by oldhoss
I would definitely not label this as a "kid's game." However, I would label it as "kid-friendly" or "kid-accessible."Like most role playing fantasy themed board games, there is a complexity to the rules and some fiddliness in game maintenance. However, Mice and Mystics is about as simple as this type of game can be. And it is played cooperatively, so if younger players have trouble grasping some of the setup conditions, turn sequences, etc., the older players are able to steer the younger players in the right direction without negatively affecting game play or revealing secret condtions.
While the story isn't exceedingly dark or adult themed, it's not a child's story either. I found myself just as caught up in the characters' backstory and the chapter narratives as my son was. Yet, by using mice I can play this with my 10-year old son without (thankfully) having to worry about him fixating the scantily clad, heavily bosomed female character artwork that can be found in some other fantasy themed games.
Because the game is both accessible and appropriate for my 10-year old, we are both anxiously looking forward to this weekend when we will have time to play through the next couple chapters.
I would play this by myself if my son didn't want to play it. I'm just glad he does. Mice and Mystics is a total winner in my book!