Editorial Review

As one of the winners of Dr. Toy's 10 Best Games award, theSurvival/Extinction Dinosaur Game will be a hit with playfulpaleontologists everywhere. Players in the game learn about dinosaursfirsthand by themselves becoming the creatures. Each of the 16player-dinosaurs must make his or her way through the prehistoric world insearch of food and struggling for survival. Winning the game meansgetting to the finish with at least one food token. To do this, playersmust remember his or her dinosaur's habitat, sources of food,intelligence, speed, and size. Natural disaster cards also teach thehazards associated with everyday dinosaur life. Players will learnabout these giant creatures with every fateful step of this creativeboard game. --Lee Strucker ... Read more

Reviews (20)

5-12 my eye
I am an 18 year old college student.My girlfriend and I went to a coffee shop after a movie that had this game.We really liked it and played it until the place closed.We had lots of fun, she got it for me for christmas.I may be over the age limit but I DONT CARE!It is a fantastic game... I like it ok.

excellent game for the whole family
My 7 year old got this for his 6th birthday and both he and his 5 year old brother really enjoy this game.We do as suggested in the rules and roll the dice twice to speed the game up when our youngest is playing.My children have discovered that often times the dinosaur who appears to be the weakest actually wins, so there is no fighting over who gets to be what dinosaur.For those families who prefer board games and reading over the tv, this is the game is for you.Yes, it requires a longer attention span than most games, but so does the average school classroom.CHEERS for a game that doesn't "talk down" to kids!!!

A mother with two sons that LOVE dinosaurs!
Last year I bought this game for my son for Christmas. Since then we have played this game NUMEROUS times! I think this game has a wonderful educational value. You and your child can be learning and having a blast at the same time. My 6 year old knows all the dinosaurs on the cards and their habitats. This is a game that I would recommend to anyone with a dinosaur lover, but over the age of 5.
-Carrie. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Learning    4. Animals    5. Dinosaurs    6. Activity   

Editorial Review

A wonderful blend of deduction with a form of 20 Questions. Two players try to deduce the identity of their opponent's "Mystery Person." Using game boards with 48 frames apiece and an equal number of cards displaying character faces, players ask one another yes or no questions that help narrow the pool of possibilities. Through process of elimination, the identity of the Mystery Person slowly becomes evident. As kids' skill levels grow, their questions become more strategic, allowing them to solve the mystery faster and faster. The faces on the cards are cheerful and clever and designed to give subgroups among the 48 characters just enough similarities to challenge players. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (69)

Newer isn't always better...look for the 1998 version.
I'm an educational therapist, and had borrowed another therapist's "Guess Who?" game to use with students.I found it to be great for students who need work on visual discrimination, and it builds categorizing skills and other thinking skills.The game I borrowed had a copyright date of 1998.I found this game so useful that I decided to buy it for myself, but, though Amazon.com pictures the 1998 version, I got a newer, but not improved, version.The only improvement is that it comes in a smaller box, so it's more portable.My main complaint is that the drawings of the faces are very simplistic, and lacking in any character, in contrast to the very detailed faces of the original game, which actually exude personality.In addition, though it looks as though Milton Bradley tried to show a little more cultural diversity than in the original game, they still aren't representing genders equally; still only one fourth of the characters are female.Finally, the "deck" of face cards is not a real deck this time, but small rectangles that you have to punch out from a card.

Pretty fun
A couple teenagers were playing this when I was little and that's how I found out about this game. I've bought it since then and played it a lot with all ages. Usually when I'm playing with teens, I'll play the more complex version that includes having 2 face cards instead of just one. Most of the time, the 2 people have totally different features and you have to try to narrow it down without flipping down the wrong people!
So try the variations as well....you might discover something!

Guess Who I am...
I have owned Guess Who since I was a little girl and still have my original game.I still enjoy playing it.As it is more of a game of guessing and remembering thana child's game.It challenges your memory.I just have a blast playing the game.I looked at the new one recently as mine is now getting a little battered and it seems the same although some of the characters look different.But, it is expected to change some over the years.If you are looking for a game you can play with a family member this is a great game!And it is enjoyable too! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Cards    4. Matching    5. Memory   

Reviews (1)

Superb!
I don't like chess programs for the computer. I am old fasioned: I need to actually touch and move the pieces. The Electronic Glass Chess by Excalibur fits the bill. The program is challenging and the look of the unit is absolutely beautiful. A great value. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Strategy Games   

