Editorial Review

Connect Four is like vertical tic-tac-toe. Unlike tic-tac-toe, however (as the name suggests), youmust get four checkers in a row. One player has red checkers; the other has black checkers. To play,alternate turns at dropping one of checkers down a slot at the top of the upright grid. The first player to getfour checkers lined up in a row in any direction--horizontal, vertical, or diagonal--wins the game.--Alison Golder ... Read more

Reviews (47)

An EXCELLENT game with real play value!
I'd never seen this game before but it's turned out to be one of my two kids' favorite games. It's fun to play with just the pieces and to make simple patterns for decoration when you're not playing the "official" game, and throwing the lever that dumps the pieces out of the bottom is exciting, noisy and fun. Really a great game with real play value, a favorite! BUY IT!!!

Great fun and there is even a movie about it!!
Connect four has always been a favorite of mine since i was a little kid. It is a simple game with simple rules, but yet it is still a game of stratagey and can stump even most adults. This spring of 2005 Upsidedown square productions will be releasing a new blockbuster hit movie about Connect four Titled "C4 A connect four movie" Check out how this childs game changes young uryans life around at https://www.turnuptheblaarg.tk .

Fun, Easy Game
I had this game growing up and have played it with my children as well.My game from childhood is still in fine shape and was used regularly, but we took care of it and didn't fight over it or drop it.I can see how this game may break if misused a little.Anyway--it's a fun game and easy for little ones to pick up, but as other reviewers have said once you are well versed then it boils down to who goes first.I recommend for age 4 to 8 or 10. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Brain Games    3. Board Games    4. Family Favorites   

Editorial Review

This electronic handheld version of Scrabble, the classic word game, will help long train commutes or plane journeys pass more quickly. With four games to choose from (two that accommodate two players) and the ability to determine the computer's intelligence, the same game isn't likely to happen twice. Bad: when you raise the computer's IQ level, it uses words like "padri" and "Varna." Good: it accepts words like "vibrio" and "bize." Sound can be turned off, and, if not in use for more than a minute, the game goes to sleep to conserve the three AA batteries (included). --Pam Lauer ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Rather limited in scope, but can be fun.
The game works well and has never malfunctioned, so physically it is very good. However, the letters in racks given are unrealistically skewed towards high-scoring letters like Q and X. Vowels are fewer than real games. The board is very small so naturally the probability of high scoring plays is small, but any good player could do well despite the size of board. I would not recommend this for adults who are advanced players as this device may be too limited in options to satisfy skilled players. However, very good for amateurs and occasional players, and has the added bonus of having a built-in dictionary so that one can be sure that all words employed are real words.

Scramble
This game is perfect for the summer.if you miss school then you can play this game to learn how to spell.If you just want to have fun this would be good too.ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

addictive but flawed
The Scrabble Express is a lot of fun in a little bit of time but can also eat up a lot of time because it's so addictive.
The main problem I experienced was when the computer played a phony word and I couldn't challenge it off the board. "RU" is no good. Later, I tried playing the same word IN THE SAME GAME and it wasn't allowed. This bothered me. Playing phonies IS part of strategic Scrabble, so there should be a challenge feature built in, or at least as a feature to toggle on and off. Bottom line, the computer shouldn't be playing phonies unless you opt to have that included as part of your decision-making.
Another flaw is that many playable words are not acceptable because the built-in dictionary is the OSPD, which omits many words deemed offensive for school play. So, short words suited for the 9 by 9 grid, such as LEZ, won't fly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Electronic    3. Handheld    4. Brain Games    5. Trivia   

Editorial Review

Horses hold a magical appeal for children. This colorfully designed board game provides an exciting fantasy environment for two to six horse lovers. In the first game, players pretend to be wild mustang stallions galloping through mountains and valleys, gathering a herd to protect while facing such obstacles as cougars and bad weather. The first player to round up a herd wins. In two other games, players are ranchers rounding up strays and competing to fill out their herds. Players are sure to enjoy the in-depth educational information about horses and horse breeds that is included. This is a great game to saddle up when it's rainy on the ranch, providing enough challenge to play with parents as well as with friends. --Lee Strucker ... Read more

Reviews (33)

THE BEST HORSE GAME!
It is fun and educational my friend and i spend hours playing it!

Horsey Games
I've had this game for a long time. It is a great game because it has 3 different games. It is also very educational because it has facts about the different horses. My brother also likes it. Younger kids might choke on the small peices though. I love to look at all the different horses too. one was even named after me! Overall this is a fantastic game and a must have for horse lovers world wide!

