Game review 55: Extreme Rock Climbers
Reaching for the summit, despite many frequent falls in this vertical tabletop game
If, like me, you have a daughter who takes inspiration from the reappearance on our screens of lycra-clad Gladiators and seeks to climb the walls, how best to convert that adrenaline rush in a safer manner without leaving the home?
Tabletop versions of climbing are about, but most are strategic rather that dexterous. But the latter form is here, in the form of the rather inspired out-of-production Extreme Rock Climbers.
With a game board of three sections that forms a giant 60cm-high wall and gameplay that comprises a mix of lead and speed climbing, this provides an instant table presence.
Extreme Rock Climber’s USP, apart from being one of the tallest board games I’ve seen, comes in the form of little magnets strapped to your fingertips, which you use to control your intrepid figurine through safe passage from the base of a perilous sheer climb to the mountain’s summit quicker than your opponent.
Resting spots are available on the way to check your next move. Unfortunately for your little explorer, ropes are not, meaning an assured death for them with one false move… only to be doomed to respawn at the bottom to try again…
It’s a game that takes real skill, requiring a huge dose of finesse and patience – because this is a hugely frustrating game that feels almost impossible at first.
The magnets aren’t that strong through the plastic wall - probably not helped by the game’s age. But after a while it becomes apparent that if you bear with it, there are ways and routes to progress.
Both E and I find, despite these frustrations and frequent falls, that we can’t help but stop trying to get further up the game board, giggling at our misfortunes, or rather those of our unfortunate climbers constantly thudding on the grey plastic below.
It’s a game that’s worth further visits in order to fully master.
In fact, it feels a shame, with climbing at the peak of its popularity following its Olympic debut a few years back – and sure to be one of the highlights again in Paris – that this is out of print and unable to take advantage.
Game facts and stats
Year published
2002
Publisher
Drumond Park
Designer
Uncredited
Player count
2
E’s review
What do you like about the game?
“It’s very good but I was not quite used to it and there’s little magnets to go on our fingers. They are very small and it’s supposed to be like that so they fall down. You do have a lot of fun with it when they fall.”
Is it tricky?
“It’s tough in the middle and that’s because of the magnets, that’s why.”
Marks out of ten?
“565/10”
My review
Advised age range
7+
Set-up time
Five minutes, though slotting the wall together isn’t the easiest.
Price
It’s rare, but about £20 when it comes up feels reasonable.
Practicality
It’s a big old box. And, as mentioned, an annoyance to set up.
Fun for parents?
Massively so. And quite fun for the kids to watch your terrible efforts to get your climber up the mountain with your fumbling fingers. Excellent, too, for a game night after a beer or three.