Game test Rutsch & Flutsch: memory and coordination are required
29/6/2023
Translation: machine translated
With Rutsch & Flutsch, you and your children can expect an entertaining mix of memory and skill game. I tested the new game from Game factory with my son - several times.
Max, the little turtle, loves to slide down the water slide into the lake, where he can have lots of fun swimming with Max's animal friends - if he finds them at the right moment. That's the story behind the new children's game Rutsch & Flutsch from Game factory. To test the game, I sought expert help: My six-year-old son test-played with me, and not just once.
Play material and design
At the start, we are delighted with the beautiful design of the game material. Max and his animal friends are cutely drawn - from the panda with a swimming ring to the hamster with diving goggles. In addition to the animal tiles, the pre-built 3D slide is a particular highlight.
The game material is made of sturdy material so that none of the game boards and tiles have suffered even after the fifth exuberant playthrough. A not unimportant criterion for children's games, in my opinion. The instructions are well structured and easy to understand. The youngest player starts the game. 2 - 4 players with a minimum age of 5 years can take part.
This is included in the game:
- Three-dimensional slide with lake
- The fast Max (turtle token)
- 4 swimming ring tokens, 12 water polo tokens
- 4 animal boards
- 12 animal tiles
Source: Anna Sandner
Gameplay: memory and dexterity are required
The game is simple and varied at the same time. The aim is to get all of your animal friends on the game board into the bathing fun
To do this, the players first flick Max, the turtle, from the slide into the bathing lake - preferably in the centre. Depending on where Max lands, different numbers of animal tiles are revealed. If Max does not land in the lake, an animal tile is revealed. If he lands in the light blue water, two animal tiles are revealed, and if he lands in the centre of the lake in the dark blue water, three animal tiles are revealed.
The flick factor is surprisingly well balanced. We always manage to hit the centre of the lake, but it's no walk in the park. Flicking trains fine motor skills and concentration. To my horror, my son beats me several times in this regard.
Child-friendly: Even if the players miss the pond, there is a consolation point. This makes it easier to play with children. The frustration factor has been taken into account here.
Source: Anna Sandner
Now comes the memory part: Max's animal friends are depicted on the game boards. The aim of the game is to find all the animal water friends on the board in the correct order. For every point the players have scored while sliding, they can now turn over an animal tile in the memory. If it is the animal they are looking for on the game board, they can move the water polo tile there one step further.
So a turn goes like this: 1. flick Max down the slide; 2. reveal the number of memo cards played; 3. move the water polo on the animal board one further if necessary.
Memory training: I know from experience that my "old" memory can only keep up with my son's with difficulty. Fortunately, the number of tiles is manageable at twelve. A small memory exercise, but not frustratingly overwhelming.
Source: Anna Sandner
Conclusion: Rightly nominated
Rutsch & Flutsch has, in my opinion, rightly made it onto the children's game 2023 recommendation list. A beautifully designed, high-quality game with age-appropriate game content. The mixture of dexterity when you flick the Max tile into the lake and the concentration exercise when memorising the tiles make the game entertaining and provide the necessary fun.
Another plus is the short playing time, so you can play several rounds in a row without getting bored. My planned single round for the play test ultimately turned into five rounds. Once I was even able to claim victory for myself, the other times my son (deservedly) had the joy of winning.
The result in a nutshell
Game material and design: The game material is high-quality and lovingly designed. The 3D slide is a great detail that is sure to delight players.
Game instructions: The instructions are written clearly and comprehensibly so that you can quickly immerse yourself in the game.
Game fun: The game offers a mixture of action and memo that provides variety and excitement. It is fun for both children and adults.
Age-appropriate: Rutsch & Flutsch is suitable for children aged 5 and over. The rules are easy to understand and the game mechanics are tailored to the abilities of this age group.
Replay value: The combination of flicking and memo keeps the game interesting and challenging even after several games.
Overall, I can recommend Rutsch & Flutsch as a successful game that develops both the motor skills and the memory of young (and old) players.
Cover photo: Anna Sandner
Science editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always outside - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.