Tons of fun for horse lovers of all ages!!
This has been my favorite game since i was about five years old. Being a horse lover, i very much enjoy playing this game over and over again. It provides family fun for all ages, even my 19 year old brother likes playing. You also learn about the different roles certain horses play in a wild herd. . . HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Animals    4. Horses    5. Learning   

Editorial Review

Today’s video games with all their bells and whistles had to begin somewhere, and that somewhere was your living room, in, say, 1982.Remember Asteroids, Missile Command, and Breakout? How about Centipede, Adventure and Gravitar? This TV Games Video System--just a "smart" joystick and nothing else--delivers 10 classic games in all. The joystick has the typical up-down-left-right movements, and single functions to select, start, and reset games. Front-and-center is a big, red fire button ("fire" being the only way to propel or kill things back then). The unit hooks up to your TV via those yellow and white AV output jacks (which should already be on your TV or VCR), and requires 4 "AA" batteries. --Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (81)

Awesome
This is great! Al the games are classics! I have had no problems whatsoever! They're all great! All of them for 20 bucks.=That's the best deal I've ever had! Thei is a perfect gift. It's so easy to set up. All you need is 4 DoubleA batteries. The bottom line is, This toy is awesome!

great fun!!!!!!!!!
This toy is awesome! It has great gmes including:CENTIPEDE, MISSILE COMMAND, ASTEROIDS, BREAKOUT, YAR'S REVENGE, ADVENTURE, VOLLEYBALL, PONG, GRAVATAR, and CIRCUS ATARI. I have had no problems. It's so easy too! All the great classics for $20.00! Right there at home! It is not a waste of money at all!

Old flashback classics - did Breakout® get weird?
I was a fanatic of the Atari 2600 - I owned one and I still have preserved it today. Yes, these games reminiscent me to the olden days playin' on me 2600. Even it is also imitating the traditional Atari 2600 controller!

Downside:

Breakout® is a neat conversion though the problems with Breakout® is that the paddle sensitivity is too hard, which means it's too fast. These don't fit well for the Atari controller and it was designed to play on the Atari Paddle, that was another add-on controller that you turn on a scrolling wheel.

Does your Atari 2600 doesn't work anymore? Have you not preserved it? Do you miss those kind of games and want to go flasback style? Then this television game is for you! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Electronic    3. Handheld    4. Car Racing    5. Sports    6. Action and Adventure   

Reviews (2)

Best Risk yet!
Well, we have just had our first game of Star Wars Risk: Clone Wars Edition at open gaming day at Dr. No's Comics & Games. The session was very successful and I am very impressed with the game so far. My friend Scott and I took the Separatist army while our new acquaintances Keith and Sara took the Republic. The game lasted a total of 4 1/2 rounds, which is pretty close to a game of Risk 2210. The Republic won, in spite of a last ditch effort to turn the tide via Order 66. Unfortunately, as is the case with games where dice are involved, the dice (or the Force) was not with us. I am not speaking out against dice based games. I like an element of chance. The best laid plans and all that... Unpredictable things happen in wars, especially in Star Wars. Our strategy of holding back defensively and waiting out for a good chance at a sweeping galactic conquest with Order 66 didn't pan out. Even if our dice had been rolled better, defensive is NOT the way to play this game. Play aggressive and ALWAYS invade whenever possible. If you are the Separatists, you have GOT to invade and be successful because you have GOT to get cards and reinforcements. The Republic starts out VERY strong (as they should, since they are the dominant power in the galaxy when the war starts) and if they are allowed to gain inroads into your regions, the Seps cannot mount a strong enough defense with their now limited reinforcements. The bonus cards the Reps get from taking leaders is a brutal advantage. Protect those leaders at all costs! if you HAVE to put one in a forward territory, it better be a 1 pip leader. We were unable to hold a first turn advance by the Republic's red army and had to cough up a total of 5 cards (3 from a 3 pip leader, and one each for both Scott and myself giving up a planet). That turn pretty much set the pace for the game. We were able to stay in it until the fifth position on the Order 66 track, and I called the order at the end of my turn, but our rolls again weren't enough. Order 66 ALMOST eliminated Sara, but one of her strongest planets held firm and was able to take Palpatine on her next turn as we had nowhere really safe to stash him.
Overall, even though we lost, I had a blast with the game. It really does FEEL like Star Wars. While i was a bit disappointed with the unusual looking board at first, I grew to really like it very quickly. Troop placement is simple, there are no questionable areas ("is this a pass through the mountains, or just the artwork?"), and since there are no territory cards there is no need to spend time trying to find the name of some obscure area/region/planet (one of the few downfalls of LOTR Trilogy Risk AND War of the Ring). Never forget that every turn is important. I cannot stress that enough. No matter which side you are, you have GOT to be offensive at all times. Even though defenders gain the advantage in ties, if the invader has ships or Anakin cards that allow re-rolls, the odds are heavily against the defender. The playing time is not at all daunting and can be played in only 2 hours or so ( and a good 1/2 hour of that was set up time), so it could easily be played tournament style, switching sides after a game and playing again best 2 out of 3 or what have you.
One comment I have noticed a lot of people making is that they wish the ship tokens had been plastic pieces rather than cardstock chits. While aesthetically I agree, I believe that for gameplay and ease of use purposes, a chit with a picture on one side and a description of the ship's ability on the reverse side is much more functional than a miniature and a reference sheet next to the board. The less time spent poring through the rulebook for a rule and the more time spent invading worlds and conquering the galaxy, the better.
In my opinion, SW Risk: CWE is the best Risk I have played so far. I have 2210, LOTR Trilogy, and Godstorm (which i have not yet played, unfortunately), but this is my favorite at this point.

