Boggle Junior Game

Boggle Junior Game Review

Boggle Junior Game Feature

• This first game for preschoolers grows with your child by introducing the ABCs with different ways to play
• Match letter cubes to picture/word cards in 2 multi-level games
• Games introduce letter and word recognition, matching, spelling and memory
• For 1-2 players
• Recommended for ages 3 and up

There's no need to be boggled by words. Boggle Jr. helps children learn letters, spelling, and reading while having loads of fun! This easy version of the terrifically popular adult Boggle uses pictures and matching games to allow children to make the connection between objects and their names. With two skill levels, players can challenge themselves further as they become more adept at identifying letters and words. It will seem like no time at all before kids are begging to play their parents' version of Boggle! The game, for one or more players, includes a game tray with word cover, 30 picture/word cards with 60 three- and four-letter words, and eight letter cubes. --Emilie Coulter Can you spell CAT' Let's learn how! Here's a specially designed Boggle game that helps preschoolers learn their ABCs! Boggle Jr.'s easy matching games teach them letters, spelling and reading, all while they're having fun! For 1 or more players. Includes Boggle Jr. game tray, 30 picture/word cards with 60 three and four-letter words and eight letter cubes.

Scrambled States

Scrambled States Review

Scrambled States Feature

• Ages 8 and up

Quick! Find a state that ends with the letter A. Now find one that borders Tennessee. Have fun learning about the United States in this madcap game of observation and quick reflexes. Collect cards by matching states to a Scramble card. Or "Go the Distance" and find a state's closest neighbor. Whoever scrambles to match and collect the most state cards wins. Includes 50 scramble cards, 50 state cards, 4 U.S. maps, and rules.

Telestrations the Telephone Game Sketched Out!

Telestrations the Telephone Game Sketched Out! Review

Telestrations the Telephone Game Sketched Out! Feature

• 2,400 telestrations words on 200 Cards 6 words per side; 12 words per card
• 8 erasable telestrations sketch books
• 8 Erasable Markers

Telestrations is the visual equivalent of the classic school-yard game "telephone." It's a fun-filled sketching game in which everyone's attempts at "art" can turn hilarious. The game starts with a secret word that is passed from player to player. As the word is sketched, interpreted, and then sketched again, it undergoes a visual transformation that will surprise and delight everyone. Designed for players ages 13 and up, Telestrations is sure to be a hit at parties.

Telestrations Ages: 13+ Requires: 4 to 8 players

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Novelty factor: The Good: Easy-to-learn game with cleverly designed, reusable game pieces. The Challenging: Scoring system caters to competitive players; others may wish to avoid it altogether. In a Nutshell: A creative and funny visual equivalent of classic game of "Telephone."

Telestrations turns the classic schoolyard game of "Telephone" into a hilarious sketching game.

With each guess, players get further from the original, intended interpretation. View larger.

Eight Players for Maximum Hilarity
Telestrations is designed for 4 to 8 players. As with the classic game "Telephone," the bigger the group, the more confusing -- and funny -- things can get. Gameplay requires little more than the included erasable markers and sketch books.

Each sketch book contains eight erasable pages, and each page is labeled with either an "S" (for sketch) or a "G" (for guess). The spiral binding allows you to flip pages before passing the sketch book to the next player, and the label lets that player know whether to sketch or guess. Aside from the occasional unrepressed snicker, gameplay is silent until the final results are revealed.

The erasable markers have a fine point to allow true artists to flourish. Clean-up cloths are provided, as is a timer and a deck of 144 cards, each of which contains six "secret" words.

Gameplay: Friendly or Competitive Mode?
Much like "Telephone," Telestrations leaves a lot of participants scratching their heads. One player's sketch of a pretzel might end up looking more like a ribbon, and that ribbon might evolve into a banana peel. Only rarely does the final guess match the original word, so playing Telestrations is almost always a delightful comedy of errors.

While the game is easy to learn, scoring can get a bit complicated. The instruction manual describes two different modes of gameplay: friendly and competitive. The friendly mode awards points based on the most creative and hilarious drawings, a subjective determination that can lead to either a fun debate or an irritating disagreement, depending on who is playing. In either case, a simple democratic vote may be necessary to speed things up.

