Backpacks and Blisters (1993)

About this game

Set in the Lake District of Cumbria, England, players attempt to visit as many cafes, scenic views and beauty spots as possible in the time allotted. Players manage their cards to move as efficiently as possible over the network of routes printed on the map. As the day wears on players "tire" and move more slowly as their hand diminishes from 4 to 3 to 2 cards. Other hindrances include blister cards which are useless to your hand, and the heavy rucksack which slows your movement. To aid your movement there are bus and ferry routes and bars of chocolate which all help speed your movement. The game includes rules, a linen "tea-towel" map, a deck of laminated cards, plastic pawns, and several sheets of cardboard counters.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 1 to 6. It has a designed solo mode.
• Rules load. At 2.0/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 10 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.