Kraken-Alarm facts for kids
| Designer(s) | Oliver Igelhaut |
|---|---|
| Publisher(s) | Kosmos (Germany, France) |
| Publication date | 2010 |
| Players | 3 to 4 (standard) |
| Playing time | 20 minutes |
| Random chance | high |
| Skill(s) required | Concentration |
Kraken-Alarm is an exciting children's board game created by German designer Oliver Igelhaut. It was first released in 2010 by Kosmos in Germany. Later, it became known as SOS Octopus in France. This game lets players become an expedition team exploring a sea where an octopus father and his son live.
The game combines memory skills with a bit of luck. Players need to remember where different animal chips are hidden on the game board. But watch out! If your boat gets too close to the baby octopus, the father octopus might swing his tentacle. If it hits your boat, you might be in for a surprise!
Contents
What is Kraken-Alarm?
Kraken-Alarm is a fun board game for two to four players. A typical game lasts about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick game night. The main idea behind the game is similar to a "concentration" or "memory" game. You have to remember the locations of hidden items.
How to Play
In Kraken-Alarm, you play as explorers on a mission in the ocean. The game board shows different sea areas. Hidden under tokens are various sea creatures. Your goal is to find certain animals by remembering where they are.
As you move your boat around, you'll flip over tokens to see what's underneath. The challenge is to remember where each animal is located. This helps you plan your moves and collect the right creatures.
The Octopus's Tentacle
A big part of the game's excitement comes from the octopus father. He has a moving tentacle that can swing across the board. If your boat lands in a spot that triggers the octopus, his tentacle might swing. If it hits your boat, it can change your plans or move you to a different spot. This adds a fun, unpredictable element to the game.
Awards and Recognition
Kraken-Alarm quickly became popular and won several awards. These awards show how much people enjoyed the game's unique mix of memory and luck.
German Board Game Award
In 2010, Kraken-Alarm won the prestigious Deutscher Kinderspiele Preis. This is a German award specifically for children's games. Winning this award means it was recognized as one of the best new games for kids that year.
Kinderspiel des Jahres Nomination
The game was also nominated for the critics' prize Kinderspiel des Jahres in 2010. This award is like the "Game of the Year" for children's games in Germany. Being nominated is a big honor, showing the game's high quality.
International Success
Kraken-Alarm also found success outside of Germany. In 2011, the French version, SOS Octopus, won the As d’Or – Jeu de l’Année enfant. This is a major French award for children's games. The game was also nominated for the Danish Guldbrikken Award in 2012, further proving its international appeal.
