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Feilong: The China Game

Publisher: Mamopalire, Inc. of Vermont
Review last updated: 2009		 Instant KeyPublishers InfoPricing

Feilong: The China Game

Much as I value a "western civilization" based education, the reality is that the world is becoming much more interconnected. Our children really do need to know more about other countries, so many history books have expanded such coverage. But just as with American or European history, it's always great to have a game to learn or review historical information about other countries. That's the niche of Feilong: The China Game. Interestingly, as I was reviewing this game, my eldest son came by and commented enthusiastically about how much he recalled learning about Australia from just such a game!

This is a Trivial Pursuit type game in that it has a board, question cards, and objectives to be accomplished. Each player chooses one of the eight "tours," each having eight pre-selected destinations—squares on the game board that the player must visit before he or she can win the game. The board is divided into four quadrants, with squares around the outer edge as well as between the four quadrants. Players may move in any direction except across the very middle square of the board in order to visit each of their destinations.

Players move by correctly answering questions. 1,200 questions (with answers) are printed on 600 question cards—questions are on both sides of each card. There are 400 questions for each of three levels A, B, and C. Beginners play with questions from deck A. Intermediates play with decks A and B, with the level determined by the number rolled on the die. Experts play with all three decks, again determining the level with the roll of the die. Players of differing abilities can each play at their own level in the same game. With my admittedly weak knowledge of Chinese history, I was pleased to find that I could answer most questions from level A, but levels B and C are very challenging. There are a few "move to the space of choice" and "roll again" squares that might prove helpful to those who find even level A questions difficult.

The game is suggested for ages 12 to adult, and it can accommodate 2 to 8 players OR teams of players. If players have limited exposure to Chinese history, you might consider playing in teams and allowing use of the computer or reference works to look up answers.

Questions come from many categories such as agriculture, aphorisms, archaeology, art, commerce & industry, education, entertainment, foods & culinary arts, foreign affairs, geography, history, languages, literature, martial arts, proverbs, religions, and sports.

For those of us unfamiliar with Chinese pronunciation, a pronunciation guide is provided on the back of the game rules folder.

The viewpoint of the game is strictly secular, discussing religious beliefs non-judgmentally and assuming an old earth chronology.

This game passes both the playability and content tests: it has both an interesting method of play and a mix of questions that will both teach and review information.

Pricing

SRP $34.95

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        • Instant Key

        • Learning Styles: all
          Suitable for:           two to eight players or teams
          Audience: ages 12 and up
          Need for parent/teacher instruction:            minimal
          Prep time needed:           0 once you've figured out the game
          Religious perspective: secular

        Publisher's Info

        • Mamopalire, Inc. of Vermont

          PO Box 24
          Warren, VT 05674

          802.496.4095
          888.496.4094
          email: bethumpd@wcvt.com
          www.bethumpd.com