Editorial Review

In 1934, in the midst of the Great Depression, an unemployed heating engineer from Pennsylvania created the game of Monopoly. Realizing that his get-rich theme might appeal to other Americans, he had the game printed and distributed in a Philadelphia department store. When he couldn't keep up with the overwhelming requests for more sets, he arranged for Parker Brothers to take over the game. And the rest, as they say, is history. But Monopoly is far from a quaint historical relic. To this day, it remains a riveting game of luck, chance, and savvy wheeling and dealing--all of which can make some lucky dog rich, rich, rich! Based on the purchase of Atlantic City real estate (a city currently renowned for its get-rich gambling opportunities), Monopoly is now printed in 26 languages with more than 200 million sets sold worldwide. Players still scoot the same beloved board pieces: the old shoe, the terrier, and the hot rod. This set also includes rules for a shortened version of the game and a new token, winner of Monopoly's recent "design a token" contest. This is capitalism at its most fun and ruthless, a must-have edition in the family game closet. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (103)

Monopoly
Many of you may have played Monopoly, but for those who have not you are missingout on a great board game.I have played it many times.When ever my family says lets play a borad game I say "MONOPOLY".Here are a few things good and bad about Monopoly.
Some great things about Monopoly is that you can do math so when your having fun you can also be learning.It is a fun family game, but the down side is that it is time consuming.When I play Monopoly I can never finish it.It may get frustrating, but it can teach patience.Monoploy may have hard math skills for younger players.On a rainy day Monopoly would be the best game to pull out and play.
So remember Monoploy is not the perfect game but I do recommend it.

A Classic!
No house can be without Monopoly. It's a simple game, no ridiculously elaborate rules and is so much fun to play.I've found that Monopoly is more fun to play with 3 or more players as opposed to only 2 since half of the fun is in the negotiations!

A classic - but how good is it?
NOTE: I've often wondered how Monopoly would be viewed if it were released in 2005. Would it garner the same popularity/negativity that it does today? Therefore I'm writing this review, trying to depict how I would play Monopoly if I had played it for the first time, current year.

Negotiation games certainly depend on the group. I've played negotiation games with hard-headed, fun-loving groups and have had a blast the entire time. However, I've also played negotiation games with folks who were having problems outside the game, didn't want to trade with a particular person, didn't want to trade at all, etc. With these people, any kind of trading and bartering can fall flat, destroying the fun in a game. Monopoly (Parker Brothers - designer debated) seems to add a twist on negotiation games - adding luck and "rent" to the equation.

At first, the board appears to be that of the "roll-and-move" variety, where one simply follows the roll of the dice. And this is indeed true, but the crux of the game is in the fact that players attempt to minimize their chances of landing on a poor space, and maximize their opponents. Dice are not the only randomness in the game, as some cards are also drawn during game play, contributing to the luck. But players cannot make any real headway in the game unless they dicker with the other players - so the luck only holds so far. I enjoy a good game of Monopoly, but only every once in a while. Even though negotiation is a mechanic I enjoy, the randomness that comes along with it doesn't elevate Monopoly over other, better trading games.

A board consisting of forty spaces in a square track is placed on the table, with two stacks of cards - "Chance", and "Community Chest" - shuffled and placed down on it. Each player chooses a playing piece and places it on the space marked "Go", and receives $1500 from the bank. The remainder of the money is placed in the "bank", as well as a pile of green house pieces and red hotel pieces. Twenty-eight property cards, each associating with a specific space on the board, are also placed in the bank area. One player is chosen to go first, with play proceeding clockwise around the table.

