Mayfair Games Shear Panic

The media could not be loaded.  We play a lot of board games and card games, and even a few RPGs, so I have to say that at first sight I thought "Shear Panic" would be a silly kid game -- kind of like a wooly version of Shoots and Ladders. But it is anything but. This game is actually quite brilliant. One reason I say that is because it's very well balanced, having several types of strategy that are required and multiple ways to win. In lesser games, there is a way in which the game gets "figured out," thus becoming less fun and always easy to win. Having played this a dozen times in just a few days -- with 2, 3, and 4 people -- I can say that it's become one of my favorite games. Here is my overview:GAMEPLAY----------------● This is a game defined by phases: first your sheep are trying to get near each other in the flock, later they're trying to capture the admiration of Roger, and even later they● It is not a game of chance, largely, but one of strategy (much like chess)● I talk a bit about the gameplay in my video, but the basic gist of it is that the game involves turn taking, with each character controlling two color-tagged sheep in the flock. Moves in the flock are orchestrated via each player's game board, and points are earned for clever moves in the flock. Sheep move laterally and diagonally, they jump, and they even spin around.COMPARATIVE COST----------------● This game is incredibly well priced. I've paid three times this much for games we didn't like and ultimately gave away for free. Without a doubt, I think this game is a real deal.QUALITY OF THE ACTUAL GAME, PIECES, AND BOARD----------------● The character pieces are excellent, being cast in resin and then painted. They have a nice feel to them.● The boards are simple cardboard which has been printed. There is nothing all that fancy about the boards, but they are very cute -- the images are nice● The chips are simply painted wooden chips; you're not getting an elaborate game here, just one that is well conceivedCOMPLEXITY OF THE RULES----------------● This isn't a game you just pull out of the box and start playing. We spent 20 or 30 minutes reading through the rules (4-5 booklet) at first, then sputtered along through the first game before really understanding it. After that, we taught friends to play much more quickly. Don't be fooled by the cuteness of this game -- it takes some real thinking and strategy● On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the most complex game I've played, I'd rate this a 3.5AGE RANGE----------------● I'd say the game could be played by most people 7 and above. With help, even younger kids could play itCUTENESS FACTOR----------------● High to extremely high. The sheep are adorable and the moves in the game are all super silly.SOCIAL ASPECT----------------● I tend to appreciate games that get people together and seem to facilitate laughter. This game totally does that. It's definitely not serious and moves pretty quickly. Each game lasts us about 20 minutes.● If someone is still learning, it's easy to teach them and help them out as things go along.HUMOR LEVEL----------------● The funniest thing about this game is the wordplay: "Ewe should move your sheep" and "Flock off!" get said, and other things like that. One of the moves is called a "Lamb Jam" for instance, which is provocative and funky● This is not a game like exploding kittens where uproarious laughter can ensue, but it's definitely fun and funny to play.So overall, as you should be able to tell from this review, I'm really impressed with "Shear Panic." It is really well thought out, not easy to dominate and win every time, and yet requires some real thinking. What a great game!.................This product was NOT given to me as part of any promotion. I bought it after doing some comparison shopping and this review is entirely the result of my own opinions and use of the product.

The pieces of this game are fantastic!! Modeled sheep make up the flock and two special sheep models provide an objective during the game. The counter bits and map markers are wooden buttons. The color comes off on my fingers if I hold one too long. The map is beautifully rendered in color on a single fold hard-board base.The game appears to be fun, however...the rules are difficult to read and follow. There are a couple possible moves which I dont understand and cant find clear answers in the book.If you like fun family games with original pieces and play--I would recommend this game for you.

It looks like a cutesy game for little kids but it's definitely more advanced that than so pay attention to the age recommendation of 10+; if your child is younger but good at puzzle and logic games it would still be a good fit. It's fun even for adults on their own. The pieces are nice solid ceramic and mounted on wooden titles so definitely a good quality game as far as construction goes as well.

This is a very well made board game.Unfortunately, there wasn't a lot of beta testing when writing the directions.It took awhile to figure out how to play. The game, although durable and cute, was quite mundane.

I love this game, most of the family not enthusiastic

Its very cute, and that is why I bought it. But it seems a bit complicated to play. Lots of instructions, haven't made it though one game yet...;) It could probably be a bit more intuitive.

It is a hard game to figure out

It is fun time.

Seems very complicated rules. Not mastered it yet. Got fed up with it.

Divertente ma un pochino complicato...almeno all'inizio!

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