Akron (2002)

About this game

Akron is an extension of standard connection games (such as Hex, Y, Unlur,...) to three dimensions. The pieces consist of balls of two colours placed in a square grid, and players seek to connect the board sides of their colour with a visibly connected chain of pieces of their colour. The mechanism that makes the game three dimensional is that players can elevate balls onto 2x2 platforms formed by four existing balls already in play. In a novel twist, moves can make balls drop to change the connection on the board.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 3.1/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 7 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.