A disappointment
I really loved the Lord of the Rings Trilogy edition of Risk, and so I was looking forward to the Clone Wars edition.Physically, the game is about the same quality--overall pretty nice but I'm not crazy about the little plastic pieces, which seem even flimsier than the Trilogy game, and much more likely to tangle up together.But that's not a big issue.It's the gameplay.

First off, in a 4 player game, 2 players are good (Republic) and 2 are evil (Separatist), and you are not allowed to attack your own ally.(Gosh, there goes half the fun of Risk right there!) I've yet to come up with a strategy that lets the good side win.During the game, the Separatists have a one-time opportunity to invoke "Order 66".When this happens, each and every planet (territory) in the Republic is checked against a die roll, and a losing roll means the planet becomes Separatist.In every game I've played so far, this wipes out the Republic.Not only have you lost the territories themselves, but all their troops turn against you.It's maddening to be playing the Republic, building up for a great crushing attack and blip, here comes Order 66, bye bye lovely troops.Once issuing Order 66, the Separatists must then place the Emperor (a special piece) on a planet, where he must remain, and the Republic will automatically win the game if they take this planet.But I have yet to get the Republic to recover enough to strike at the Emperor.

The dark side just has too many advantages to make this game fun to play.In the LOTR Trilogy edition, evil starts out stronger, but with good strategy, good can still win.But I just can't figure out the strategy here to make things even. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The classic carnival game of Whac-a-mole comes right into your house in this energetic and highly silly home version. The inherent cruelty of this game is tempered considerably by how much fun the moles appear to be having while receiving repeated blows to the head with big plastic mallets. It must help that each mole gets to wear a helmet, each a different color. One to four players can join in by whacking the critter in front of them during the "sign in" period at the beginning of the game. The object of the game, naturally, is to whack the moles as they pop up and players can choose to have them light up or not. Parents should be aware of course that they are giving big plastic mallets to very young children and the result will almost certainly be that one kid whacks another before too long. It’s just bound to happen. But if those energies can be re-directed toward the moles, this is a fun and silly way to play inside. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Stopped Working X2
We purchased this game for my son's birthday.Wish I would have read the reviews on here first.We all had quite a bit of fun with the game, but it stopped working after about 1/2 hour of play.I called the manufacturer the next day and they offered to send out a replacement.The person I spoke to on the phone said that I was the first one to call in with this problem.The second one arrived today... Well, my 4 year old was playing with it at the kitchen table while I was cooking supper.It stopped working!UNBELIEVABLE!!Well, my son is now very upset, asking if I still love him, etc.He thinks he broke this thing twice.He was hitting it with the mallet... but isn't that the whole idea?It did not get dropped, thrown or anything like that.I guess we will be returning it and getting a different toy.Too bad, it was pretty fun while it lasted.

Definitelya winner!
My daughter received this for her 3rd birthday and it has been her favorite toy since then.She loves to imitate the sounds and whac the moles.The solo or easy game is just right for her age.I'd definitely recommend it.

Didn't want to get it...but...
I was not excited about getting this toy, but after an hour of begging and pleading (from my HUSBAND), I was finally talked into it.We got it, took it out of the box, and OH MY GOD, it's a blast!My 4 year old has no problem concentrating on it and whacking the moles when they light up.He loves the sounds they make and even my 1 year old tries to play!She grabs the mallet and starts whacking...not necessarily the moles either LOL.The game is a blast!If you want a game everyone can play and enjoy, this is it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games   

Reviews (6)

If it worked, I'd rate it higher
I've played the original edition movie many times and loved it.Was really looking forward to this.Don't know what they did wrong, but it sure was something.We have two DVD players, a Toshiba and a Panasonic.The Toshiba is less than 6 months old, and the Panasonic has never failed to play a non-defective disk...until now.