On a turn, each player must roll two six-sided dice and move their piece clockwise around the track that many spaces. Depending on what space they land on, they then take an action:
- Chance: The player draws a card from the Chance deck and follows the instructions on it (gaining money, losing money, going to a specific space, etc.)
- Community Chest: Same as above, but with the Community Chest Deck
- Free Parking: The only space on the board where nothing ever happens - a breather.
- Luxury Tax: The player must pay the bank $75
- Income Tax: The player must pay $200 or 10% of all their monetary value (must be decided before the player counts up their money)
- Unowned property space: There are twenty-eight spaces on the board that are property spaces. Twenty-two of these properties are divided up into "color-groups", two or three properties of the same color. Four other spots are "railroad" spaces, and the final two properties (the Electric company and Waterworks) are utility properties. A player landing on an unowned property space may immediately buy it for the asking price (from $60 to $400, depending on the property). If they decide not to (or can't), an auction occurs, and the highest bidder gets the property.
- Owned property space. If a player lands on a property space they own, nothing happens. If they land on a property another player owns, they must pay that player "rent". Each property has a small amount that is charged to the player landing on that space. If a player owns all the properties in one color group, the rent on those spaces is doubled. Players may also increase their rent on their properties by building houses and hotels on them.
- Go to Jail: A player landing here must immediately head to the jail space.
- Jail: A player landing here is put in the part of the space marked "just visiting", and ends their turn. A player who is stuck here must either roll doubles to get out, or pay $50 to the bank. (Some cards also allow a player to escape). If a player does not roll doubles in three turns, they MUST pay the $50 to escape.
When a player rolls the same number on both dice ("doubles"), they must immediately roll again. If the player rolls three doubles in a row, however, they immediately go to jail. When a player passes "Go" normally, they receive $200 from the bank.

On their turn, or in the short downtime between other players' turns, each player may trade/sell their properties to one another for whatever deal they can get. Players also have the option of buying houses for their color-properties, if they have all of one set. Players can buy up to four houses for each property, for the price specified on the card, and then build a "fifth" house - which is actually a hotel piece that replaces the four houses on the property. Houses/hotels must be built evenly on both/all three of the color properties.

If a player needs to pay more money than they have - they can sell their houses/hotels back to the bank for a loss, and sell properties to other players or "mortgage" them to get the funds they need. If this still is not enough to cover their debt, the player is out of the game. The last player still in the game is the winner!

Some comments on the game...

1.) Components: Probably the most distinctive part of Monopoly is the playing pieces, which are different tokens (iron, dog, ship, etc.) rather than colored pawns. For some reason this is easier to identify (Why don't more games do this?) and the pawns do usually elicit a positive reaction. The money included with the game is fairly thin and forgettable, as I much prefer poker chips or better quality money; but it works. The green houses are made of plastic, as are the red hotels; and they offer a good, quick visual of the dangers of landing on a particular property. The properties on the board themselves are arranged in order of value, starting with the cheapest property (Mediterranean Avenue - cost $60, highest rent - $250), and going to the most expensive property (Boardwalk - cost $400, highest rent - $2000). The board itself is a little bland, with a lot of wasted space in the middle; but when the houses and hotels are added, everything looks pretty neat. The property cards have a lot of info on them, and since almost every property is different, quite necessary. I'm not sure how the property cards and money will hold up to repeated plays - they look a little beat up after only a few.

2.) Rules: The rules are fairly simplistic to learn and only take a few pages. There are tournament rules that can be found online - and clarify some of the gaping holes in the original rules. For example, the original rules don't clarify timing issues - as there are only a limited amount of houses and hotels to go around, who gets to buy them first? Also, is rent something that MUST be paid, or can a player who is not paying attention miss the money due to them? These seem like innocuous questions, but I've seen all of them greatly debated at games I've played.

3.) Money and theme: The game revolves around money - if you lose it, your out! Money changes hands frequently during the game, so I'm sure that the game could help children learn how to handle money. Oddly enough, while the game seems to promote monopolies, all I've ever seen was how it showed the negative sides of them. In the beginning of the game, the money amounts being handled are fairly small; but near the end, they can get rather enormous. If players aren't staying on the same level as other players, they can be eliminated quickly. And this does add some interesting decisions to the game - how many houses/hotels should one buy? If you buy a lot of them quickly, your chance to make a lot of money is increased, but your available cash is low. Also, should players buy every property they land on? At first, it seems like the answer is generally yes, but occasionally it doesn't help a player to buy everything - besides, you just might get it cheaper in auction?

4.) Elimination: Monopoly's biggest problem, in my opinion, is the fact that the game has player elimination in it - something that usually doesn't go over well, especially in a game of this length (usually around two and a half hours). The rules include a variant that ends the game after the second player is eliminated - and I've found that this works much better - even though it still causes one player to be eliminated.

5.) House Rules: I've played the game with many people, and several people have invented their own house rules, such as awarding money to people who land on Free Parking, auctioning off all properties, etc. Some of these rules really bog the game down, and a few (minute, actually) improve the game. So far it seems that most variants don't do much to help the game - and some of them actually make it quite dreadful - so I personally tend to ignore them.

