Gamewright - Forbidden Island - Cooperative Strategy Survival Board Game, 2-4 Players
Gamewright
Best for
Best budget
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 1 trusted source
Current price
$20.99
Updated May 18, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, Forbidden Island is the most-recommended budget gateway into cooperative gaming. Multiple r/boardgames threads describe it in nearly identical terms, 'an excellent introduction into the world of cooperative gaming,' 'a really great entry level co-op,' 'simple to pick up, easy to learn but difficult as all get out to win.' A boardgamegeek.com community summary specifically calls out the visual presentation as a strength for a sub-$25 box. The game shares designer Matt Leacock with Pandemic, and the mechanical DNA shows: players take roles, take a fixed number of actions per turn, and race a rising tide of flooded tiles before they can collect four treasures and escape.
What reviewers liked
- Around $21 makes it the cheapest pick in this roundup by a wide margin
- r/boardgames consensus across at least five separate threads recommends it as a gateway co-op
- Short rulebook and quick teach, repeatedly called out as kid- and non-gamer-friendly
- Strong production value for the price per boardgamegeek.com discussion
Where it falls short
- Strategic depth is shallow compared with Pandemic or Sky Team, per community discussion
- Experienced gamers report outgrowing it quickly
- Same quarterbacking risk that affects many open-information co-ops
- Theme and components are lighter than the heavier titles in the category
Across the reviewers we read, Forbidden Island is the most-recommended budget gateway into cooperative gaming. Multiple r/boardgames threads describe it in nearly identical terms, 'an excellent introduction into the world of cooperative gaming,' 'a really great entry level co-op,' 'simple to pick up, easy to learn but difficult as all get out to win.' A boardgamegeek.com community summary specifically calls out the visual presentation as a strength for a sub-$25 box.
The game shares designer Matt Leacock with Pandemic, and the mechanical DNA shows: players take roles, take a fixed number of actions per turn, and race a rising tide of flooded tiles before they can collect four treasures and escape. r/boardgames commenters repeatedly mention it as the right pick for younger kids and non-gamers, with one thread noting 'it was the perfect game to play with my younger kids.'
The honest limit, surfaced across the same community discussions, is that the strategic ceiling is lower than heavier co-ops; experienced players will likely outgrow it or want the Forbidden Desert or Forbidden Sky follow-ups for more depth.
- Strategic Adventure
- From renowned game creator, Matt Leacock, Forbidden Island offers a cooperative strategy experience; Engage in a mission to capture sacred treasures, while enhancing problem-solving skills and creative thinking.
- Innovative Gameplay
- Features rich illustrations and dynamic gameplay mechanics; This game stands out with its unique challenges and engaging storyline, keeping players entertained.
- Family-Friendly Fun
- Designed for ages 10 and up, accommodates 2 to 4 players; Perfect for family game nights, fostering teamwork and cooperation.
- Visual Appeal
- Stunning visuals bring the perilous paradise to life; The game's intricate design captures the imagination, making each session visually engaging.
- Enhances Skills
- Promotes strategic thinking and teamwork; Ideal for improving decision-making and collaboration, providing a rewarding and educational gaming experience for everyone.
This is an excellent introduction into the world of cooperative gaming, and it may show you a whole side of board gaming that you didn't think was possible.
Forbidden Island is a visually stunning cooperative board game. Instead of winning by competing with other players like most games, everyone must work together ...
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“Forbidden Island” · Our Review
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