The disk is partially playable on the Toshiba, but you can't stop the game once started except by ejecting the disk.Sometimes it freezes, and you have to start all the way over, going through all those introductions you can't bypass. At final cut, if you say you got the answer wrong, it always freezes, and you've got to eject the disk and lose everything.The Panasonic simply says the format of the disk can't be read.

Screenlife, while polite,basically says, "We're looking into it".So, be forwarned.Be prepared for the possibility that the game is unplayable on your equipment and make sure you save your receipt.I'm not sure what Amazon's return policy is in this situation, whether you get a full refund or not.After all, it isn't their fault, it's the manufacturers.

Sure hope they fix this.

AWESOME!
This game is the best! It keeps selling out, but luckily we were finally able to get one. We have been playing it non-stop and really having such a blast with it.It's very fun playing it with several people in teams and it's just as much fun playing with only two people. Several of us have decided that this was our new favorite party game. You won't be disappointed if you buy this one. I hope they will continue to make extras for these games because we will keep buying them!

ok
this game was very exciting to me at first until i realized i couldnt answer any of the questions...they questions were very challenging i think only people with a high level of movie trivia and 20 year old people and up should play this game ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Trivia    4. Party Games    5. Grownup   

Editorial Review

Fans of the board game Risk will find this Lord of the Rings edition--the Middle-earth version--thoroughly familiar. But there are all sorts of new opportunities and dangers here in the form of wizards, Orcs, cave trolls, and the One True Ring--the latter a gold-colored pewter replica. The four colored armies of plastic game pieces are rather small and cheaply produced, but the 20-by-20-inch game board and 40 adventure cards have a higher-quality feel and are beautifully designed. The game proceeds on the roll of two red and three black dice, and the object, of course, is control of Middle-earth. Recommended for two to four Hobbits; second breakfast not included. (Ages 9 and older) --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (51)

LOTR Disappointment
I bought a LOTR Risk (not trilogy) board as it was much cheaper and was very annoyed that it didn't have Mordor and Gondor on it - it only tells you this on the instructions, INSIDE the wrapped box.There was also a leaflet inside it with the Expansion Board advertised on it, but all sites say that this is OUT OF PRINT!Following this, I decided to draw my own but I am still longing for that Minas Tirith game!

really fun- but takes a long time
I really liked this game and i got it because i love LOTR.It takes a long time to play but if you can find someone patient enough to play it with you then it is a blast.It used a lot of stratigy and made me think.

Great Version of a Classic Game
I grew up playing the original Risk game with my father, brother, and cousins. It has been a sort of institution in my family for years. That being said I might like this game version more. Maybe because I did play the original version so much or maybe it is because I fell in love with Middle Earth after seeing the movies but to me the addition of mountains, rivers, leaders, and strongholds changed the whole dynamic of the game and made it seem less chance based and even more strategy oriented. Troop movements and army formations must now take into account bridges and passes. Attacks must factor in leaders and strongholds.

If I had anything negative to say it would be that some of the color contrasts make it hard to tell what "continent" a province belongs to and I must agree with another reviewer that cheap marketing tactics have created two versions [FOTR/Towers and Trilogy] so definitely get the trilogy version if you are a LOTR fan or else just get the cheaper version. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Although it looks like it could house any number of missiles, lasers, or other weapons, the Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Disk Launcher is meant strictly for card-based combat. Which isn't to say that the Yu-Gi-Oh! card game isn't exciting; it's phenomenal popularity can attest to that. This accessory, worn on the arm and modeled after the kind used by characters on the Yu-Gi-Oh! television show lets players lay cards out in either attack or defense positions and also features magic and trap card slots. It also features an illuminated number display and a disk that moves into a new dueling position at the push of a button. Perhaps not an ideal introduction to the world of Yu-Gi-Oh!, but probably a must-have item for the legion of faithful fans. Game sold separately as are the three button cell batteries that are required. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Reviews (446)

not really
i dont recomend u buy this.maybe its just me, but i dont think is does anything but hold ur cards. maybe its because i dont have anyone to play it with but it doesnt seem like fun to me.its just not the toy for me

my review of the chaos duel disk
I got the chaos duel disk 2 days ago, and i think that it is wonderful, it is detailed, and it does all thats its supposed to do.the only thing that i have to say is the could have made the graveyard half an inch bigger

It has bad and good and should be handled with care
Ok it hass bad stuff like its too heavy.Well don't you get exersize of holding it!People who gets this should be strong not a weakling.It has goods because looks cool and you can play anywhere. if a bully comes then you say it's that its too bad and your saying that cause you so poor. well thats all. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action Figures    2. Collectible Action Figures   

