OK board game fans! I think this game is note worthy for a few reasons.

1. Accessable for most ages, 8 and up, (I agree w/ the manufacturer on this one).
2. A twist on conventional game mechanics that actually works and works really well!
3. Fast paced gameplay and about 45 minutes to complete a full game!

There are not a ton of basic rules to learn before playing this game, actually there are very few. The most difficult part of playing is setting up the board and you use the box to set it on, totally convienient. We read and understood the rules in under 15 minutes. The actual rules don't read as easy as they are to play. For someone under 12 I'd say it would be much easier for an adult to explain. That being said the simplicity of what actually goes on is easy enough for someone the age of 8+ to grasp quite easily.

The basic idea of the game is move up and down the river, collect gems and bring them back to the docks. Normal movement each round is determined by numbered cards 1-6 that you place secretly each turn. Once you play a certain number, it can't be played again until all other numbers have been used. You can move your raft(s) up river or down river, (not both), and/or collect gems without falling over the edge of the river. The interesting part of the game mechanics happens after each turn, (each player playing 1 movement card and moving their Rafts). Then you have weather affected current and the board actually moves. Depending on the number cards showing that turn and the amount of weather affect the river moves down stream X amount of spaces! Each player also has 1 card they can play to affect the weather. Makes strategizing a little less cut and dry because even though you ended up in safe spot the current may carry you over the waterfall.

We played a 5 player game and it was everyones first time. I'd say round 1 went fairly slow, but after that the game moved smoothly and fast. We finished in less than an hour, including reading the directions. With more experience, I'd say the game could finish in as little as a half an hour!

The couple of minor flaws to this game upon first impression was that the board will take some breaking in. While moving the river for current, it helps to have one person move the current and others hold down the sides of the board. I imagine this will get better with use. The other thing is really minor. It's the ability to have a 5 player max, usually the gaming proup I play with is between 4-8 but like with most games, it doesn't have the support for enough players.

You can find this game at your local brick and mortar for $40-$50 or on-line probably 10-20% cheaper. I like to support the locals though! They usually have discount type deals for repeat shoppers.

All in all and excellent "family" game and a good overall game. One other thing to note, is it looks pretty. Some games, though their play is intriguing, tend to look a bit drab. Not Niagara, it's very well designed and brilliantly colored.

Overall rating for Niagara: 7.6 out of 10