6.) Variations: I've already seen several variations on Monopoly - Star Wars, Loony Tunes, etc. A few of them add minor rule changes, but it is interesting how the theme of the game can be cut and pasted at will. Since most of these themes change little to, or nothing, I would tend to look for one with the highest quality bits when buying the game (Star Wars Episode I version so far has the best I've seen.)

7.) Problems: The game has two problems other than elimination. For one, there is a high luck factor. A player who lands on all of one group of properties (all the railroads, all the reds, etc.) can have a huge advantage at the beginning of the game. A player who lands on very few can also be in a bit of a jam. The Chance and Community Chest cards range wildly from being slightly annoying (pay $50) to extremely hurtful (go to a property that just happens to ha ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

The wildly popular and award-winning Cranium board game has revved its engines and gone turbo! As in the original game, players in teams race around the board, sculpting, humming, spelling, or drawing answers to clues. But the Turbo edition is enhanced by 1,000 new cards and adds six outrageous activities to the 10 originals, including Odd Couple (determine which two things don't belong in a list), Zooma (identify objects shown in close-up), and Mindmeld (read teammates' minds to come up with the same words on a given topic). An electronic Turbo timer lights up and blasts music to keep the momentum going, as if watching your teammates sculpt "hot pants" or turn each other into puppets isn't energizing enough! Includes the Cranium board, 1,000 cards with 16 activities, a tub of clay, an electronic timer (requires three "AA" batteries [not included]), pencils and pads, and four game pieces. One of the best games around, with something for everyone! --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (9)

family night
my family night people found that we enjoyed cranium sooooo much and that we have played it so many thimes that we memorized that cards

My new favorite game!
coming from someone that has only played the original cranium once, I was blown away by the Turbo edition.It was amazing to see how everyone was so into the game play even when it wasn't their turn.The types and variety of questions made this game a lot of fun and continuously interesting.Cranium brings aspects of all your favorite games into one!Even the modeling clay smelled nice!The actual gameplay was very easy to understand.The only drawback was the timer/question selector.We had to silence it a bit and it took some time for everyone to figure out how long to hold it down for it to work.It was also a bit hard to hear over it during the singing questions.overall - a GREAT game that could never get old!

This game ROCKS!
So I have been a lover of Cranium (the original) for years. The formula for parties is great, everyone can master at least a few of the skills requires so all stay excited and engaged. This new release adds even more skills to the mix so you are constantly having to switch your thinking. In addition it adds a little electronic doohickey to substitute for dice. Now, I don't normally go in for gimmicky stuff like this, and I can't say that I have ever met a board game with batteries that I liked, but this thing is pretty cool. It doubles as the dice element, adding some randomness, and as the timer, pretty cool. I also enjoy the little song it plays. I got this game right before the holidays and took it home to play with the family. I have always played with my piers (23 - 30) and was pleased to find that my parents, and even my grandmother thought it was totally entertaining. Get this game, it rocks! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Trivia   

Reviews (24)

Communicating without pressure
I was a teenager when my mother first learned about the Ungame and purchased it for us.Being a typical adolescent, I wasn't all that interested in communicating, but I loved to play games.From the day we bought it (it was just a small wallet with two stacks of cards then) it went everywhere with us: in the car, to restaurants, to the park, to my slumber parties... We laughed and joked and answered questions until we were too exhausted to keep our eyes open any longer.My friends adored it, my extended family loved it and I learned to answer my mother's questions.
Now that I am a mother myself, the Ungame will be a fixture in my own house.I can't imagine not having so much fun getting to know my son (and vice versa).

Ungame Is wonderful
... Ungame has been wonderful in helping my child to express her feelings, and become a more verbal person.

It's a great tool
As an elementary school counselor, I've used the ungame for the past 11 years.I've never run across a student yet who hasn't enjoyed playing the game and many of them ask to play on return visits.I've read the other reviews and was surprised to see some of the critical comments.The game isn't intended to transform a family or someone's life.It is a tool to use in a variety of situations.Students new to school, students I'm speaking with for the first time, students who tend to be competitive, students who are shy...(I could go on)....the game gets people talking.If you're looking for something fast paced, then go for Hungry Hippos or Perfection.But if you want to open lines of communication in an easy, natural way, try the Ungame.Make sure you are purchasing the game for your intended audience as there are many versions! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games   

