We are enjoying a chronological tour of history and were set to begin our study of the Middle Ages, when to my delight I was given the game, Medieval Alliance, by Jett Educational Games, to reveiw. This board game, beautifully packaged in a sturdy box consists of a colorfully illustrated game board, tiny silver and gold coins, dice and cards depicting various medieval artifacts as well as instructions for play.

There are also small pawns which are moved around the board in search of necessary items before proceeding to the depicted castle where they will try to use the artifacts to make an alliance with the King. There are four types of items you must collect and each is based on true art, weapons, and plants of this time period.

As you play there are opportunities to pick up Chance cards which contain fascinating historical information about this period of history, such as encounters with Joan of Arc, or being hindered by Mongols invading Russia. All these nuggets of information have sparked more curiosity in my children about the events of this time period. There are also opportunities to earn coins and joust for position as you make your way to the castle. My kids loved playing the game. With all the lovely illustrations and interesting history, I was pleased to offer a game that was not only wholesome but beautiful as well.

-Product Review by Jennifer Pepito, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, August, 2006