Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (26 September, 2002)
list price: $34.99 -- our price: $29.89
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Editorial Review

Oh no! It looks like your granddad was right--things really were better in the old days. At least they were if you liked 2-D platform games, and Yoshi’s Island is indisputably one of the best ever made.

Yoshi’s Island goes back in time to recount the touching story of the various Yoshis' attempts to unite Baby Mario with his parents. You don’t actually control the Italian plumber-to-be but instead his dinosaur pal, who has the curious ability to eat his enemies and then immediately turn them into eggs, which he can then fling at more enemies.

Since Yoshi isn’t particularly fast and can float in midair for a few seconds after making a jump, the whole dynamics of the normal Mario gameplay have changed, but the same incredible attention to detail and endless imagination that mark all of Nintendo’s best efforts are still here in full effect. In fact they’re joined this time, after the rather plain-looking prequel, by some wonderful pastel-shaded graphics that were jaw-dropping when the game was originally released in 1995 and still manage to impress now.

As with the other Super Mario Advance titles, this game also contains a four-player version of the original Mario Bros. arcade game, making it even more of a bargain than it already was. --David Jenkins, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Features

• Pair up with Yoshi and all his multi-colored friends to tackle Kamek and Baby Bowser in this fun-filled quest to reunite the separated twins.
• Guide Yoshi over the island's perilous landscape and around the devious traps set by Kamek and his foot soldiers.
• Find morph bubbles and change into unique characters with special abilities. Become a mole-machine and dig your way around the island or change into a helicopter and suddenly go places you couldn't go before.
• Master Yoshi's legendary moves including jumping, stomping, pounding the ground, laying eggs, eating enemies and throwing eggs using a targeted egg-throwing system. Clearing enemies out of your way is now more fun than ever!

Reviews (109)

Mario's back...except he whines...a lot
I remember the commercial for Yoshi's Island when it was about to be released. A guy who obviously ate too much explodes and the room looks all messy. It was a weird commercial for this and even today I still don't get what the hell it meant. It just happened to advertise one of the best games ever so I'll let it slide.

Story: A stork is travelling with babies and one gets kidnapped while another one falls on Yoshi's Island right on Yoshi's back(which must've at least hurt his spine but oh well). That baby just happens to be Nintendo's resident mascot Mario, only in baby form so now Yoshi has to return him back to his parents while dealing with Baby Bowser.

Graphics: Back when this game was released, this graphics looked trippy. And they still look cool. The graphics almost seem to ooze with color as the locales look very vibrant. Much better looking than the first Mario World.

Sound/Music: My title refers to whenever Yoshi gets hit. You don't know suspense and heart pounding like when you have to rescue Mario. As soon as that whining starts, you make a mad dash for that kid. It's super annoying of course. Oh and the music's good too.

Gameplay: What really sent this game up the critical/fan favorite stratosphere was here. Whenever Yoshi eats an enemy, he makes an egg which he can throw at enemies or clear special paths in terrain. Also here is Yoshi's ability to turn into different vehicles such as the helicopter or a mole.

Taking the Dragon coins from Mario World and expanding on it, every single stage on Yoshi's Island as items that you need to find and if you find them all you get rated out of 100. Get 100 on all stages and you get a surprise. Things like coins, stars, flowers are scattered throughout and you have to find them which adds big time replay value.

See why this game is touted as one of the best games released on the SNES and one of the best available on Gameboy Advance.

Too MUCH Fun
This game is AWESOME! It was my first GBA game. BUT, there are some cons. Some levels are just too long and/or impossible. Many times I think i just get lucky. Anyway, my dad saw it and didn't put it down until he beat the game. (no, he didn't play for 24 hours straight.) A fantastic game for mario lovers (like me.) A great idea would be to BUY IT!

yoshis back
yeah, and its just as cool as it was on snes, man this game owns!!! i used to play it on the old system for almost 10 hours sraight, and now its back and better than ever! this is a must have for any gba owner! ... Read more

Asin: B00006FWTW
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Action    5. Adventure   

Mario Kart Advance
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (30 August, 2001)
list price: $34.99 -- our price: $28.95
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Editorial Review

Nintendo's winning streak of rehashing and enhancing classic SuperNintendo games for the tiny GBA screen continues with this surprisinglyaddictive arcade racer. For those new to the Mario Kart game series, Nintendomascots (Mario, Donkey Kong, Luigi, etc.) race go-carts along fantastic tracksthat feature various offensive and defensive power-ups (banana peels andmushroom boosts, to name two). Accumulate enough points and you'll win circuittrophies.

Each mascot has a ride that handles and accelerates differently, yetthe controls for each racer feel very tight and precise. The highly detailed,cartoony locales of Mario Kart Super Circuit show visuals that are bothvery sharp and fluidly animated. Though not nearly as fast, Mario Kart SuperCircuit looks better and can be more intense than the vaunted F-Zerolaunch title.

