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The warmth of the sun on my face. The crystal-clear blue ocean. Dolphins jumping out of the water seemingly dancing with glee. Seagulls barking in the wind at nothing at all. Crabs scurrying across the sand. The most beautiful sunrise on one side of the island with a breathtaking sunset on the other. It’s paradise! I don’t know where in the world that’s better than this. My friends are all on this island, whom I see every day. The king, ooh, the king - he’s cooler than cool. I’m so lucky,’ Runny muses dreamily. “Come, Runny. You have to see what we found in the mountain. You won’t believe it. It’s to die for,” exclaims Dumpy.
“Ooooh, chocolate,” mumbles Cuddles. “Don’t come near me you good for nothing… friend,” says Whoopsy. “I just want to hang out. Perhaps we can go for a swim in the ocean,” I plead. “You just want my chocolate. Get away from me,” proclaims Whoopsy as he steps away slowly. It’s not the same. I can’t sit out at the beach and watch the waves without a fist fight breaking out. It’s not quiet. It’s not friendly. I want off. I want off this island right now! I know the guy who makes the cloth, as well as the rope, wood, and tools. I can make my own boat and get off this forsaken island. Let me go talk to them and see what they want.
It seems all the makers desire candy. They want specific ones, though. Now, I must manipulate the island for the desired candies to ultimately obtain the goods. But, I’m not the only one. My so-called ‘friends’ can, too! Their paranoia is driving them to want to leave the island. I must get off this island before the King realizes what’s going on. He’ll be angry…really, really angry! Who knows what he’ll do?
Twilight Creations’ The Island of Misfit Friends forces you to find the candies that will bribe the island workers to give you the stuff you need to build a boat. But, the King is furious and being unreasonable! He’s destroying parts of the island so you can’t find the candy. Not to mention your ‘frenemies’ are trying to stop you from leaving the island before they do. They want off, too, and they know if one leaves the island, the King will figure it out and that’s it! You’re stuck here, forever!
Game play includes a unique mechanic that determines when a player takes their turn and how many actions they’re able to perform. On a player’s turn, they may move one of their pawns or manipulate the mountain to find three candies in a row, at which time they may take one of those candies that their pawn currently sits on. They also must make it down the mountain and find out what each of the goods makers require to obtain a specific item. Once they obtain the candies needed, they discard the treats and reveal the item, taking them one step closer to building their boat and getting off the island. Each player also has Event cards that will assist in their endeavor and, more importantly, slow their rivals down. Once they have all four goods, they’re able to build their boat and successfully leave the island! Yippee! So long, suckers! The Island of Misfit Friends contains: six plastic “Friend” Figures, 60 cardboard candy tokens, 18 player movement cards, 32 goal cards, 50 event cards, one game board, and one six-sided die. It’s appropriate for ages 8 and up and play time runs approximately 30-60 minutes.
While this is not a “typical” Twilight Creations game on the outside, it definitely is on the inside. There’s plenty of opportunities to backstab and test the boundaries of your friendship in order to win. But, it’s all just fun and games (right?!).
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Days later, everything on the island has changed. The sugar buzz is palpable. The desire is written on everyone’s face. Suddenly, my friends don’t want to hang out. They’re guarding their stash with intense paranoia, afraid that someone will take their sweet desires. I’m worried someone will kill me over bonbons of all things.
