Poisson d'Avril (1983)

About this game

Don't Panic East German game of Wizardry and Magic. Uses simultaneous action, dynamic tension, spells, special powers, line-of-sight and hidden identities in a peculiar mix that defies description but inspires awe in those who've experienced it. Feige Spiele's warehouse burnt down in early 1983, just before distribution of Willi Sonderling's masterpiece was to be shipped. Only a handful of reviewer copies survived. Shortly thereafter there was a very small print run (fewer than a couple hundred) of the German version, das Verschwinden. In the mid to late 80s, the Starducks promotional version was released in certain regions of the United States. (The Starducks version was released in two parts - a base game and expansion - but both parts are really needed to play the game.)

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 6.
• Rules load. At 4.2/5 this is a heavy game — read the rulebook before people arrive.
• Age. The publisher suggests 13 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.