If you perform well enough and collect enough coins in atournament, you can unlock a plethora of bonus tracks--some of which are fromolder console Mario Kart titles. The fun multiplayer options includehead-to-head racing and a balloon battle mode, in which you blast other racerswith power-ups in a huge arena until there's only one driver left. --MarkBrooks

Pros:

• Bright graphics that are both fast and fluid
• Multiplayer battle mode is loads of fun
• Many, many tracks!

Cons:

• May be too cute for some

... Read more

Features

• 20 all-new tracks.
• Fast-paced driving action.
• Pick from many characters out of the Nintendo World.
• Up to 4 players can race with the Link Cable.

Reviews (255)

"Mario Kart" for the Game Boy Advance
The game is very simple.You choose which mode you want to play, with your options being one-player, multi-player, and something called a "Ghost Exchange" that I've never tried but would guess is similar to the "Pok'emon Crystal Version" thing where you can press yours and your friend's Game Boys together and each get a gift from each other.In one-player mode, you can choose from the mode where you race the computer, a mode where you race yourself to see how fast you can get your time, and a mode that I believe is the older set-up of "Mario Kart" (without the coins and points).Then you choose the level of diffuculty, and pick your character (Mario, Luigi, Peach, and you know the rest.)Afterwards, you battle it out on interesting, colorful tracks, trying to rank high and (except in the timed mode) win a trophy.Like I said, it's simple, but it's also very addicting, and the graphics are fantastic!

The best game ever.
If you want a game thats challenging and fun,well you picked the right game.This game is so cool and the graphics are awsome.There are many tracks to choose from also you can pick the track that you love the most and race your own ghost.

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS.

Can't save!
I bought this game used and it is as awesome as mario kart on the big nintendo systems. But I give it 4 stars because it will not save anything! I don't know if this is just a problem with my game or if it's a manufacturing defect in a lot of games, but it's very dissapointing. I can't save any track times, or gp championships. So ever time I turn the ame on, I'm starting all over again so I have to play the entire thing to open up the secret tracks!! but as I said, other than that, this is a very good game if you're into mario kart. ... Read more

Asin: B00005MDZY
Subjects:  1. Jet (Jets)    2. Sports (Sport)    3. Outdoors (Out Doors)    4. Racing    5. Flying    6. Video Games    7. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    8. GBA    9. Racing (Race, Races)    10. Flying (Fly)    11. Car (Cars)    12. Auto (Autos)    13. Plane (Planes)   

Backyard Baseball
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (27 May, 2002)
list price: $29.99
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Editorial Review

Based on the popular Backyard sports series for the PC, Backyard Baseball lets kids create the baseball teams of their dreams. Kids will create their squads by choosing logos and playing fields and staffing them with fictional Backyard kids and pintsize versions of 30 pro players. They can even create their own characters from scratch and share them with friends' copies of the game via the Game Link cable. Backyard Baseball includes single game, season, and home run derby modes, and also allows kids to play head-to-head against other GBA owners. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

A Game for Baseball Fans
Personally i'm not a huge baseball fan.Ocassionally I watch a game but not too often.This game is great if you are a fan of baseball but i didn't like it that much.I am stinky at hitting home runs and I can not hit the ball often.You ahve to know some of the things in baseball and i really don't get the point of this game anyway it gets kind of annoying sometimes like when you confuse your players with the ones on the other team.Also some of the games are hard and I usually strike out.I like this game but i wouldn't really recommend it if you are not a baseball fan.If you buy it and you have no idea what baseball is all about just remember I warned you!

Terrific Game all-around
I first started playing this game in computer class and fell in love with it right away. What i like about it is that you can pick real MLB players, fake people, or create your own. You can also chose from real teams or fake teams. The levels and practice are really cool, for whatever may be your speed. Hope this review helped you, I have played this like over 100+ times

Thanks!

piece of crap
what a piece of crap. i just bought this game. played it for 2 mins. realized there is NO PITCHING. YOU HIT OFF A @!#$##$#$ TEE BALL STAND. THIS GAME BLOWS. IMMEDIATELY SOLD IT BACK TO AMAZON. bought all star baseball 2004 instead.. no challenge at all to this game. jacked homeruns like i was stealing jewelry from old ladies. TOO EASY. NO FUN. ... Read more

Asin: B0000631WQ
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Sports (Sport)    5. Outdoors (Out Doors)    6. Sports    7. Outdoors   

Twister
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $14.99 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

It's "the game that ties you up in knots"! Twister has beenaround forever, and it's still as much fun as you remember. The gamebox contains a spinner, a plastic mat marked with colored circles, andthe rules, which are brief. You don't need anything else except a groupof friends. A referee spins the spinner to come up with a color andwhether a hand or a foot is to be placed in a circle of that color.It's easy at first, but after four or five spins you'll be more tangledthan a plate of spaghetti. If you fall, or if any part of you except ahand or a foot touches the mat, you're out, and the last player left isthe winner. If you're looking for something to break the ice atparties, this game is it. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

