Canadian publisher Griddly Games’ Oversight is an abstract strategy game which offers features that make it a worthy crossover product with appeal for both the family game and strategy game markets.  ICv2 had the opportunity to discuss the game with company owner Reisaa Schwartzman at the recent Toy Fair in New York.

 

Schwartzman described the game as follows:

 

“It is a connect four concept on an amazing labyrinth-style board, in that it has rows and columns that shift, and rows and columns that are stationary.  It is a nice level of complexity but simplicity where you’re trying to get four in a row, but in this game you can choose offensive and defensive moves where you can shift [the board].”

 

Physically, the game is played on a board formed from tiles that can move, and round player tokens. Schwartzman explains the philosophy behind the graphic design of the game:

 

“Square tiles are the same color as the playing pieces. The square tiles are only the playing field.  The round tiles are the game itself.  They are the same color as the plain, because that actually increases the concentration level, so you have to really focus.  But because 20% of guys are color-blind, we also have figures on the other side, so if you’re color-blind we give you an option to play.

 

Oversight was originally released in June of 2011, and has received multiple awards including the Dr. Toy Top Ten and Mom’s Choice awards.  The game plays in five to fifteen minutes, and can accommodate two to four players.  The game is intended for ages seven and up, and has a suggested retail price of $24.95.

 

The game includes instructions in four languages: English, French, German, and Spanish.