Editorial Review

Surely countless medical careers have been launched because of this humorous game. The Operation game board features Sam the patient, lying atop a red plastic "operating table" with 12 body cavities exposed. Players perform highly skilled procedures with a pair of tweezers such as removing a broken heart or butterflies in the stomach. This kind of surgery requires a steady hand! Doctors must remove the offending body part without touching the metal lining of the cavity. Touch the metal edge, and you'll set off the buzzer and make Sam's nose light up. Then the designated Specialist steps in--for double the fee! If you're playing solo, try performing all 12 operations without getting zapped. Two AA batteries are required. Operation is for one or more players. --Elizabeth Ward ... Read more

Reviews (70)

JUNK
I played this game as a kid and loved it. But now this thing is made so cheap, the top paper isn't even glued down and we've had some parts get stuck under it, and it is IMPOSSIBLE to pick up these pieces, even if you are steady and all that, you can't get the pieces out because they are real slippery and so are the tweezers. There is nothing to grip the pieces, they are both totally smooth. This game sucks!!!!

Operation - made by Milton Bradley
Another game that I find it amazing that is made available in this hi-tech age we live in.As a kid,I thought this game was okay.Purpose is to remove these tiny plastic parts from the operating board.Comes with twelve parts that's to be 'professionally' removed with a pair of tweezers.Don't lose the parts and this game should last awhile.Anyone else remember the TV ad for this game way back when as the girl in pigtails reads off the instuctions on the card,"Take out wrenched ankle..."?That commercial may've done more damage than Milton Bradley knows.Requires two size AA batteries.

Not like it used to be
I remember playing this game when I was a kid. I perchased it for my daughter thinking that she would have fun. Didn't happen!
She hated the noise it made.(A truely disterbing and loud sound) So we Cut the wire to the sound but it didn't help. She tried to play but the pieces were lost within a week and the game hit the trash. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Sure, this real estate trading game has been the world's most popular board game for more than six decades, but what makes this edition "deluxe"? For one thing, it brings back the sturdywooden (not plastic) houses and hotels of years gone by. It also features an extra gold-colored train token, a handy holder for the Title Deed cards, and a banker's tray to keep your cash on hand. The cash, Community Chest, and Chance cards are all newly redesigned. And the 19-inch-by-19-inch board is stamped with a golden "Deluxe" arch. Featuring the original Atlantic Citylandmarks like Boardwalk and Park Place, this version is for the serious Monopoly lovers on your gift list.For further perspective on Monopoly, you can read about it in The Greatest Games of All Time and New Rules for Classic Games.--Rebecca Hughes ... Read more

Features

• This spiffed up version of the classic game includes wooden houses and hotels, golden tokens, title deed carousel, bankers tray, and deluxe graphics.
• MONOPOLY®, the distinctive design of the gameboard, the four corner squares, as well as each of the distinctive elements of the board, the playing pieces and the RICH UNCLE PENNYBAGS name and character are trademarks of Hasbro for its property trading game and game equipment.

Reviews (48)

OVERPRICED, CHEAPLY MANUFACTURED AND DISAPPOINTING

The only thing "Deluxe" about this addition is the glossy foil cover of the box, which is designed to make you think you are getting something special by paying more money.

Nothing could be further from the truth. This edition screams "CHEAP" from the second the lid comes off.

Let's go thru the hype above and set the record straight on all the "Deluxe" features:

The board is a quad-fold affair, redesigned presumably to allow a smaller, less expensive box. It has much less rigidity than the single-fold board of the "classic" version. When it is left out for an extended period of time, especially overnite, the ends of the board curl up and refuses to lay flat.

The houses and hotels are completely featureless, just small blocks of wood. They looked to be dipped in some type of vegetable dye rather than painted. This is probably an attempt to eek out a few extra cents of corporate profit.

The "bankers tray" and "property wheel" are flimsy plastic jokes. Neither would last under play by children much more than a few games.

This edition is a sad legacy to a great game, and the cheapness of the set detracts from the joy of play. For the additional cost, all you are really getting is the fancy foil cover and one extra play token, plus a board that curls up at the edges: Whoopee!

My advice: Save the extra money and buy the "classic" version.

