They exchange details of their day, talk about things at their respective houses, discuss issues in the neighborhood, and so forth. It is that time of the year again where both kids are home for summer vacation and I need to find activities they can do with each other that does not drive me insane. When I saw a copy of Gnomes at Night from Peaceable Kingdom at our local independent toy store, I was first attracted to the stamp on the front that indicated it was a “cooperative” game where players work as a team. What Is Gnomes at Night? Each side of the game board has a different maze layout, with six pieces of treasure scattered throughout. Players navigate the maze with two plastic gnome figurines, whose magnetic bottoms attract through the board and keep them in place, even when you let go. Garden gnomes are not to be taken lightly. They guard the gardens from all sorts of nasty things like rabbits and squirrels, raccoons and deer, even some kinds of birds. They remain vigilant night and day, keeping watch over their gardens from their posts. Germany currently stands strong as being the largest buyer of decorative garden gnomes as lawn ornaments, with over 25 million sales being made.

The maze paths are different on each side of the board. You may move your mover only along the paths on your side of the board.The history of these little fellas began in Germany in the 1840s where Phillip Griebel created terracotta statues of them for sale at his pottery shop. It didn’t take long before other potteries across Europe began making their own versions, which were typically bearded men wearing pointy red hats, brandishing lanterns and pipes. It draws an image which we still recognize today. Gnomes are Beloved by Children and Adults alike. Of course, Peaceable Kingdoms targeted Gnomes at Night to a younger age demographic, so this isn’t a huge problem. They’ve done an excellent job here making a game that adults and older children are happy to play, and with a 10 minute play time, no one will feel left out for long. Gnomes are small (about three inches tall), round-headed creatures with long, pointed noses and pointy hats. They live in gardens all over the world, but mostly in Europe where they were first created during the Renaissance period. The race for the treasure puts the pressure on the players; since each round only lasts 2½ minutes, an entire game is done in less than 10 minutes. We found our kids lining up to take turns, wanting to play again and again.

Like humans, Gnomes are social creatures, and they love to be on and about their day – or night. During the day, you wouldn’t see gnomes moving around and attending to their business. However, once the lights are off, they stretch their arms and begin their day. Queen Benevolence is hosting a celebration to honor her loyal subjects. To thank them, she will give away 12 extraordinary items from her treasure box that she keeps hidden away in a secret chamber in the castle.You’ll see them everywhere in summer. Those chubby, bearded men with goofy hats and red-cheeked grins, holding their fishing poles or tending to their flower beds. The players find all 12 treasures. In each round, players are always looking for the same 12 treasures, 6 on one side of the board and 6 on the other. Dune Gnomes – Dune gnomes are found in deserts and drier climates. They move dunes to make way for travelers. Gnomes involve themselves in human affairs, helping them mend, clean and grow their flowers and vegetables if the humans are virtuous, If not, the gnomes will spend many hours creating havoc with hidden items and general disarray.

It’s unavoidable that there is some down time with more than two players playing, but the spectator aspect of Gnomes at Night is strong. So, it wasn’t a problem for our family, but something to note. Gnomes are known to love a good feast and often spend time with their friends and family in their underground halls, eating and merrymaking in the wee hours. Gnomes live for hundreds of years so they have exceptionally strong ties with their family and friends. Sound confusing? That’s probably because it is. However, Gnomes at Night does not take long to get used to and become a fun challenge. At least that’s my perception as an adult playing the game. Although I’ve done my best to explain gameplay, a simple overview really would not suffice and adds to the level of how confusing and difficult this game really is.

In the game, “Queen Benevolence” plans to give away treasure at a celebration in her kingdom. However, when she goes to retrieve her valuables, she discovers they have been stolen. She calls on two gnome friends (that’s you!) to go into the maze around her castle, where the thief has dropped all her treasure.