The competitive mode awards points to players whose sketch helps another player win a point. This determination is straightforward enough, but going back over the drawings and assessing points may be tedious for those who would rather simply laugh at the results. Anyway you decide to play it, Telestrations will bring out the artists in your friends and family, along with lots of loud laughter.

What's in the Box
Telestrations game instructions, 8 erasable sketch books, 8 erasable markers, 4 eraser cloths, 144 cards in card box, 90-second sand timer, and die.

Designed for 4-8 players, Telestrations features intuitive, reusable game pieces for a great experience. View larger.

115443 Features: -Telestrations Party Game. -Telestrations is the hilarious new sketch, pass and guess party game . -Players simultaneously draw what they see and guess for uproarious laughter. -Unpredictable outcomes every time. -Includes: 8 erasable Felestrations' sketch books, 8 erasable markers, 8 eraser pads. -2,400 Telestrations' words on 200 cards, card box, 90 second plastic sand timer, die and instructions. -For 4 to 8 players. -Ages 12 to adult. Specifications: -Material: Plastic. -Overall dimensions: 10'' H x 10'' W x 3'' D.

Scrabble Slam Cards

Scrabble Slam Cards Review

Scrabble Slam Cards Feature

• The fast-paced word game where anything can happen. Fast-playing, card-slapping word-changing fun
• Scrabble Slam is a high-speed four letter word game, race against each other to change the existing word and get rid of your cards
• Game could become fame and fame could become fate you never know where it will go with Scrabble Slam
• Play this game with your family and friends.
• Vacation fun or perfect stocking stuffers. Either way you win.

Parker Brother's Scrabble Slam Cards

This is the fast-paced word game where anything can happen. Scrabble Slam is a high-speed four letter word game. Race against each other to change the existing word and get rid of your cards. Game could become fame and fame could become fate, you never know where it will go with Scrabble Slam. Play this game with your family and friends.

• Product Dimensions: 0.79 (L) x 3.62 (W) x 5.63 (H)
• Age: 8 years and up

Learning Resources Money Bags A Coin Value Game

Learning Resources Money Bags A Coin Value Game Review

Learning Resources Money Bags A Coin Value Game Feature

• Learn how to make change
• Fun twists
• 2-4 players

What a fun way to learn about combining coins! The object of this colorful and compact board game is to earn money while winding along a cartoon path. Money is earned by landing on a square labeled with a practical chore, such as setting the table (31 cents), or an entrepreneurial endeavor, such as a lemonade stand (15 cents). In order to collect money, the spinner is used to determine which coins can or cannot be taken from the bank. If the spinner lands on "no nickels" then you collect your change with any coins except for nickels. There's an additional incentive to use critical thinking and coin combining skills. Extra money can be earned if you land on a "Bank Exchange" space and exchange your coins (for example, two nickels for a dime). As you may have suspected, the player with the most money at the end wins. --Lauren Bernard Collect, count and exchange money all the way to the finish line.

Yahtzee

Yahtzee Review

Yahtzee Feature

• Classic parlor game has captivated players, young and old, since 1956
• Unique combination of luck and strategy makes every game an exciting challenge
• Rack up bonus points by scoring an extra Yahtzee
• It's classic shake-and-score action that keeps the fun rolling!
• Great Family Game Night dice game !

Anyone who's ever done it knows the indescribable feeling--getting Yahtzee in one roll! Of course, this five-of-a-kind phenomenon only happens once in a blue moon. The rest of the time, players must be content with a three-roll full house, large or small straight, or any other combination of five dice. In this seductive game of luck and strategy, players have three tries each turn to roll dice in hopes of obtaining the elusive Yahtzee--or racking up points in one of the 12 other scoring categories. For a real challenge, go for a bonus Yahtzee--two or more in one game! This parlor classic has captivated and vexed players, young and old, since 1956. Game includes five dice, dice cup, 10 bonus chips, score pad, and instructions (English and Spanish). For one or more players. --Emilie Coulter It's America's all-time number one dice game! Since 1956 players have been rolling classic dice combinations like Full House, Large Straight and Five of a Kind - that's Yahtzee! The unique combination of luck and strategy makes every game an exciting challenge. Can you rack up bonus points by scoring an extra Yahtzee' It's classic shake-and-score action that keeps the fun rolling! For 1 or more players. Contents include: 5 dice, plastic dice cup, scorecards, 10 plastic bonus chips, and rules. Color of parts may vary.