GREAT
This is a great game.The new box is nice because it's smaller, so it takes up less space.There's a nice money-holder, and little places for pieces and hotels, and even enough room for all of your old pieces and hotels (2 other boards worth).Places to store property cards and everything.The comm. chest kind of cards are a little flimsier, but that's why you use the old ones you have until they wear out.Games aren't supposed to last forever.If you want something that will, don't expect to pay 18 bucks.A haircut costs more than that, and it only lasts a week.Enjoy what it is.

M. Deluxe
Monopoly Deluxe is the best because it is the perfect board game! The box and the 2 blue cases inside are perfect because they don't tear easily. What about the things in the cases? Well, there are a lot of money in one of them, the chance and the (I forgot what those other small cards were called)are with the money and so are the cards for the places. The other case is for when you start playing, it's the bank. You will put the money in that and there are playing tokens, houses and hotels, and a special place where the dice goes. It is the best! Everything about it is perfect if you want to play during your family game nights! If you do buy it, I'm sure you won't regret it! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

With touches of canasta, rummy, and poker, this game could easily become aFriday-night favorite. The object is to get a "sequence," meaning a row of five poker-likechips on the game board. The board itself depicts lines of face-up playing cards. Playersplace their "crowning" chips on top of the card pictures, and can form sequences by usingstrategy and knowing which Sequence cards to keep or discard. Since forethought, luck,and backup plans are the keys to winning, this game is probably too sophisticated forchildren under 7 years old. (But young ones can team up with adults.) Included are 104playing cards and 50 crowning chips in each color: red, blue, and green. --GailHudson ... Read more

Reviews (57)

Wow!!! Great game!!!
You can play this game with just one partner, or in huge teams!!! This game uses logic, and there are some extra perks too, like removing chips.This is a great family game!!!

good
We bought this game recently.To win the game one should be lucky.If the cards and chips are provided with a case it would be great.

One of our favorites
This game is a favorite for my husband and I. We purchased it two years ago and are still playing it together almost on a weekly basis. It's challenging and fun... it keeps you focused, but doesn't require too much effort, so you can even play it to wind down at the end of the night. And it combines both elements of luck (in drawing the right card) and strategy (in knowing how long to hold your wild Jacks and knowing when to pay more attention to what your opponent is doing next than the move you are going to make) equally. I never get bored of this game.

The only drawback I would say is that I did not enjoy playing it with more than 2 people. We played with four people when we did. I can see it being enjoyable for three people, but once you get to a group of four or more, you have to play in teams (there are three sets of colored chips, allowing for three separate players, but once you are beyond that number, you have to play in teams) and you can't talk to each other about your moves. That was a bit frustrating.

We would highly recommend this game for adults as well as anyone in their teens. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Cards   

Reviews (11)

Excellent, simple game for kids of all ages.
I work at an elementary school and we purchased 3 of these games for rainy day recess.The kids love it.It's simple enough for the kindergarteners yet still enough fun for the 5th and 6th graders.It's a lot like Jenga in that you have to choose the right rod to pull out to prevent the marbles from spilling.However, unlike Jenga, the clean up and set up takes just a couple of minutes.As far as durability, we've used it during recess over the past 3 months and it has stood the test of all those children so I would say it's going to last for a while.

Alot of trouble
This game sounded so promising on the box but when my 6 year old go it for Christmas last year we were very disappointed.The sticks break easily and they are hard to put and and very time consuming to do also.She was bored with it before we could get the sticks in.It is to difficult for her to set up by herself.

SAVE YOUR MONEY!

You either love it or hate it!
We play this game as a family, and either my husband or I set it up.The plastic rods are fine, but if my five year old got a hold of them they would be snapped in half almost instantly.IF you decide to buy this toy be prepared:an adult or older child will have to set it up.Putting in the rods takes time and patience.Also, be vigilant with the pieces-- they are not meant for younger children because of the choking hazzard (the marbles) and the frustration level of setting up the game.Great for family night fun, but not good if you're hoping the kids will play quietly for a while while you get something else done! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

How's your tolerance for puns? You'll need some for Pass the Pigs, asimple game of chance built around a pig theme. Instead of dice, you roll twocute pink piglets, and you gain or lose points depending on how the crittersland. For example, if both land on all fours, called a "double trotter," you get20 points; if they land lying opposite each other, called a "Pig Out," you gainno points and cede your turn. There are a number of other rules as well as avariation called "Hog Call." This would be a good travel game (the pigs,instructions, and scoring pad fit in a small, tidy box) or a fine present forsomeone who's, well, into pigs! --Elisa Murray ... Read more

Reviews (61)

Spend hours passing the pig!
This game has had hours put into it....an awesome game!Spend much time passing the pigs...gets addicting!I greatly reccomend this game to others....so pass the pig, please!

