BOARD GAME NIGHT

Disclosure: I received Akibabus's The Witches Annual Race & Boxitale: Knight's of Nature for free from Tryazon in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. I may collect a share of sales from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them.

            The Witches Annual Race Board Game by Akibabus is best played with three people: One judge and two players. Each player is assigned two boards, placed side by side, to create a larger playing field. The main features of the game are a dry erase marker, used to draw your path in a variety of patterns, and a set of cards that direct you to complete tasks, in order to advance through a series of roadblocks. The objective is to finish the fastest in order to win against your opponent. I like how the cards also make it a game of chance. For instance, one card could allow you to advance very fast while another card drawn could make your opponent become stuck in another area. Thus, it combines a bit of luck for one player to win over another. This partial lack of control in the outcome, makes the game really exciting, as you continue drawing cards that could be your friend or foe. On the other hand, players have much more control over using the dry erase marker in determining the outcome. This game requires concentration, so it's best for someone who likes to play a game of wits.

            The second game BoxiTale: Knights of Nature by Akibabus also requires concentration. However, it is more about playing at your own pace. Since, players are allowed to take their time to complete the tasks. Note that prior to starting the game, players need a device capable of downloading an App. This will instruct you to build the 3D game board and show the game itself. Basically, the game consists of watching a video in order to advance to the next step. In the video a robot instructs the players what to add to your game board through a series of tasks to complete such as what to object to construct, color, or puzzle to solve etc...  For example, it may tell you to build an origami boat or construct a ladder and then add those items to your game board. Next, players must photograph their completed project. There is no winner or loser. Being an only child, I really like this game because it is set up to be played solo or you could share half and half with one other person. I found Knights of Nature to be a unique immersive experience. I have never seen or played anything quite like it. The closest comparison would be if the PBS show Cyberchase which featured craft supplies that you could use to do whatever educational task they are doing.

            A  fun board game night dessert I made was a cake inspired by The Witches Annual Race Game Board. I added several decorative ingredients. The White chocolate chips represented the boulders, the Golden Grahams appear to look like the witches' houses when placed on top of the cake, and the sparkler candles, when lit gave off a glow to imitate the teleport tunnel towers. It was a tasty & easy to bake treat that made my board game night extra special by giving it a magical and festive party atmosphere.  

Use code BOXITALE15 for 15% off of your purchase through June. 

The Witches' Annual Race: https://amzn.to/3beZdXy

BoxiTale: Knights of Nature: https://amzn.to/3bgSMDf

Additionally I am wearing my own design. The Queenie4ever pink hooded lace cape. If you are interested in the cape please send us an e-mail at info@queenie4ever.com 

This recipe is slightly different from https://www.food.com/recipe/sour-cream-cake-with-chocolate-chips-424587

SOUR CREAM CAKE WITH white CHOCOLATE CHIPS

·         2 cups all-purpose flour

·         2 cups sugar

·         2 teaspoons baking powder

·         ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda

·         ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

·         1 ¹⁄₃ cups sour cream

·         ²⁄₃ cup butter or 2/3 cup margarine, softened

·         1 teaspoon vanilla

·         3 eggs

·         1 teaspoon cinnamon

·         1 cup white chocolate chips

·         1 Container of Lemon Frosting: https://amzn.to/33zrLqz

Instructions

·         Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

·         Coat a 9 X 13 inch pan with cooking spray.

·         In a large bowl, combine flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sour cream, butter, vanilla and eggs. Blend at low speed of electric mixer for 3 minutes.

·         Pour one-half of the batter into prepared pan. Combine the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle one-half of sugar mixture and one-half chips over batter. Repeat with remaining batter, sugar mixture and chocolate chips.

·         Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.