A classic for all ages really
Surely everyone knows Twister? My first encounter was when my sister got the game for her birthday in 1976.
She and her friends had a ball with it at her party, then the adults had a go; or rather the Dads.
The Mums all seemed to wear frocks in those days and they didn't want to disgrace themselves at my Sister's party! The Dads on the other hand, would be really dumb at the drop of a hat to make us kids laugh.
I remember it being fun whatever age I was (I played a lot of games at college and we were all pretty giddy with wine then, much like the Dads back in 76!).
You can't fail to enjoy it, just be careful if your back is troubled or you have any injuries that are healing. Oh and be careful if you play with someone with stinky feet! the game really is a "shoes off" number, This is a fine idea but I remember back in 76 one of the Dads was not so sweet and one of my college buddies was rank! This means the mat needs a wipe down occassionally, otherwise there is a unfortunate lasting pong every time you open the box!!

It's a blast!
I have played this for years at birthday parties, but finally got one of my own last summer. So I took it to a Summer Youth Camp with me...and about 25 of us teens took turns on there. It was such a blast!
The only thing I would say is, if you have back or neck problems, you might want to skip this one. Or you could always be the spinner person. Either way, this one's tons of fun!

Twister-4 1/2 Stars
Twister is a very nice, fun, calm game. If you have any sort of party with friends this is a great game to play. And it's not really any age limit, just as long as you know your right from your left. ... Read more

Asin: B00000DMBK
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Family Favorites    4. Classic Games    5. Party Games    6. Grownup   

Bop It - Extreme 2
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $25.99 -- our price: $24.99
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Editorial Review

Even electronic toys have gone extreme. Kids love the original Bop It, an electronic toy that challenges response time to pull, twist, and bop different parts of the toy. The Extreme 2 version adds two more tasks, more sounds, and a taunting, smart-aleck announcer who directs the game. As you get better, the game moves faster until you miss a beat and lose, accompanied by a fair amount of noise and ridicule from the toy. People who don't think they'd ever want to play Bop It Extreme 2 won't be able to put it down; it instills a compulsive need to bop till you drop. It can be played in a group and makes a good party game--even for serious adults. --Lynne Sampson ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Addictive
This is a fantastic game! It is a fast and furious challenge of reaction times & can be played alone, with a partner or in a group.Great for bored kids (or adults)!

Wish I could play to a higher score!
This game is very fun. It helps to to clear my mind. The down side is that it stops at 250. I've reached 250 a few times wanted to see if it was just a mistake but nope it only goes to 250. Other than that great for the younger kids helps with listening and motor skills. As far as us adults who play, the game needs to go higher than 250. Overall good fun.

This game is for Christmas - not for Life
Hours of addictive fun for all the family.Best used with some headphones if gran keeps nagging you to eat more cakes at a family gathering; which can be off putting to say the least!
I have stated that "This game is for Christmas -not for life" because it only you allows you to get up to 250ish and then it stops - Challenge over - motivation to play it GONE!
However practising to get up to 250 is great fun.Recommended.
... Read more

Asin: B000087BH4
Subjects:  1. Music    2. Games    3. Handheld    4. Electronic   

Risk
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $23.99 -- our price: $22.99
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Editorial Review

Risk--the game of world conquest--features a tri-fold game board that is a map of six continents divided into 42 territories. It's a game of strategy as you battle to win by launching daring attacks, defending your territory, and moving across continents with your cunning plan! Includes five dice, 56 Risk cards, and six sets of armies that contain 360 miniatures. Play three variations: World Domination, Capital Risk, and Secret Mission Risk. This game will engage and challenge any player to join the ranks of world leaders! --Margaret Quinn ... Read more

Reviews (117)

sweet game
it is fun and it is exciting to the last roll of the dice it rocks
you will love it a must have for the family always go for geting australia, good luck

The best boardgame you will ever play in your life!!!
It took me about 15 minutes to learn how to play and the i wanted to keep on playing. I started to get nervous too. This game is all about what your plan is and whatever you do try to get Asia and Euroup. WARNING: You may get hooked on this game and stay up to 2:25 playing it with your friends!!(true story! I did that.)

world domination is fun
this game is awesome but could be better. the game got 1 star in educational value because of the misshaped continents (for example one part of europe is half the size of asia) the durability is ok because the pieces are so small you can literally inhale them. the gameplay is smooth and not very complicated. the object is to rule the world and to do that you must attack the opponent. the world is divided into 42 territories, 8 for each continent. each turn you get extra troops or reinforcements to place on your terriotores to strengthen them. to take over territories you must conduct invasions. an invasion is (your) effort(s) to take over a territory. one invasion may consist of one or many short rounds called battles. battles are actually based purely on luck, not strategy. the strategy comes in when you're deciding when and where to attack and where you place your reinforcements. overall this is a great game but it takes hours to finish a game. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IWCX
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Family Favorites    4. Classic Games    5. Strategy Games   