Gamewright Hisss Card Game

Gamewright Hisss Card Game Review

Gamewright Hisss Card Game Feature

• 2 to 5 players
• Playing time: about 15 minutes
• 50 durable cards
• High gloss graphics
• Made in the USA

As each Hisss snake slithers its way across the playing area, it introduces color identification and visual logic: Does it make sense to have a snake with two tails and no head' Are those two colors the same or not' Even elementary counting skills come into play during scoring at the end of the game. No reading required. For 2 to 5 players.

Boochie, A Whole New Ball Game

Boochie, A Whole New Ball Game Review

Boochie, A Whole New Ball Game Feature

• 2 to 4 players
• Playing time: 15 minutes
• Four toss rings, four bean balls, fourwrist trackers, 1 12-sided Boochie target, vinyl travel bag
• High gloss graphics
• Made in the USA

Toss out the soft foam Boochie target and then try to land your ball and hoop as close to it as possible. Keep score on a special wrist tracker. The player with the most points win. Gamewright. Ages: 8+

Hungry Hungry Hippos

Hungry Hungry Hippos Review

Hungry Hungry Hippos Feature

• These four hungry hippos want to munch a bunch of marbles
• The faster you press their tails, the more marbles they try to chomp
• If your hippo gobbles the most you win
• Game includes Hippos game base 4 Hippo heads 4 levers label sheet 20 marbles instructions
• Color of parts may vary.

Down by the river in a shady grove, live the Hungry Hungry Hippos. There's HoneyPotamus (who loves anything sweet), VeggiePotamus (who loves all things green), PickyPotamus (who's very, very picky), and his big brother BottomlessPotamus (who isn't picky at all!). Come on down to the riverbank and join the Hungry Hungry Hippos for a gobblin' good time. The player whose hippo munches the most wins! This heritage game with its frenetic, colorful gameplay is a recognizable favorite that always leaves kids hungry for more!

Blokus Duo Game

Blokus Duo Game Review

Blokus Duo Game Feature

• Blokus Duo is the perfect strategy game for two!
• Each new piece must touch at least one other piece of the same color, but only at the corners!
• For those who can't get enough of Blokus
• The player with least number of squares wins!
• Fun for young and old

Mattel Blokus Duo Game

Blokus Duo is the perfect strategy game for two. Two players take turns placing pieces of their chosen color on the board. Each new piece must touch at least one other piece of the same color, but only at the corners. When the board is full, both players count up the squares in their remaining pieces -- the player with least number of squares wins.

• Product Dimensions: 1.73 (L) x 8.11 (W) x 8.03 (H)
• Age: 5 years and up

7 Wonders Game

7 Wonders Game Review

7 Wonders Game Feature

• For 3 to 7 players
• Play time of 30 minutes
• 7 wonders is a simple and addictive game for the whole family
• In 30 minutes you can raise a complete civilization and build the greatest Wonders of the World

7 Wonders lasts three ages. In each age, players receive seven cards from a particular deck, choose one of those cards, then pass the remainder to an adjacent player, as in Fairy Tale or a Magic: the Gathering booster draft. Players reveal their cards simultaneously, paying resources if needed or collecting resources or interacting with other players in various ways. (Players have individual boards with special powers on which to organize their cards, and the boards are double-sided as in Bauza's Ghost Stories.) Each player then chooses another card from the deck they were passed, and the process repeats until players have six cards in play from that age. After three ages, the game ends. In essence 7 Wonders is a card development game along the lines of Race for the Galaxy or Dominion. Some cards have immediate effects, while others provide bonuses or upgrades later in the game. Some cards provide discounts on future purchases. Some provide military strength to overpower your neighbors and others give nothing but victory points. Unlike Magic or Fairy Tale, however, each card is played immediately after being drafted, so you'll know which cards your neighbor is receiving and how his choices might affect what you've already built up. Cards are passed left-right-left over the three ages, so you need to keep an eye on the neighbors in both directions. Though the box is listed as being for 3-7 players, there is an official 2-player variant included in the instructions.