The Piggyback Brigade
- Designer Alex Randolph
- Publisher Devir , Drei Magier Spiele , Evrikus , G3 , GP Games
- Illustration Rolf Vogt
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players move colorful piglets along narrow paths where they can only pass by stacking on each other. Each turn, players roll a special die numbered 1-4, with black numbers granting extra turns. Landing on another piglet’s space makes them move together piggyback style. The goal is to reach the end of the track first.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets families and children aged 4 and up, with simple rules and a short playtime of about 25 minutes. It's accessible to beginners and supports 2 to 7 players, making it suitable for various group sizes looking for a quick, light game.
How It Works
The core mechanic is Dice Rolling: players roll a special die each turn to move their piglet accordingly. Rolling a black number grants an additional turn. When piglets land on the same space, they stack and move together piggyback style, enabling strategic movement by forming piles on the board.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Alex Randolph, The Piggyback Brigade was nominated for the 2001 Spiel des Jahres Kinderspiel. Its unique piggyback stacking combined with dice rolling sets it apart from typical children’s racing games, and it belongs to families featuring wooden animal meeples.
Awards
2002, 2003
2001
2001
- 2003 Vuoden Peli Children's Game of the Year — Nominated
Pro
- Simple rules suitable for children aged 4+
- Short playtime around 25 minutes
- Engaging dice rolling with extra turns
- Unique piggyback stacking mechanic
Contra
- Limited strategic depth due to high luck factor
- Too simple for players seeking complexity
- Less appeal for older or experienced gamers
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a cheerful world of circus piglets racing along narrow meadow paths, the game features playful acrobatic stacking and a colorful, child-friendly theme that encourages fun and movement.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on using the stacking mechanic and extra turns to advance efficiently along the track.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, The Piggyback Brigade is designed for 2 to 7 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 25 minutes, making it suitable for quick play sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is designed for beginners and children, requiring no prior experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its unique piggyback stacking combined with dice rolling distinguishes it from other children's racing games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is ideal for families with young children aged 4 and up and easy to learn.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Dice Rolling and the unique piggyback stacking mechanic makes it special.
Fazit
The Piggyback Brigade offers a quick and easy-to-learn experience ideal for families with young children who enjoy light dice-based movement games. It is recommended for those valuing simplicity and short play sessions.