The Game of Life
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $15.99 -- our price: $15.99
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Editorial Review

Practice makes perfect in the game of Life. Try marriage, kids, and more. Will you go to college and take out student loans? Or join the working force and collect on payday? Will you go bankrupt, or earn millions in stock and real estate? Anything's possible with a spin of the Life wheel! A classic family game that can be a reality check--or just a fun time. --Margaret Quinn ... Read more

Reviews (121)

Life
This toy is fun if you play it with my dad it is also very durable.I think that starting at age six will love playing this
board game.

Truly Life's Greatest Reward
I must admit, I really like to see classic board games come back to every family possible. It is unfortunate a lot of families don't have really the time to share the simple things like board games anymore. There are some of them that are just plain classics. The game Of Life Is no acception. The game is one those simple delights that every family should really play. The game plays quite well, with the object of going through life, and trying to retire with the most money possible. I really loved this game when I was much younger, and for family fun for all, this should be well worth the purchase.

Fun & Enjoyment: B ( C if you're playing alone )

Overall: B

Not your father's game of life!
I played this game countless times as a teenager in the 70's.My two sons (8 & 5) wanted it and I thought it would be a blast from the past.While some of the changes in the game play itself are fine, I couldn't get over the poor quality of the game board itself.The spinner I grew up with was so durable.The new one sucks.It's virtually impossible to spin it without the whole wheel falling off.That in itself was very disappointing - and really caused a lot of frustration!Why cut cornes?Especially when many of the people buying this game, probably played it as a kid!? ... Read more

Asin: B00000IWD7
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Family Favorites   

Deluxe Rook
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $11.99
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Reviews (6)

Rook is a classic game of gin/rummy with originality
Hearts and spades are great games to play.The unfortunate aspect of them is that there are no rules for playing with more or less than four players.Rook can be played with 2-6 people which makes the chances for playing much greater.A highly educational game, it teaches children the aspect of strategy and tactical planning.These skills are not usually taught in schools and are a great way to learn them while having "fun" in the loose sense.Differing amount of players exposes new elements of the game with differing instruction.5 Star Game.

7 handed Rook
We have been playing Rook for several generations, too.We have such a large family andwe all love it so well, that we had to invent a more deluxe game where more people could play.We came up with a game where we can play with 7 people.Even that wasn't enough though, so now we play high-low table. We get hours of enjoyment out of this game.

Classic Card Game.
Created in 1906 as an alternative "card" game for those who believed that regular cards were sinful and of the devil, Rook is a game that people of all ages will enjoy playing. My family has played Rook since I was a very young child and I've never gotten tired of playing the game. I've enjoyed playing the game with my grandparents, aunts, and uncles as well as college students. There are several different styles of game play, depending on the number of people you have (2-6) and depending on how challenging you want the game to be. Rook is a great game for families to play and I recommend it to anyone looking for something a little bit different from the norm. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IT4A
Sales Rank: 6019
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Cards    3. Playing Cards   

Classic Parcheesi Board Game
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $10.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (13)

Simple Yet Exciting
I got this for my 7 year old nephew's birthday, and he loves it. I only vaguely remember the old classic version, so I cannot make a comparison. But standing on its own, the game is simple to play, yet involves stragey, and has plenty of excitement. My nephew is also improving his counting skills. And the game is only $10! Great for kids, good for adults if they don't compare it to the orginal version.

we enjoyed this game but we never played original version
I'm glad I didn't read the other reviews before I bought this board game as a present for my son.I would have worried about it being "cheesy" and "not worth the money."

We have never played any other version of this game so I guess we don't know what we are missing from the original.

I thought the game was simple to learn but still had plenty of excitement as it was hard to tell who would win up until the last moment.The bright colored animals and game board make this game visually appealing and I especially appreciated the educational information enclosed about the animals used for pawns in the game.

If you are looking for a game that is fun to play with your kids this is an excellent choice.If you are looking for the original classic for adult play it seems like you would not be happy with this version of the game.

Nothing "Classic" about this...
Calling this "Classic Parcheesi" is like naming a brand of Lemonade full of chemicals "Country Time". Parcheesi is a great game, but don't waste your money on this gimmicky hack-job. Get the true classic ...called "Deluxe Parcheesi". ... Read more

Asin: B00007KGZY
Sales Rank: 2491
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Family Favorites   

Othello Game
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Toy
list price: $14.99 -- our price: $10.99
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Reviews (16)

Othello is a good logic game
This is a good logic game that requires stratagy and thinking. Very fun game for two people. Recommend it for the logic type of people.

