Octiles first appeared in The Games 100 way back in 1985, when it was initially launched by Kadon Enterprises. We applaud Kadon's generosity for releasing this less expensive edition.

Each octagonal tile shows four curves, each forming a path between two sides. Seventeen tiles begin facedown on the board's spaces, while one begins faceup in reserve. Five pawns in your color sit on your side of the board. Where octagons meet are squares on which your pawns may land. Each turn, exchange the reserve tile with one (faceup or facedown) on the board. Then move a pawn on connected paths, so as to include the replacement octagon, until it reaches a square or an opponent's starting space opposite yours. Win when all five pawns reach opposing starting spaces.

This latest gorgeous edition of an irresistible favorite can now be enjoyed by gamers everywhere!

This is a fun variation of Chinese Checkers, similar to Tsuro, or even the old children's classic, Snakes and Ladders. You lay octagonal tiles to continue a path that helps you snake your pieces from one side of the board to the opposite side.

The components are first class. Real wooden tiles are used, with a wooden base and wooden pegs as playing pieces. My edition smelled slightly of varnish when I opened the box, so you might need to air it out.

This is an excellent 2 player game, but up to 4 can play. I've only played with two and it's very enjoyable, with high replay value.

We kept wanting to add one house rule: "You can either play the spare tile on your turn, or simply use the existing board as-is and pass the spare tile to the next player, unused."

Overall a very high quality game!

Octiles is a superb and deep thinking abstract game that requires careful planning and thinking ahead several moves. Because each move changes the pathways pieces can take to their goal across the board, each move has consequences that can last many turns into the future. Though the opening moves can be a bit random, the mid-game is tense as players try to open efficient paths across the board for their pieces. The best games are often decided at this stage, with one player winning while the other falls behind. In evenly matched two-player games things can bog down though as both players have a narrow range of options and a clear set of moves they want to avoid allowing for their opponent. As a result, such games can often come down to luck -- not of the draw, but of the tile that one is forced to replace (and thus hand over to the opponent).

I discovered this game in the past year. An excellent abstract logic game. I do wish the tiles were easier to pick up and place, without knocking over 'pawns' on the board. With magnets maybe? But, that would probably drive up the cost. As is, the quality board is worth the price just as a center piece alone.