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The 1932 game of Storming the Castle by Milton Bradley is a perfect example of how some games can be quite simple. The simplicity of a game doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer fun, however. We have all witnessed this fact when seeing kids play with the box a toy came in, over playing with the actual toy that came inside it. Kids sometimes prefer simple things, even over toys with impressive noises and gadgets.
When opening the box to the game Storming the Castle, players would see a piece of cardboard, three balls, and two wooden bases to put the ‘game’ together. Doesn’t look like much. The cardboard image is even plain.
The instructions inform two players how to begin. They punch out the ‘drawbridges’ from the printed sheet of cardboard (the castle wall), and fold out the ‘moat’. They then place the wooden bases to keep the castle wall standing during play. It does stand up well.
Each player then takes turn rolling the three balls up the ‘drawbridges’ and into the openings: the castle entrances.
Based on the success of a player’s rolls, points are scored. 5 points are given for each ball going through the outside entrances. 10 points are given for the center. If a ball falls into the Moat, 5 points are lost by a player. If a ball rolls back down the drawbridge, no points are given or lost.
The winner of the game is the player to first collect 200 points.
Simple.
But it is fun.
Now, my game, and I apologize, has lost some pieces. I only have one ball and one bridge piece. We can still play though.
Oh…and I almost forgot. One of only rules is to agree on a distance to which a ball is rolled from. Obviously, the closer you are, the easier it will be to make it through the entrance. I think it is interesting to play by suggesting that all players begin ‘here’ (closest), but once a player reaches 100, 150, and 175 points, then each time they move a bit further back.
The rules don’t state to play that way, but I think it offers an added challenge. It helps keeps players involved in the game. They may be able to easily roll a ball through the castle entrance at first, but as the game progresses, and distance becomes further, it builds play. It also might offer the chance for players to catch up if ‘far behind’.
No matter how one plays, though, Storming the Castle from 1932 is an interesting game. It shows a game isn’t always about complex competing methods, but sometimes just offers a good time.
Go ahead! Play a game today!