Strategy game for two with simple rules
Sometimes known as Reversi, Othello is a great game in itself but (like draughts) is also a useful starting point for children too young to master the complexities of chess. The game can appeal to people of all ages who enjoy strategy games including those who feel intimidated by chess. Meanwhile, chess players who have difficulty finding other chess players of comparable ability can enjoy playing Othello - it is much easier to find suitable opponents for this game.

The rules are simple. The playing area is a squared board. Each square is a space for a plastic disk, which is white on one side and black on the other. To begin with, the four central squares are occupied with two disks showing white and two showing black. Each player has half of the remaining disks, taking turns to place a disk on an unoccupied square with their own color showing, adjacent to a disk showing the opponent's color and in a direct line with one showing the player's own color. The idea is to place the disk in such a way as to allow the player to turn over disks showing the opponent's color to their own color - as many as possible within the rules - while making the opponent's task as difficult as possible. As the game progresses, a player may be able to place a disk next to several showing the opponent's color, opening up lines in different directions and turning a lot of disks over.

People soon learn that being able to place disks in the four corners is often the key to winning the game. If you can get at least three of the four corners showing your color, you will almost certainly win (but not always). So you have to be careful to avoid placing disks in the squares adjacent to the corners, as this gives your opponent a potential opening (even though it may not be immediate).

While six and seven year old children can easily learn the rules, the game is sufficiently interesting (if you like strategy games) that it can entertain people of all ages.

Othello has one significant advantage over chess and draughts - it is not unusual for one player to build up a commanding position only to lose it quickly. In chess and draughts, it is very rare for a player to lose from a commanding position.

Extra stars please!
This game is great, it is easy tolearn, and it teaches strategy. Mom and Dad can play with son or daughter, it's worth the 15.00. My parents shared this game with me, and now I can share it with my kids. 5 star rating! ... Read more

Asin: B00004TQMQ
Sales Rank: 828
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Family Favorites    3. Strategy    4. Board Games    5. Strategy Games   

Payday Game
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Reviews (15)

I love this GAME!!
this game is soooo much fun you learn how to keep track of money and how to pay bills and pay off loans . you also learn how to calculate intrest.

Classic
My friends and I rediscovered this classic board game at a gathering recently: Never has there been such laughter at a simple game, this even beats out monopoly!!

Fun and educational
I've recently purchased a few different board games to play with my 6-year-old daughter.I chose Payday because I wanted to use it to help teach her about money and I remember playing it at a friend's house when I was a kid.Well, it is definately a lot of fun!My girlfriend and I have played it long after my daughter went to bed.One nice feature is that you choose how many "months" to play ahead of time so you can control the length of the game.My 6-year-old at this point has trouble understanding the auctions, but we can still play it without them.

I remember the game as being different when I was a kid.Too bad that the original version isn't also available.My only real complaint is that the money is made of extraordinarily thin paper, and it's just a matter of time before it will be destroyed.

Overall, it is a great board game for both adults and kids. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IWCV
Sales Rank: 8068
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Family Favorites   

SET Game
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $12.99
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Editorial Review

SET is a card game of quick recognition and deduction. Each card contains one of three symbols (squiggles, diamonds, ovals) in varying numbers (up to three), colors (purple, green, red), and degrees of shading. A dealer arranges 12 cards, face up, and the players--without taking turns--hastily scrutinize the images for logical "sets" of three cards linked by combinations of sameness or difference. It's not as complicated as it sounds: examples include a trio of paired ovals with increasing levels of shading between cards, or disparate symbols in different colors which increase in number on each card (card one has a green squiggle, card two a pair of purple ovals, card three a trio of diamonds). The trick is to keep calm while trying to make the rapid connections. The Darwinian nature of the game (remember: everyone plays simultaneously) is certain to cause some feistiness among more competitive players. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (91)

Our favorite game for years
Forget those expensive boxed party games... Set beats them hands down. Truthfully, this has been our favorite for years. Why? Here are my reasons:

* Any number of players can enjoy the game. How many great games are there on the market, but they are limited to 3-4 players? With Set, my wife and I can enjoy a quiet game at home, or we can take it to a party and invite all takers.

* It doesn't discriminate. Truthfully, I think any kid ten years or older would be at no disadvantage vs. adults. It's simple pattern recognition, and it's surprising sometimes which players are good at it and which players aren't so good.

* It's portable. Seriously, just keep a deck in your car, and take it anywhere.

* It's online! I play the Setgame daily puzzle every day, and it is a great way to keep in practice. Try it out for yourself at the company's website.

Set is a fantastic game. It's true that sometimes new players are frustrated for a while (they will typically see three of the four patterns, and make a lot of false calls), but if you're patient with them while they learn, they catch on fairly quickly. By your second time through the deck, they are doing fine. Get this game; you won't regret it.