Editorial Review

A discerning laser tagger packs a sidearm built by top-selling LaserChallenge--the best of the best opts for LC's Radar Extreme, a tricked-out IR blaster thatboasts a 350-foot range. The Radar Extreme set outfits two elite gun-fighters with laserpistols and sensor vests, complete with convincing digital sound effects. Improving onthe Team Force 2000 set, Laser Challenge's Next Generation pulls out all the stops. Thegun sports a Max Blast option (one shot counts for three), a silent mode and autoor semi-auto fire. The vest can be strapped on or clipped to your belt, and its electroluminescent display is visible at 350 feet (although you may wish LC had left out this feature whenyour deadeye buddy guns you down). --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (54)

I keep shooting myself!
Everytime i shoot the gun i just happen to shoot myself! Even when i'm pointing the gun someplace else, i still shoot myself. Maybe I threw something away that I shouldn't have, I'm not sure....oh, and also , how do you make teams, my mom bought two packs and my whole family can't figure it out. If anyone had similar problems please give feedback or something.

Great Fun Outdoors, Not So Good For Indoor Use.
The guns have a pretty far range. And you have to have a steady hand. When testing them out,I would be able to aim at least 5 feet away from the vest and get a hit off. I thought about how much that would suck when playing in real life. Then I noticed that the vest was next to a reflective object.I then hung it on a nail about waist high.After that,you really have to start aiming at the vest to hit it. And let me tell you,it's not very easy. Just try not to play indoors too much,or you'll be accused of cheating.

One of the reasons I got this set,was because of the "Silent" feature.But,I never found it.I think I heard someone mention that the power switch must be a certain way,but it was only on/off in mine.If someone can point me in the right direction on this one, i'd really appreciate it.

The game itself is really fun to play,especially at night.One fun scenario you might want to try is one-hit elimination.I just thought of it when I bought it.Basically,you set the game up and everyone gets shot 9 times.When the warning alarm turns on,then you can begin the game.This brings real strategy into the game because if you get hit once,it's all over. You should also try this with "capture the flag".

Another thing is, that this game isn't only for little kids.It's pretty fun to play with other adults as well. So if your an adult looking for an alternative to the expensive sport of paintball,or you just dont want to buy airsoft,this is the next best thing.

Pretty decent toy
Got this as a birthday gift for my 9-year-old.It wasn't what he asked for but turned out to be a "hit"...no pun intended.We all took turns and, although it isn't always accurate, it's still a lot of fun.The sounds alone are enough to get him and his "videogame addicted" friends up and running around for a change.It seems durable enough, and rechargeable batteries are probably a good idea.Although after a day of continuous play, the batteries are still going strong.It's a great toy for any kid that loves to act out the video games they sit and play. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Sports    3. Games    4. Electronic   

Features

• It's Bingo with a zing
• Pictures instead of numbers
• Teaches image/word recognition, matching, verbalization, concentration, memory and motor skills
• Includes Zingo tile dispenser, 72 picture tiles, and 8 double-sided cards
• Imported

Reviews (7)

Great Game!!
My daughter got this game for her 3rd birthday.She and her 4-year-old sister love to play this game daily!!Now I am buying more to give as birthday gifts to friends/family.

A Great Gift that Kids Love
I bought this game for my children several years ago on the advice of the owner of my favorite toy store.I love board games, and my children were 3 and 5 then, and just starting to enjoy them as well.Well, we couldn't get the kids to stop playing Zingo.They played quietly for more than 2 hours.Since you can play with up to 8 players, we have had lots of neighborhood kids playing the game out on the front steps.Since then, I have bought at least 10 Zingo games -- I have given them to all my children's friends and I always keep a few around to give out for birthday gifts.Everyone loves this game.

great design, great fun
This preschooler variation of the old favorite Bingo is a real winner.

Zingo cards have a 3 by 3 grid that shows pictures and words.Cards have a yellow side (easier, for younger kids) and a red side for the odler ones.The plastic game piece dispenser is well-designed and fun to use.Players shout out to claim a piece, which is then placed over the appropriate square on the player's card.There are several play variations.

Excellent game for the younger set, and fun for older children and adults as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Games    3. Learning    4. Reading    5. Board Games    6. Brain Games    7. Wacky    8. Strategy Games    9. Activity    10. Family Favorites   

Editorial Review

Need an icebreaker? Want to work out some aggression without shin guards and helmets? Popomatic Trouble, Milton Bradley's classic race-and-chase game, is guaranteed to bring out your competitive side. Try to outstrip your opponents as you race your pawns around the colorful plastic board to safety. Should you have the good fortune to land on a space occupied by another player, you can send him reeling back to start, where he must wait for a six to pop up (literally) on the capricious dice bubble in the center of the board. Once liberated, your foe is free to reciprocate--now you're in Trouble.

