Saturday, December 31, 2011

Cranium Hullabaloo

Cranium Hullabaloo Review



Cranium Hullabaloo Feature

  • High-energy game loved by kids of all ages
  • Simple, out-of-the-box fun - just turns it on and goes
  • Encourages listening, problem solving and friendly competition
  • Kids play alone or with friends -giggling guaranteed
  • Thousands of game variations, so kids never tire of the fun
Hullabaloo will get the whole family moving. As kids ages four and up bounce, spin, and jump between the colorful pads, they'll learn new shapes, colors, and words. They'll also hone their listening skills --especially when they "freeze" and wait to see if they're a winner at the end. Though it's geared towards kids ages four and up, even two-year olds will want to play along. Though younger kids might not "get" everything, they'll still have a great time -- especially dancing to the "funky" music at the beginning and end of each quick-moving round. Though kids can play Hullaballoo among themselves, parents will enjoy the silliness and the exercise!



Kids will have a great time playing and learning about shapes and sounds. View larger.


With large, bright buttons, even little ones will find the controls easily to navigate. View larger.
What We Think

Fun Factor:

Durability:

(what this means)

The Good: Catchy music, clever concept, easy to learn and play.

The Bad: Console might not be loud enough if your surroundings are noisy.

In a Nutshell: Hours of goofy yet educational fun.
At a Glance

Ages: 4 and up
Requires: Three AA batteries, Phillips screwdriver
Easy to Learn; Fun to Play
The Hullaballo console is made of sturdy plastic with brightly-colored buttons that are easy for little fingers to find. Batteries aren't included and parents will need to put those in with the help of a screwdriver before play can start. The easy-to-read, illustrated instructions tell you how to play the game, which is a snap to learn. The console also clearly announces the rules of the game each time you turn it on. (It also plays a bouncy song at the beginning of each round that will stick in your head long after the game is over.)

Do a Funky Dance!
The talking musical console adds an element of excitement and unpredicability to the game. You never know what it will tell you to do next! The catchy music and the instructions to "do a funky dance!" at the end of the rounds especially appeal to kids. (Later, when you're not even playing the game, you can say, "Do a funky dance!" and they'll start dancing excitedly all over again.) The pleasing pallette of colors in Hullabaloo are appealing to the eye, from the purple, green, and red console to the multicolored play pads with their slightly retro images. These brightly-colored, sizeable play pads are hard to lose.Yet they are also easy to put away when the game is over.

Get Your Goof On
We especially enjoyed doing the funky dance at the end. We would even do a funky dance at the beginning of each round too-- the music is so catchy you just can't help it! At times, we wished the maximum volume of the console was higher. We also would have appreciated being able to put the batteries in without using a screwdriver. But overall, we found this game to be fun and energizing, with just the right amount of goofiness thrown in. It proceeds at a good pace -- slow enough so that kids have time to process the console's spoken directions, but fast enough to keep things exciting. The rounds are short so you don't get bored. And there are thousands of combinations of moves so you'll probably never play the same round again, not matter how many times you play!

What's in the Box
Talking musical console that directs play, 16 play pads, instructions.
Cranium Hullabaloo is the surprise-filled, high-energy game that turns bouncing off the walls into bouncing across the room! Players move from one colorful shape to another and use their bodies to perform the many Hullabaloo moves -- touch your nose to a circle, spin to a red, put your elbow on a musical instrument. When Hullabaloo says, "Freeze!" the player on the lucky pad wins! Every few minutes there's a new winner who gets to take a bow, make a victory jump, or do a funky monkey dance. Faster than a scavenger hunt, more creative than Simon Says, and able to make imaginative leaps past musical chairs, Hullabaloo provides hours of fun for any occasion -- birthday parties, play dates, even a rainy day. Ready to play? High-energy game loved by kids of all ages Jump, dance, wiggle, and giggle! Encourages listening and problem solving Thousands of variations for endless fun Easy to play -- just turn it on and go. Includes: A Hullabaloo talking audio console and 16 colorful play pads.


Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Qwirkle Board Game

Qwirkle Board Game Review



Qwirkle Board Game Feature

  • 2-4 players
  • ages 6 and up
  • 45 minutes
  • Games Magazine Award: Best Family Game Runner-up 2007
  • Mensa Best Mind Game Award Winner 2007; Major Fun Award Winner 2007

An addictive strategy game in the tradition of Sequence, Scrabble, and Othello, the Qwirkle Board Game from MindWare has a simple, straightforward premise: match tiles and win points. But the real joy of the game lies in plotting and scheming your way to victory. Winner of the Parent's Choice Gold Award and a Mensa Select National Competition Winner, Qwirkle is destined to be a family game night favorite. This game is designed for ages six and up and for two to four players.

Mindware Logo
Qwirkle
Board Game
  • Ages: Six and up
  • Players: Two to four
At a Glance:
  • A fun twist on Scrabble and matching games
  • Players strategize to make matches and earn points
  • Comes with 108 wooden tiles
  • Winner of Parent's Choice Gold Award and Mensa National Competition
  • Includes drawstring bag for tile storage and instructions
Mindware Qwirkle Board Game
Mindware Qwirkle Board Game
This award-winning strategy game is easy to learn. View larger.
Mindware Qwirkle Board Game
Match colors and shapes in this enthralling strategy game. View larger.
Mix, Match, Score, and Win

Qwirkle consists of 108 wooden blocks with six different shapes in six colors. Using the blocks, players attempt to score the most points by building lines that share the same shape or color. The simple setup makes this an instant winner for younger kids, while adults will enjoy strategizing to win.

How to Play

A typical game of Qwirkle lasts about 45 minutes--longer when you're first learning how to play--and players will likely catch on to the rules in no time at all. The game can be set up anywhere, although a large tabletop is best to accommodate the generous number of tiles. The only other thing you'll need is a pencil and paper to keep track of everyone's point count.

Each tile has an illustration on the back (circle, eight-point star, four-point star, square, clover, or diamond). Each of these symbols appears in six different colors (red, yellow, orange, green, blue, and purple). In total, the game has three tiles each of the 36 possible color-symbol combinations. To help make sure you don't lose any tiles in between games, Qwirkle comes with a drawstring storage pouch.

Straightforward, Easy-to-Follow Rules

As in Scrabble, the game starts with players drawing their own "hand" of six tiles. The player with the most tiles that share something in common (color or symbol) plays their pieces and wins points. And so it goes until the pieces make up a giant grid. One rule adults will likely need to reiterate to little ones is that duplicate tiles don't count. For instance, if someone has three diamonds, and two of them are green, they can only count one of those diamonds for points.

As play continues and the stakes get higher, younger kids may need some help deciding where to build to maximize their points. Our testers found that the length of the game may make younger kids squirmy halfway through. To keep them engaged, parents can always distribute half the number of tiles to start. The game is over when all the tiles have been played and all the points have been tallied.

What's in the Box

108 wooden tiles, cloth drawstring bag, and instruction booklet.

Our tactile wooden block game combines the logic and strategy of Set® with the creative multi-maneuver game play of Scrabble®. Easy-to-learn rules mean you'll be creating columns and rows of matching colors and shapes in no time! Look for opportunities to score big by placing a tile that touches multiple pieces and matches both shapes and colors; the player with the most points wins. 108 blocks.


Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Deluxe Stadium Baseball Game

Deluxe Stadium Baseball Game Review



Deluxe Stadium Baseball Game Feature

  • Authentic Baseball Action
  • Spring-loaded batter
  • Select pitch speed, height and direction
  • Keep track of balls, strikes and outs
  • Large 17" x 17" playing field
Fun for fans of all ages, the iplay Deluxe Stadium Baseball Game places the action of America's favorite pastime in your hands. With a spring-loaded batter and pitcher, this 3-D stadium-style board game gives you that ballgame feeling as you throw a curve ball or slam a home run. Each infielder can be placed strategically on the field, waiting to catch a pop fly or tag a runner out. Pockets around the board tell you if you've hit a triple, single, or foul ball, while a handy slot lets you keep track of balls, strikes, and outs.