The BEST game for all ages!
I got this game for my 5 year-old daughter at Christmas, and we are hooked!It's challenging for her, but she gets it; I am so addicted to it that I go to the SET website every day to solve the daily puzzle!(Which, I might add, is excellent for learning how to play the game and for practice.)At the SET Enterprises site, you can also buy a PC version of the game if you prefer this to using cards, as I do.

I gave this three stars for durability only because this is played with cards--like any card game, they can get lost, bent, whatever.I keep this in MY room so the cards don't get lost (and so I can play after my daughter goes to bed)!

This might be too difficult for most young kids (it's perfectly suited to my daughter's learning/thinking style) so beware the frustration factor.However, you can play easier versions as well to start (by using only one color, for example) and progress to the full game for them.TEN stars for educational value--it's a great brain workout!

Anyone who likes puzzle-type games will love this!

Hooked for years!
I was introduced to this game as a Senior in high school while on a Girl Scout trip to Michigan.We played it every chance we got between planned activities.It gets loud and fast.It wasn't too tricky to learn, just to 'see' the sets.
When I got home it took months to find a toy store that had it, let alone heard of it.
Once I found it I introduced it to my friends and half of them loved it, the other half never wanted to play me again.Most of the people who loved playing it were very math oriented in their thinking.People who are language people seem to have more trouble at first for some reason.
It definately helps develop perception, thinking and pattern recognition skills.Not to mention addictive.I would recomed it for anyone over the age of about 8. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IV34
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Brain Games    3. Cards    4. Memory    5. Activity    6. Card Games   

Topple Game
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $11.99
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Editorial Review

Topple is a three-dimensional board game for the whole family. To play,perch the game board (a five-level, 8-inch square of molded plastic) on top of the 7-inch- high stand, choose your color piece, and agree on what score will win. Each player thenrolls a die and must place a piece on the game board level that corresponds to the numberrolled. Points are scored by completing rows or building high stacks. The round ends andyou get a point penalty if you send pieces cascading off the platform--that is, cause atopple. Younger children can play without scoring, with players being eliminated as theycause topples. --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fun game for all ages!
Topple was my childhood favorite and I'm really glad they brought it back!My younger siblings and I can all play this game together (which is rare since we're 19, 11, 9 and 7 years old!)Topple is a game of skill and strategy.Each player gets 13 pieces.Each player rolls the dice to see which tier they have to put their piece on.The strategy is to get 5 pieces in a row without making the game "topple!"It can get intense, especially when you're playing for points!But it can also be a fun game to teach kids the science of balancing things and how to add the numbers for the score.My little brother really enjoys being the scorekeeper since the point values are low (2,3,4) he can add the values easily.While the older versions of the game had a sturdier base and more solid plastic pieces, this Topple game will surely become a family favorite for everyone!

Teaching teamwork
I searched for something that would keep 6 children, ages 4 to 10, occupied. They were visiting their other grandma in North Carolina, and I knew she could use some help in keeping them busy indoors. Topple seemed to be ideal; It could be played by one or six, it was amusing and exciting. The children LOVED it! They played it as individual competition, and also broke into teams. They learned to laugh at themselves and learned that competition could be fun even if you don't win!
The cost was so reasonable too. The box is durable enough that pieces didn't get lost.
Thank you Pressman Toys!
Grandma Cathy

Great Value Game
Topple is a great value for the entertainment that you get fromthe game. For so little you will have many hours of family quality time.

Description:Topple is played by rolling a die which determineswhere you can place your colored game pieces. Bonus points are scored ifyou are the first one to complete a row. In addition you get points foreach of your colored pieces that are present in the row. As the gameprogresses, if there is a vertical stack of three or more you will alsoscore points. There is an element of chance to this game, but skill inplacement and daring can help you overcome some of the chance. The game isonly 15-20 minutes long so you won't be playing all night. One disadvantageis that there are only enough pieces for four people to play at onetime.

Rating:I gave this only four stars for durability because youmust disassemble the game to store it compactly. There is a small risk tobreak the stand. Also the game pieces could get lost-there are no extras.But the game is such fun to play. Our family has been playing it at leastthree times a week for the past month and we still love it! As foreducational value, there are better games for that such as Set andMastermind. However, children can be taught math skills by keeping scorewith tally marks and recapping the score at the end of the game counting by5's. Other visual skills such as balancing the board or estimating when onemore game piece will topple the board are also learned. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IZEL
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Party Games    4. Strategy Games    5. Activity    6. Family Favorites   

Aggravation
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $10.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Grrr! Getting aggravated yet? Aggravation is the classic marble race around a star shape, from base to home sweet home. It's always tempting to take a shortcut, but beware! An opponent might be waiting for just such an opportunity to aggravate. By landing on another player's marble, anyone can send that marble back to its base to start over. And this could be a serious setback, since the object is to get all four marbles back home before the others do. Each player rolls the die and moves a marble around the board, choosing along the way whether to aggravate another player, take a shortcut (or super shortcut!), or just try to quietly slide by (good luck with that approach!). The game includes 24 marbles, 18.5-by-18.5-inch game board, die, and instructions. For two to six players. --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (8)

No Way
You can get the old vintage aggravation games on Ebay for 10 or less and theres also some hand-made wooden boards as well. These new versions dont hold a candle to the old ones, Just as old tvs seem better than some of the new ones.