The crystal ball on which the fates of all rest, a.k.a. the Popomatic Dice Bubble, is the genius behind this game, and is one reason it has become a classic. Encased in its bubble, the die never goes flying, rolls off the table, or gets lost. Simple to learn and exciting to play, Popomatic Trouble is a game that never loses its thrill. Popomatic Trouble is for two to four players. --Julie Ubben ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Trouble - Popomatic - Good Family Fun
Trouble is a classic game - Milton Bradley brings us the classic board game that is fun for the whole family to play.
Four players can play this, my only concern is the popper, I wonder how long it will last, the metal popper is a little flimsy and may break over extended use - we'll see. You can always use some dice as a backup.Game is fun for the family to play.

I purchased this along with Connect Four, good games next to Checkers and Chess.

They sure do make them like they used to.......
My (6 year old) daughter received this classic for Christmas and we played the game that evening. Suffice it to say, the instuctions are the same and the fun of the game is the same as when I received it as a gift MANY years ago, however the durability has gone down hill big time. I cannot believe how cheap it is now, from the cheesy cardboard used with the graphics under the board, to the cheaper feeling plastic used for the pegs. The popomatic dice keeper even feels cheap and 1/2 the time my daughter pops it, it remains on the same number on the dice. Aren't there any companies out there that take pride in their products anymore? It seems not. I can't wait to open the Connect Four game - hopefully it won't fall apart before we play it.

Could be made a lot better...
I'm a 27 year old mother of 3.I remember loving this game when I was a kid. I was so dissapointed when I opened this game. I couldn't believe how cheesey it is.You can barely 'POP' the dice.And when my kids POP the bubble all the game pieces fly around. Plus the bottom of the game has a pop in piece of cardboard.Shouldn't the bottom be covered with hard plastic??

I also wish there was something to hold all the pieces because my kids (like many others) abuse the box and all of the pieces fall out and get lost.
****Can't the board game makers start making harder cases or Tins so we all don't have a stack of smashed boxes and missing pieces.

The game itself is fun...but I ended up throwing it away because pieces got lost way to fast. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

The rules are brutal, but the rewards are worth it in this card game that works a bit like Scrabble. Although there is a solitary version of the game for one player, you can play with up to eight. Cards containing letters of the alphabet and special combinations of letters are dealt in increasing number each time the dealer completes a round. Once you've collected your share, you can discard and pick up a new card with each turn. The object is to turn all the letters in your possession into dictionary-proof words while leaving one stray card as a final discard. You want to be the first to accomplish the goal, of course, but there is a scoring system that makes the play competitive for everyone. One nice element is the cards themselves: the letter design is based on beautiful artwork from Celtic manuscripts. This card game is a 1999 Parents' Choice Silver Award winner. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (59)

Absolutely love it!
Picked up the card game this weekend, have been playing the Quiddle daily puzzle (solitaire) online at http://www.setgame.com/quiddler/puzzle_frame.htm for several weeks. We played several hands last night. All I need now is a new dictionary!

Quiddler is hard to Quit
I'm a grandparent that loves card or board games.This game is so much fun and challenging at the same time.I play mostly with my 11 and 10 year old granddaughters; but know the three smaller ones will enjoy it when they get old enough.However the fun does not stop there; our oldest son came for a visit (40yrs old) and I brought out Quiddler.We had a really great time and now I need to buy him the game to enjoy with his friends.Directions were simple and great to understand within minutes your enjoying the game of trying to out-word your oppnent.I love the Solitare Version that can be played also.Can't imagine anyone being disappointed with this game.

Just a great game.
This game is great for absolutely anyone.If you enjoy card games and scrabble this is the perfect combination for you.I recommend playing this one with 4 or more people. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Brain Games    3. Word Games    4. Cards    5. Learning   

Editorial Review

After all these years, it's still hard to get a triple word score, the tiles are still made of wood, and there's only one "X" in the whole box. The game of Scrabble has sparked feuds and a near-cult following. All the fuss is over a spelling game that hasn't had an upgrade in 50 years. It takes a little luck and a lot of skill to make high-scoring words out of seven little letters, sometimes with an overabundance of vowels and letters that don't go together--sometimes there's Q without U. Two to four players battle it out on the board, and while some players might be proud of impressive words ("I spelled gestalt!"), skilled players know how to use the premium letter and word squares on the 225-square board to their best advantage. This crossword game has strict rules (no names, no slang) and comes with a warning label: "Choose a dictionary first to avoid any ugly word disputes." --Lynne Sampson ... Read more

Features

• The classic crossword game played by millions around the world!
• Use your seven letters to build crosswords, and use bonus spaces to add to your score!
• Genuine wooden letter tiles and racks.
• For 2 to 4 players. Ages 8 and up.

