Game designer James Schoch and publisher R and R Games have capitalized on the nostalgic phenomenon of pretending the floor is lava and created a fun game to remind you of your childhood days. The Table is Lava is a brand new game that's fun for the whole family that turns any boring and safe surface into flaming hot lava.
The Table is Lava is a dexterity card game for two to four players ages fourteen and up that can take place on any surface where players can throw cards. While the game does not involve jumping over couches and chairs to avoid boiling hot surfaces, it does involve tossing game cards in the center of the table to save meeples, the tiny figurines that represent people in the game.
Each player begins with 10 cards and takes turns tossing a card into the center. Players try to use their tossed cards to hit opponents' meeples, who will die a fiery death if they fall into the lava. The game ends when all cards have been tossed. Each standing meeple is worth two points, while each face-down meeple is worth one. Whoever has the most points wins!
The game's official description can be found on R and R Games' site:
As dawn breaks, Mount Kahlualualuau is spewing its fiery lava down onto Meepleville. The natives are frantically trying to escape the rivers of lava and remain on safe ground. Whoever’s tribe survives the eruption with the most meeples shall be the winner!
Reviews from the game have been mixed. Board Game Quest called the game a "one-trick pony," saying that the game's charm is cute and enjoyable at first, but will quickly become repetitive after a few playthroughs. As the game relies heavily on a player's ability to toss cards, the skill-based component may also be a turnoff to certain players. However, it's a quick game, only about twenty minutes long, and its clever and simple theme will likely be enjoyed by parents and their kids.
The Table is Lava is currently available and retails for $14.99.
Source: Board Game Quest