Disappointed in the new game look
I have given my points based on the old aggravation game. I wish that I could find the old game which was better made and looked better.If there is such a place that sells this game please notify me ASAP. I will not waste my money on the new and so-called-updated game.

Yes, it's cheaply made... but it's our favorite game!
We got this game for my daughter's 8th birthday, and it has quickly become our favorite game.In some ways, it's like Sorry, although the board is a bit more tortuous to get around.Also, it allows you to play with 6 players (although we've never played with more than 4).

What I like the best is that this game is completely unpredictable.Yes, you could have the best strategy in the world, and be on the verge of winning, but then the roll of the dice can allow somebody who is much further behind come back and unexpectedly win!

The other great things it the portability of this game.We are about to go on vacation, and all you really need is the board, marbles and dice.It's definitely coming with us.We LOVE this game. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IWHF
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Family Favorites   

Madden NFL 2004
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (14 August, 2003)
list price: $39.99
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Features

• Exciting football simulation game
• Updated team logos, uniforms and stats
• Build your own player with Create-A-Player
• Authentic play
• For 1 or 2 players with Gamelink cable

Reviews (12)

a huge hit with a 7 year old fan
My son is seven and just got his first game boy system for Christmas.He received a few games with it- Madden 2004 and a Mario game.He plays the Madden game over and over.I was worried about it being too hard or that he might not think it was fun.(He tends to like racing games, and this was totally different).But I decided to give it a try since he had just had his first experience with rec league football.In his words, "It might be hard for kids under 7 years old.I like it so much that I play it everyday and every minute.My favorite part is getting a touchdown and winning.I also like the song because it is cool!"

the abyss
This was the worst sports game ive ever played.I can deal with sub-par graphics.I can deal with the fact that the plays are hard to see.But i couldnt take poor controls, the inability to save your game (not all of us are able to spend hours playing games) and the stupid create-a-player "feature",although ive never liked the unlimited attributes you can give in the pc version-kind of takes the fun out of it.i always like NHL 95 because you were limited to an over all total to give your created players.anyways if you must buy this game,buy it used then you wont be as upset when you find out how lame this is.

A good handheld football game
This is a good football game.I'll give you both the good points and the bad points.

Good Points- You can play any team, and can either go with the traditional way of controlling whoever has the ball or controlling just one player per play.Either way is fun for me.The teams are updated, and almost all roster changes have been made.You can create a player in any position, and you can trade players from one team to another.I have created a kind of "ultimate" team composed of several super-stars.

Bad Points- Graphics not as good as with a big system, but that's to be expected.The team logos aren't in the middle of the field, just the NFL logo, but their names are in the end zone.It can get a little easy once you get the hang of it, but I have yet to try the higher difficulty level, which should change that.

Overall, this is a good game.I would recommend it to anyone who likes football games. ... Read more

Asin: B00009IM9Q
Sales Rank: 5195
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Sports (Sport)    5. Outdoors (Out Doors)   

Fiddler on the Roof [30th Anniversary Edition]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 October, 2001)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This new version of the Fiddler on the Roof soundtrack coincides with the movie's 30th anniversary (which is also celebrated by a special edition DVD). The CD is notable for several instrumental tracks by John Williams, as well as for "Any Day Now," a previously unreleased song performed by Perchik/Paul Michael Glaser (better known for his starring role in TV's Starsky and Hutch). The soundtrack is often compared unfavorably with the original 1964 cast album, in which Zero Mostel played the part of Tevye (here performed by Topol, who had been in the 1967 London production). But this CD has a lot going for it, including glossy remastering and, of course, Isaac Stern as the fiddler. In the end, whatever version you decide to pick up, Fiddler remains one of the most enduring musicals of all time.--Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording remastered
• Soundtrack

Reviews (11)

Liked the movie, loved the songs!
Aside from the fact that I loved the movie, most of that came from loving the songs on the movie. I got to a place where I wanted to hear them a lot, but didn't want to skip around on the movie to find the song I wanted to hear. So I bought this soundtrack. It was well worth it.
From the intro song "Tradition" to "If I Were a Rich Man" to "Sunrise, Sunset", this CD has music that is absolutely gorgeous. If you loved the movie, I recommend getting the soundtrack.