Reviews (66)

The classic word game
Scrabble is a word game that anybody can play as long as they can spell in the language in which the game is being played. It can be a lot of fun but it's wise to have a dictionary at hand to settle disputes that arise when somebody creates a dubious word or spelling. The dictionary should only be used to settle disputes - leafing through its pages trying to find a word that fits your letters is definitely cheating. The game is intended to be played by between two and four players but it is possible to practise alone and I'll explain how later, though it isn't as much fun as playing against another person. If more than four people are available, they can either team up or just find something else to use instead of racks to hold the tiles.

Scrabble comes in various editions but all of them have certain things in common. There are 100 tiles each with a letter on them, four racks (one to hold each payer's tiles) and a bag into which all tiles are placed at the start of the game and from which all players draw letters as the game progresses. The main playing area is a board of 15 x 15 squares, most of which are of a standard gray color. Some squares are red, pink, dark blue or pale blue - these are premium-scoring squares (triple word, double word, triple letter, double letter respectively).

To begin with, each player draws seven tiles from the bag. The first player makes a word from any or all of their letters and places it on the board, beginning, ending or crossing the central square, which automatically gives them a double word score. (it is pink) and replaces the used tiles with a corresponding number of tiles from the bag. Subsequently, players take turns to create a new word (thereby building a crossword on the board), attempting to score as many points as possible. Any tiles added must all form part of one word and link to tiles already on the board but strategy as well as vocabulary is useful.

Most of the time, you just place letters focusing on an existing tile on the board, using that tile as part of the word you create, However, if you have a letter S in your rack, you may be able to add it to the end of an existing word while also using it as part of a word of your own, if there is clear room on the board for you to do so. Thus, you score for your own word but you also score for the word that you made into a plural. This is just one example of how you can (sometimes) score for more than word while sticking to the rules, but it teaches you not to waste S letters - keep them for when they can be most effectively used.

When there are no more tiles in the bag, play continues until one player uses up all their tiles or nobody is able to. At that point, points on unused tiles still in players' racks are deducted from their score.

To play alone is quite simple, if less satisfying. The object is to score as many points as possible. Obviously, scoring is much easier since you can build the crossword in a very open design - you aren't trying to block your opponents - but if you find that those opponents usually beat you, a bit of practice on your own might improve your chances of beating them in future.

So, if you decide to buy Scrabble, it comes down to deciding whether to buy the Deluxe edition (if you can afford it), the Travel edition (for taking away from home with you) or the standard edition. Just make sure you have that dictionary at hand to settle disputes, otherwise it won't be much fun.

The ultimate spelling test.
A great way to pass time, teach kids how to spell and learn the meaning and purpose of words. Definatley to be played with a dictionary (I suggest the Oxford scrabble dictionary which not only tells you if words are valid but also gives their true scrabble score!) It's a good laerning curve but can cause lots of heated debate!!

Fun for everyone!
This game is so much fun!Even my mom who hates to play games with me, will play this game!I like this game because everyone can play it!Fun and educational at the same time as you learn to build words and you can even use it to show how to use a word and grow from it.I think this game is worth the money they charge.My only regret is that I didn't get one with a turn table luckily my mom had one from the 70's and we use it.My advise buy this game! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Word Games    4. Classic Games    5. Family Favorites   

Editorial Review

Battleship captains plot their strategies, send out torpedoes, and as the last ship (often the smallest, two-peg patrol boat) hides in an unsuspected corner, anticipation mounts. Like many classic games, Battleship walks a fine line between strategy and luck. The goal is to conceal the location of your ships while finding and destroying your enemies' fighters. The playing arena is a notebook-size plastic board updated for '90s sensibilities: the "floor" of the board is printed with waves and the exterior vaguely resembles a laptop. The design mimics the view a submarine captain would have, complete with a glimmer of radar waves. The game is perfect entertainment to share: simple enough for children, yet gratifying enough for adults to enjoy. One design decision keeps this edition from being truly stellar: the playing boards don't lock securely, allowing the small pegs to fall out and spill from the sides if jostled. --Jennifer Buckendorff ... Read more

Reviews (46)

A great little logic test.
This game is a classic and it really gets kids thinking about plotting the possibles and probables. They don't even realise it's educational as it's such fun. The design makes it a perfect travel game. A great one to get out when the chorus of "are we there yet?", is driving you crazy and playing "eye spy" is making everyone loose the will to live rapidly!
I even get away with playing my knid of music without the children moaning or noticing!

