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Kites (2022) is a sequencing game where you work together to keep six different coloured kites in the air. You play Kite cards to turn over their related sand-timers to try and stop them from running out and the kites crashing down. It stands out for this timer-management element that requires both quick decisions and effective communication to avoid any one timer staying the same way up for too long.
Play is about managing the orientation of the timers by playing coloured Kite cards to flip them over. However, each of the Kite cards flips different colours (sometimes multiple) and the timers have different durations. So it becomes a battle to work with your teammates to keep all the timers running until you have played all the cards in the deck.
Although you are taking turns, there's a real-time feel to the game because the timers keep ticking down. As play progresses and more timers come into play, you wrestle to flip timers at just the right time. Too soon and you'll have to flip it again pretty quickly. Too late and you are out. At the same time, you need to discuss your hands, so that you know what cards your teammates have and which timers they can best manage.
The result is a game of rapid collaboration, like a co-operative version of speed Chess, where you need to not only play quickly, but communicate clearly too. It's about sequencing your Kite cards carefully, playing them at just the right time, because if you leave one of the timers unturned for too long, it runs out and your team loses.
Our examiner, Rob Prior, first checked Kites 2 years ago. It was re-examined by Thom Robertson and updated 5 weeks ago.
Play is about managing the orientation of the timers by playing coloured Kite cards to flip them over. However, each of the Kite cards flips different colours (sometimes multiple) and the timers have different durations. So it becomes a battle to work with your teammates to keep all the timers running until you have played all the cards in the deck.
Although you are taking turns, there's a real-time feel to the game because the timers keep ticking down. As play progresses and more timers come into play, you wrestle to flip timers at just the right time. Too soon and you'll have to flip it again pretty quickly. Too late and you are out. At the same time, you need to discuss your hands, so that you know what cards your teammates have and which timers they can best manage.
The result is a game of rapid collaboration, like a co-operative version of speed Chess, where you need to not only play quickly, but communicate clearly too. It's about sequencing your Kite cards carefully, playing them at just the right time, because if you leave one of the timers unturned for too long, it runs out and your team loses.
Our examiner, Rob Prior, first checked Kites 2 years ago. It was re-examined by Thom Robertson and updated 5 weeks ago.
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Play Style
This is an Action and Sequencing game with Communication, Race and Strategy elements. You can play with 2 to 6 players in the same room.
You can play this game in the following styles:
Duration
Learn to Play: This takes 5 minutes to learn. The first time you play it's worth trying the following:
Play Time: This game will take between 10 minutes and 15 minutes to complete.
- Remove the purple and orange timer and their respective cards to make your deck smaller and your challenge easier.
- Remove all the challenge cards and ignore their rules until you are familiar with the basic rules of the game.
- Work out which timers are fast and which are slower.
Play Time: This game will take between 10 minutes and 15 minutes to complete.
Benefits
This game is good if you want to:
Age Ratings
Skill Level
7+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Younger players need to be able to play cards quickly, turn the timers over carefully and be able to make strategic decisions whilst under time pressure. However, as this is a cooperative game, they could be supported to do this as part of a team.
Content Rating
We rate this suitable for 3+ years-olds.
Game Details
Release Date: 01/01/2022
Skill Rating: 7+ year-olds
Players: 2-6
Genres: Action, Sequencing (Communication, Race and Strategy)
Accessibility: 0 features documented (Tweet Developer )
Components: Cards and Gadget
Developer: Floodgate Games (@FloodgateGames)
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