Crossing is a pacy game of pointing and stealing gems from your fellow players, pitched at young kids (aged 5-9) but guaranteed to appeal to all.
Each player assumes the identity of a fantasy woodland character (pixie, dwarf, goblin, elf, fairy) placing the corresponding illustrated card tile in front of them. Mushroom tiles numbering one less than the number of players playing/participating/participants/those playing are placed in the centre of the playing area. The numerous coloured gemstones (60 gems in 4 colours) are placed in the felt bag and two gemstones plucked at random and placed on each of the mushroom tiles. The object of the game is to accumulate the most points by gathering gemstones (or life stones as the rules describe them) with certain colour combinations being worth more points.in to the woods
point and nick
Once ready, players collectively count down 3..2..1 and then simultaneously perform one of three actions:
Point at a mushroom tile
in the hope of bagging the assembled gems
Point at another player’s character tile
effectively stealing any gems from that player tile
thus protecting any gem haul from woodland thieves, banking the gems but missing their next go
If multiple players point at the same mushroom tile or a protected player’s tile then they get nothing.
If a player is the only one to point at a mushroom tile or unprotected player tile they can claim (steal) the gems, transferring the fresh haul to their own character tile.
Any mushrooms that have been gem depleted are topped up so that two gems are always present per mushroom and play continues until the bag is exhausted of gemstones.
seriously underrated
Although not seemingly much in the way of game mechanics, do not underestimate Crossing – there is some canny strategy required. You need to be constantly keeping an eye on the colour mix of gemstones fellow players have accumulated, ensuring you deny them of the 5 point maximum for collecting a set of blue, red, yellow gems, whilst balancing satisfying your own gem lust with the need to periodically protect and bank your own gem horde.
The simultaneous player turns will be a breath of fresh air for some and certainly make for a pacy game. This speed of play and the theme (mischievous light-fingered woodland creatures) mean kids will absolutely love it and as an adult (barely) it’s super hard not to relish the feeling of stealing a massive gem haul from Grandma, decimating her score and catapulting yours into the lead (fist pump “yes”). It’s so wrong but perversely satisfying. Sorry Nan.
The turnover of games is super quick (average game length is 15-20mins) meaning exacting your revenge on your 6-year-old in the next game is mere minutes away.
point, steal, protect
The simple mechanics at work here (point, steal, protect) belie a fun little game.
The card components are beautifully illustrated in a fantasy cartoon-esque style with pixies, elves and fairies. The tactile presence of the vivid gems and promise of thievery combine to make a fun and exciting, swift time-filler.
The publisher states 8+ on the box (which I suspect is due to the small gems) but younger kids (5+) would easily pick this up and enjoy it. Just make sure they don’t pop the gummy-like gemstones in their mouths.
If nothing else this game teaches your kids the important life lesson – don’t go venturing in the woods with the family’s gem wealth, lest some light-fingered pixie will make off with your inheritance.
Unfortunately Crossing has been discontinued (as of late 2024), but may still be available from some retailers.
Don’t be too dismayed though the designer Yoshiteru Shinohara has reskinned the game as Ahoy! Kittens.
The game mechanics remain 100% identical to Crossing, with just the components and illustrations refreshed. In place of woodland creatures the new game features rival cat pirates competing for the largest fish haul rather than gems. Otherwise, it’s the identical game.
Low
3-6
20 mins
Easy
If you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn about site monetization