Excellent overall
The "Fiddler on the Roof" film has a terrific reputation, and deservedly so-the casting was excellent, and it shines through on this recording, both in subtle nuances and changes and in larger, more noticeable things, such as added musical numbers. At a couple points I was disappointed at the omissions of some parts-a handful of lines scattered through, as well as a number from the original, "The Rumor"-but those weaknesses aren't sufficient to lower the rating I give it.

What a great soundtrack....
This gem of a soundtrack is truly one which lives up to the expectations of those who have seen the amazing film of "Fiddler on the Roof".

It encaptures all the emotions the viewer encounters in the film, and conveys them near-perfecly onto this perfect example of a motion picture soundtrack

If you want my opinion, if you are into generally upbeat, 'old danse' style music, or are a fan of Klezmer or Hassidic music, you should immediately buy this CD - money well spent!
... Read more

Asin: B00005OB07
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Film Music    3. Music Theater    4. Orchestral    5. Original Score    6. Pop    7. Soundtrack    8. Soundtracks    9. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Holes (Yearling Newbery)
by LOUIS SACHAR
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (09 May, 2000)
list price: $6.50 -- our price: $5.85
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

"If you take a bad boy and make him dig a hole every day in the hot sun,it will turn him into a good boy." Such is the reigning philosophy at Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention facility where there is no lake, and there are no happy campers. In place of what used to be "the largest lake in Texas" is now a dry, flat, sunburned wasteland, pocked with countless identical holes dug by boys improving their character. Stanley Yelnats, of palindromic name and ill-fated pedigree, has landed at Camp Green Lake because it seemed a better option than jail. No matter that his conviction was all a case of mistaken identity, the Yelnats family has become accustomed to a long history of bad luck, thanks to their "no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather!" Despite his innocence, Stanley is quickly enmeshed in the Camp Green Lake routine: rising before dawn to dig a hole five feet deep and five feet in diameter; learning how to get along with the Lord of the Flies-styled pack of boys in Group D; and fearing the warden, who paints her fingernails with rattlesnake venom. But when Stanley realizes that the boys may not just be digging to build character--that in fact the warden is seeking something specific--the plot gets as thick as the irony.

It's a strange story, but strangely compelling and lovely too. Louis Sachar uses poker-faced understatement to create a bizarre but believable landscape--a place where Major Major Major Major of Catch-22 would feel right at home. But while there is humor and absurdity here, there is also a deep understanding of friendship and a searing compassion for society's underdogs. As Stanley unknowingly begins to fulfill his destiny--the dual plots coming together to reveal that fate has big plans in store--we can't help but cheer for the good guys, and all the Yelnats everywhere. (Ages 10 and older)--Brangien Davis ... Read more

Reviews (2902)

Classic and "Wholly" Unique
The lay down for a superb fiction book.

1 Star for being original. Everything from the characters to the setting to the plot is unique.

1 Star for being captivating.It holds your attention by keeping the plot moving.

1 Star for being so clever. The twists and turns are fabulous. Not to mention, they are also interesting and can be related to.

1 Star for being one of the best books I've ever read. What makes it so good? You'd have to read it for yourself.

Another Star for being humorous and enjoyable. Its not necessarily a serious book, but its still great. There are parts that are hilarious, but some moments that steal your heart because you actually care about the brilliant characters.

Another Star for ending with everything coming together, as well as things being happy but not unrealistic.

Hey, oops, that was six Stars, wasn't it? There you have it. "Holes" is a "Wholly" wonderful, enjoyable book that will forever be used everywhere. (It's also a great book for teachers to use in the classroom.)

holes
For this book the appropiate age group would be like teenage because they would understand it better. They can picture themselves allready ibn jail and what its like. Little kids would think it would just be fun and games. That wouldn't get the point across. Well, the book starts of when stanely gets arrested. he gets sent to camp and has to dig holes. In the beginning of the book stanely doesn't get along with the over people there. Until he proves himselve to them. after that they treat stanely differently. Then something bad happened ,stanelys friend zero runsawayfrom camp. After that stanely loses trust in the camp and he ends up runing away from the camp. the moral of the book is to choose the right choicesand to stand up for yourself.

holes
the appropriate age group for this book is book holes is ages 12 and up. This story is about a boy named Stanley Yelnats and how he is always in the wrong place at the wrong time.In the book he goes to a detention camp called camp green lake. at that camp they have to dig holes to build character. but he doesn't belong their because he did not do anything wrong. Sometimes when something bad happens to him he likes to blame his no good rotten pig stealing great great grandfather for what happened. he meets some characters at camp green lake like zero who runs away and Stanley goes after him. Stanley also teaches zero to read and write. Staley also meets a man named Mr. Sir one of the guards at camp green lake.he chews on sunflower seed and gets a scar on his face becausse of Stanley. I learned that you should always blame somebody for your problems. ... Read more

Isbn: 0440414806
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Fiction    4. Friendship    5. Homeless persons    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile delinquency    8. Social Situations - Friendship    9. Social Situations - General    10. Social Situations - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General