iplay logo
Deluxe Stadium Baseball Game
At a Glance:

Ages: 6+
iplay callout
iplay Deluxe Stadium Baseball Game - position your own defence

Enjoy an authentic battle with the spring-loaded ball and wide, triple-slotted mounds.
View larger.
iplay Deluxe Stadium Baseball Game

Stadium-style board game gives you that ballgame feeling! View larger.
iplay Deluxe Stadium Baseball Game - spring loaded batter

Twelve hand-detailed players are included. View larger.
Realistic Baseball Action
With the lifelike moves and hard-hitting action of the Deluxe Stadium Baseball Game, everyone can enjoy playing ball. Ideal for road trips, family gatherings, or even office parties, this game features a spring-loaded batter and pitcher to give you and your opponent an authentic battle. There are 12 hand-detailed players in all.

Wind up your batter and see if you can hit the pitcher's fast ball. Runners who try to steal are subject to the roulette wheel--give it a spin to see if your player is safe. The board contains wide blue mounds at each infield and outfield position, displaying three possible slots to place your player. If the ball hits one of the fielders and drops into the pocket, you're out!

Customize Your Ballgame
Just like a major league player, you'll have the option of making those split second decisions that make or break a game. A little slide lets you move your batter from having an open or closed stance, while the lever pulls the bat back as far as you need it. When you're on the pitcher's mound, three triggers behind the score board provide several choices for your next move.

Along with activating the pitching chute, you'll also be able to throw a curve, fast, or screwball. If you want to really challenge the batter, press the trigger to drop the mound by the batter for a disappearing "miracle ball".

Versatile for virtually any amount of participants, this game can played by two players -- or, if there are more people, you can choose to form teams to play against each other.

Stadium-Inspired Board Design
Each time you hit the ball, you'll be able to tell how--and if--you scored thanks to the navy blue pockets that surround the board. Brightly colored signs labeling double, single, and triple hits line the back, while large white words declare your foul balls. For those questionable calls, three pockets behind the batter indicate if a missed hit is a ball or a strike.

The board measures 17 x 17 inches (LxW) and fits on most tabletops.

What's in the Box
iplay Deluxe Stadium Baseball Game with 6 metal balls, 1 batter, 1 pitcher, 3 runners, 7 fielders, and an instruction booklet.


Authentic Baseball Action! Stadium inspired design has 12 hand detailed players, 6 ball bearing baseballs and a realistic ball field. Adjust batter's stance to open, closed or square position. Select fielding position for infielders and outfielders. Spring loaded batter for real swing action. Hit singles, doubles, triples, foul balls and home runs! Throw curve balls and breaking balls, Large 17" X 17" playing field. Counter for balls, strikes and outs. Special base stealing feature with a "judge" mini roulette wheel to resolve disputes. Contents: Baseball stadium game base, bat, pitcher figure, 3 base runner fiogures, 7 fielding figures, 6 ball bearings. (for 2 players


Monday, December 26, 2011

Bop It XT

Bop It XT Review



Bop It XT Feature

  • Can you keep up as the tempo revs?
  • Get it right and you can keep going, but if you get the moves wrong, your turn is up
  • Think you?ve got what it takes to beat it? Then, start the action
  • Action-packed electronic game challenges you to keep up with the moves the Bop It voice calls out
  • Includes Bop It XT game unit and instructions

With its nonstop action, the BOP-IT XT game will challenge you to Bop it! Twist it! Pull it! Spin it! Flick it! and Shake it! The BOP IT XT game will command you to do six actions in random order! Respond as quickly as you can to score points. Score 100 points to unlock more challenging levels for even more fun! For each correct reponse BOP IT XT will answer with a sound and another command. But if you're not quick enough, or if you respond incorrectly--you're out! It's that simple...or is it... Try it and see! Play solo or with friends. The BOP-IT XT game offers four levels of difficulty and different settings for solo or group play.

callout top with logo
BOP-IT XT
At a Glance:
Age/Weight Requirements:

8 years and up

Assembly Requirements:

3 AAA batteries (included)

BOP-IT XT Product Shot
Designed to be shaken, twisted, and pulled, BOP-IT XT keeps kids in the middle of the action. View larger.
Game Offers Fast-Paced Play

Colorful knobs, handles, and buttons take center stage in this well-designed game from Hasbro. Designed to be shaken, twisted, and pulled, BOP-IT XT keeps kids in the middle of the action, trying to react to the commands as fast as possible.