Lots of fun...
This game is pretty fun, you don't have to think too much and the instructions are easy enough as well. I do agree with the one reviewer who saaid that the pegs can be horrible if scattered everywhere. What we do is keep them in seperate plastic bags, and unwrap them before the game starts. It's a little bit more time-consuming, but that way it keeps them from winding up in a kid or pet's mouth.

You've Sunk My Battleship!
I just bought this game, because I remembered how much fun I had playing it when I was younger.This is one of those games that never gets old, and anyone from a child, to an adult can have fun playing it.

You each have a console, with 2 grids: your ocean grid where YOUR ships are, and the striking grid.The object of the game is to shout out coordinates to try and sink your opponent's ships.By marking them in the grid above, you then strategize where your opponent has placed his/her ships.You either have a "hit", or "miss".Play continues until you have sunk all of the ships on the other player's console.

There are many ways you can play this game.You can even make a few rules up if you like.There are also different forms of play in the instructions, inside the box.

One example of play that I like: if you sink your opponent's Battleship, the game is automatically over, and you've won.

All in all, this game is alot of fun.The consoles are pretty durable, and there are spots for you to store the ships, and the hit/miss pegs.As far as educational value, I think it would help children to work with grids, and strategizing.You have to be aware of what size ships you are dealing with and where they will fit on the grid (in the NON-hit spaces that remain on your opponent's grid).

I prefer this version to the electronic version.There are no sound effects and no noise, which I think makes it easier and less hassle.

If by chance you haven't played this game, buy it today! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Classic Games    3. Board Games    4. Family Favorites   

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editorial Review

Long before TV shows like Battlebots, there were these guys: twoplastic boxers battling it out in a ring, tirelessly jabbing at each other in an effort to knocktheir opponent's block off. Years go by and these fighters (creatively referred to in myhouse as "the blue one" and "the red one") are still at it, still operated by two playersworking simple controllers, and still madly punching in an effort to knock loose the otherfellow's spring-loaded head. As was traditionally the case, it takes a while to maneuverthe robots such that you can even land any punch, let alone a knockout blow. But forintense silly robot fighting, without the hassle of batteries, these guys are still champs.--John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Fun Toy
I think this is a very fun toy.It has two handles.One red,one
blue.I think this is a toy that everyone would enjoy.

HUGELY DISAPPOINTING!
Like many baby boomers, I had the original toy myself as a kid.As much as we may like to believe it, the old classic one was not perfect either.It always seemed like one robots head popped off much easier than the other, or the rubberbands came off underneath.Time has tended to make us look back on these toys much more fondly than we did when we actually owned them.

That said, these "new-fangled" versions are extremely poor quality.First of all it just feels flimsy.It certainly is not as durable and heavy as it used to be.Second it seems that one robot is always overly sensitive while the other needs to be hit with a sledgehammer to get the head to pop up.And of course you don't have the trademark, "ZZZZZZZZZZ" sound that the old metal teeth used to make when the head popped up.Our kids must have thought we were nuts to have enjoyed this so much and we have to try and explain how it "used to be better!"The designers who made this should be forced to play it non-stop for 8 hours a day.Shame on Mattel for ruining a classic toy.

READ THESE REVIEWS BEFORE BUYING - PLEASE!!!
I bought this for my kids and can second all of the reviews I read that are disappointed with the game.The blue guy's head NEVER goes up.The robots are always and easily popping off.And yesterday, one of the yellow posts that holds up the white "rope" around the boxing ring snapped off and is impossible to fix.It's virtually ruined as no replacements parts are available. GOOD LUCK trying to get any help at the MAttel Website or 1-800 number.I am very disappointed in this product and highly recommend you consider something else.It's a shame because I could see where our whole family would have lots of fun if it worked and was sturdier. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games   

Reviews (18)

Excellent "intelligent" game for all ages !!
Games has a simple objective -- get the Red car out of traffice. And boy! it is difficult and changelling at higher level. Set up the *cars* as described in cards and figure out a way to get the Red Car out.The best thing is complexity raange from very easy to very hard. So it captures kids interests and provides the extra incentive to move to the next level !!

Simple rules -- once you have placed the cars on the Grid, you can only move them forward or backward.

A great addition to this game is "Rush Hour 2, 3 and 4 Gift Pack" for less than $12/-. Each set has 40 cards or in total 120 different combinations are possible. The highest level is really really difficult. Meant for the "Pros" only !!!

Challenging and fun
This game is a real attention-grabber for my 5 year old. Keeps him busy and quiet--great for me, too! :)

A game help children learn to use their minds!
I bought this game for my 5 yr old.She loves