Camel Up (as it’s now undeniably called, thanks to the new logo of this second edition clearing up the ‘Camel Cup’ debate) is the definition of a feel-good game: a fast and fun, simple and silly betting experience that takes the unpredictability of rolling dice and turns it into near-unbeatable entertainment that’s just as good at home with the kids and grandparents or over a few drinks with friends.
The basics here remain the same: roll dice, move camels and try to predict which will cross the finish line first. Camel Up 2.0 takes the brilliant chaos of seeing the racers pelt it around the track with potential passengers stacked on their humps and amps it up even further with two misguided dromedaries running in the opposite direction, which can see the leader quickly carried to the back of the pack. It’s a fantastic addition that leans into the game’s sudden reversals of fortune and riskreward of placing bets early and comes out a complete winner. (The new rules can be ignored for those who prefer less chaotic outcomes – but if you’re not here for that teetering tower of camels, you’re probably missing the point.)