokens. To set up, each player grabs a Kamakai token and places it in front of them. On each turn, player takes a card from either the draw or discard pile, placing them (in a row) next to their shark tile. Next, player rolls the die: If you land on a colour that matches one of your animal cards, you must discard one; rolling a shark means you discard the card next to your token; and rolling seaweed keeps your creatures safe for the round. If you draw a “half-seaweed” card that pairs with another, your animals are protected, and you can skip rolling. The first player to collect at least one of each sea creature wins!
(2) Sounds simple? Not quite. Kamakai offers a range of strategic twists that keep players on their toes. Each round, you can rearrange your sea creatures and decide which card to place next to the tiger shark token, allowing you to protect your valuable cards from being discarded. Gray animals and half-seaweed cards are rarer and more challenging to get rid of, so it’s essential to keep them away from the shark! Additionally, players face the choice of drawing from the pile (for a chance at better cards) or taking from the discard pile for more certainty. This blend of “small” decision-making and tactical planning makes the game engaging and thought-provoking for kids aged 4 to 5.
(3) I love the minimalist and elegant artwork, featuring clear illustrations against a clean white background. The sturdy square box adds to its charm. This compact game is a travel-friendly game for your next family vacation!
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Recommended age: 4 year-old ++