Monkeys on the Moon (2002)

Basic idea: You play influence cards that simultaneously make some monkeys happy and some of them mad. There's a rocket into which you'll move monkeys occasionally. If they're mad at you, that's bad. If they're happy with you, that's good. This game was a runner-up for "Best Family Strategy" in the 2003 Games 100 list.

Eight Foot Llama press release: "October 8, 2002 - Monkeys on the Moon, the latest strategy card game from Eight Foot Llama, is now shipping to retailers, distributors, zoos and launch pads worldwide.

In this game, players advance monkey civilizations while also freeing monkeys from lunar isolation by launching spaceships. The player who launches the most powerful primates home to Earth by game end will claim victory.

Every move that a player makes will impress one the six monkey tribes yet anger another. Knowing when to play favorites, and when to risk incurring the scorn of a tribe, is key to success.

The game is designed for 3-4 players and plays in under an hour. A 2-player variant is also included in the rules.

Eight Foot Llama is particularly pleased to have high-quality wooden components in the game. This release is a full-color boxed game that includes everything you need to play:

110 cards 48 painted wooden pieces Game board Glass moonstone Rules sheet

The game's monkey cards also feature six original drawings by cartoonist Scott Starkey. "

Online Play

• Ludoholic (no longer available)