Fun music and irreverent commands make the BOP-IT XT game interactive while keeping the play lighthearted and fun. The BOP-IT XT game comes with three volume options and a headphone jack, allowing for quiet play.

Settings Allow for Group or Solo Play

A variety of settings allow your child to play alone, with a friend, or in groups. For example, when in party mode, any time a body part is called out, the "BOP IT!" button has to be hit with that part of the body.

BOP-IT XT also offers novice, expert, master, and pro levels, making it fun for children of different ages and abilities. The "SHAKE IT!" feature can be turned on or off, adding to the difficulty. Players are allowed to advance to the next level only after they complete 100 correct consecutive commands, keeping them motivated and challenged.

Builds Concentration and Memory

The BOP-IT XT game provides a fun way for kids to build their concentration and memory. The fast-paced commands require quick reaction times and a high level of coordination, keeping players active and engaged.

What's in the Box

BOP-IT XT game and instructions.

It's time to get moving. Can you keep up? When you turn it on, this totally cool Bop It game calls out commands. It's up to you to pull it, bop it, twist it — or flick it, spin it and shake it. Can you keep up as the tempo revs? Play Bop It XT in party mode or solo — you can even plug in your headphones to keep the game all to yourself. Get it right and you can keep going, but if you get the moves wrong, your turn is up. Think you've got what it takes to beat it? Then, start the action. It includes Bop It XT game unit and instructions and 3 AAA batteries. It's for 1 or more players.

  • Product Dimensions (inches): 2.8 (L) x 10.5 (W) x 10.5 (H)
  • Age: 8 years and up


Sunday, December 25, 2011

YuGiOh God Cards - GBI - Slifer the Sky Dragon - English God Card (UR) Ultra Rare - Game Boy Promo

YuGiOh God Cards - GBI - Slifer the Sky Dragon - English God Card (UR) Ultra Rare - Game Boy Promo Review



YuGiOh God Cards - GBI - Slifer the Sky Dragon - English God Card (UR) Ultra Rare - Game Boy Promo Feature

  • Single Yu-Gi-Oh Card shipped in protective top loader and sleeve
  • English Version - Single Card - Collectible Card Game (CCG)
  • Card Condition is Near Mint or Better
YuGiOh God Cards - GBI - Slifer the Sky Dragon - English God Card (UR) Ultra ...


Friday, December 23, 2011

Reverse Charades Junior

Reverse Charades Junior Review



Reverse Charades Junior Feature

  • New Junior edition: specifically for kids ages 6+, guaranteed laugh out loud craziness
  • Revolutionizing the interactive social experience
  • Great for kids 6 and up
  • Great for tweens and teens
5512354 Reverse Charades Junior is a hilarious twist on a classic game where the entire team has 60 seconds to act out as many words as one team member can guess. It's a fast-paced, fiercely fun team competition that's an absolute riot with families, work teams, school groups, party-goers or among a few close friends. But be warned...you're in for big and dangerous doses of fun. Features: -Game. -Major fun award: word games, party and family. -The toy man choice award and award of excellence. -2011 Parenting center seal of approval. -Mom's best award winner. -Parent's choice fun stuff. -4 Years and up.


Thursday, December 22, 2011

Crocodile Dentist

Crocodile Dentist Review



Crocodile Dentist Feature

  • Contains: 1 plastic crocodile
  • No loose parts
  • Fun for individuals and groups!
  • 1-4 players
Poor old croc has a tooth that's bothering him; pretend to be a dentist to help him out. Press the wrong tooth and he'll surprise you. With no loose parts and exciting snapping jaws, this is one game that will thrill toddlers and primary schoolers alike. No batteries required.


Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Find It Games Kids Version - Red Ends

Find It Games Kids Version - Red Ends Review



Find It Games Kids Version - Red Ends Feature

  • Spin it, twist it, shake it, it's so much fun
  • Kids and adults will become addicted to this colorful, fun game for the kid in all of us
  • This contained adventure will have you looking at it for hours trying to find the objects inside
  • Play it with the whole family
  • Container measures 10.5"H
Spin it, twist it, shake it, it's so much fun! Kids and adults will become addicted to this colorful, fun game for the kid in all of us. This contained adventure will have you looking at it for hours trying to find the objects inside. Play it with the whole family. Pass it around and see how fast you can find the hidden items. Be the first to find the hidden penny! Play it in the home or in the car. The object of the game is to find each item in the contained adventure. Play alone or with a crowd. Includes Find It game score card. Container measures 10.5"H.


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

20Q Version 3.0 - Purple

20Q Version 3.0 - Purple Review



20Q Version 3.0 - Purple Feature

  • Version 3.0 now even smarter
  • New questions, more answers and more intelligent banter
  • Backlight allows for more hours of play day or night
  • Trans-reflective, easy to read screen
  • Available in new metallic colors
20Q 3.0: Now 20Q is even smarter with version 3.0. Think of anything, answer 20 questions, and be amazed as 20Q guesses your thoughts. Players think of something then answer a series of 20 questions until 20Q guesses what it is. A new trans-reflective screen provides easy viewing, larger buttons make it easier to play, and a backlight allows for more hours of play, day or night. Available in new metallic colors including red, purple and blue with an all-new back spray. There is even an UNDO button. 2-AAA Batteries Included. More play...more game. New questions, more answers, more intelligent banter.


Monday, December 19, 2011

Scrabble: Junior Edition

Scrabble: Junior Edition Review



Scrabble: Junior Edition Feature

  • Introduces young children to the classic word-forming game
  • Players work to match letters printed on the board, receiving points for finishing each word
  • When all of the tiles are played, the one with the most chips wins
  • The advanced side of the game board features a basic version of Scrabble with simple scoring rules
  • For 2 to 4 players
If there's any game out there that normally makes little kids feel left out, it's Scrabble, the word game that's usually played by adults and older kids. But Scrabble Junior is a great way to introduce young children to the game and get them interested in how words are formed. In the beginner game, specially developed for younger kids, players draw seven tiles from a pool, then work to match letters to the ones printed on the board. As they work through their tiles, they spell out the words, one letter at a time, and receive points for finishing each word. By the end of the game, they'll have used over a hundred letters to work through a variety of different words. On the other side of the board there is a basic version of the classic Scrabble game with simple scoring rules. Once your children master the advanced game, you might be surprised to see that they're ready to take you on in a match of the original Scrabble. Just be prepared to lose gracefully. --John Longenbaugh What a great way for kids to play America's favorite word game! Kid-sized words and colorful pictures make it fun to match letter tiles to words on the grid. Players collect scoring chips for completing words. When all of the tiles are played, the one with the most chips wins! The advanced side of the game board features an open grid where kids can create their own words, Scrabble-style! For 2 to 4 players. Game includes: 2-sided game board, 101 letter tiles, 44 scoring chips and rules.


Sunday, December 18, 2011

Dangerous Book for Boys - Card Game

Dangerous Book for Boys - Card Game Review



Dangerous Book for Boys - Card Game Feature

  • An essential line of magic kits that teaches boys (and girls!) the art of magic.
  • University Games was founded by Bob Moog and Cris Lehman recognized a developing niche in social interaction and learning games for adults and children
  • University Games has been creating educational board games designed so that players won't notice how much they are learning!
  • Kids master the magic tricks and learn science as well.
  • Based on the best-selling Dangerous Book for Boys.
Try the Dangerous Book for Boys Card game by yourself or with a buddy. This box is filled with hours of mind sharpening fun for boys of all ages. See how fast you can get to 60 points by solving word puzzles, cryptograms and mysteries. Enjoy more than 50 different puzzles that will build your brain while you play. For 1 or more players. Ages 8 & Up.