Great Game!!
This game is great for all ages!!For the young, it can be great to learn addition, for adults it can be a great party game!!I have been playing Pigs for years and LOVE IT!!!

Take Pigs Camping
A friend turned me on Pigs ten years ago.It is portable, fun and simple enough for most ages.We've been to many NASCAR races camping and it's always a hit with the crowd we gather with each year.In fact, I bought and gave out five sets of the game to our friends who live in other states so they could continue playing at their respective homes. Perfect for those who want sit back with a drink and not have to get too cerbral but who want to have a fun game that engages all who play! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Learning    3. Math    4. Board Games    5. Family Favorites    6. Party Games    7. Grownup   

Reviews (4)

Thank God For Sequels
Way to go, Scene It!The sequel pack is AWESOME!More cards, more questions, and a DVD with more clips and trivia!Awesome!A must have if you have the original game.

Not so hot
The game depends little on knowledge of movies but is rather a skill-type game. For example in one part, they keep adding letters and you guess the title of the movie. This is move like "Wheel of Fortune" than watching actual movie scenes. It could have done with any topic, not specifically movies and in that sense I felt deceived and let down buying it and playing it.

SCENE IT IS THE BEST GAME EVER
As a sixteen year old teenager, I have to say that Scene It is one of the greatest games on the market. My friends and I get together and have Scene It parties where we divide up into teams and play each other! I think that if every family had a Scene It in their household, drug useage and crime rate would drop drastically and we could help get kids off the streets. If you enjoy Scene It, I also reccomend buying Trivial Pursuit DVD Pop Culture. I promise that you will not be dissapointed by Scene It!! ... Read more

Editorial Review

This is a strategy game with a twist--if you lose, you'relunch. You've taken your trusty Safari Rover deep into the bush; nowmaneuver it through the maze of hungry animals and get back to camp inone piece. An 8-by-7.25-inch plastic game tray forms a kind of grid foryour vehicle and the 3-D plastic animal pieces (including elephants,rhinos, and a termite mound). Draw one of 50 cards (10 of which areextra-easy, for younger players) to determine the initial board setup.Then move pieces, according to strict rules, to make your escapethrough the only exit. A cloth bag for all the game pieces is included.--Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Fun but bulky
Our family truly enjoys the Rush Hour game and tried this one as well - it is bigger and bulkly and convenient for travel.I alos find the puzzles to be a bit easier.The pieces don't slide as well as Rush Hour.

Good toy for everyone
I knew this game at a friend's house and love it even I was 30 already at that time.I bought several when I went back to visit my family and they all love it.When I told my mom that I would give my brother's 1st grad boy a set, she told me he won't like it since he doesn't like the brain games.But he loves it soon after my sister explain to him the rules and he enjoys to do it.My little one, almost 23 months old now, likes those animals and loves to put all of those animals to the board one by one and kind of learn the size and arrange the place.It's not only for 8 and up.

Great game; an attention grabber
I bought this for my 6 year old. She played with it for an hour the first time.It is a game she can play solo. After using the Junior cards, she went on to the beginner. She is still progressing.This is a great thinking game. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Wild Animals    3. Learning    4. Games    5. Board Games    6. Family Favorites    7. Brain Games    8. Puzzles    9. 3-D Puzzles    10. Strategy Games    11. Brain Teasers    12. Activity   

Reviews (2)

How fun is that?
Want to feel like you are there, actually on the field and get the same rush the players do?Well then you had better head to Notre Dame and try to get placed on the team...but this is a VERY fun game.I played it at my brothers house and it was fun for all the ages!

off the hezey
i bought this game to see how fun it was. now i am 17 and me and my friends still play it this game is worth the money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Tabletop Games    3. Electronic    4. Sports    5. Football   

Editorial Review

Poor Mr. Boddy has been shockingly murdered in his own mansion. To win this game, you must become a roving detective, sniffing out the answers to the classic mystery questions: Who among Mr. Boddy's guests committed the murder? What was the murder weapon? (Lead pipe? Wrench? Candlestick?) Where did the murder happen? (Library? Conservatory?) Because the answers change each time, the game is constantly challenging. A gameboard map of the mansion, detective notepad, deck of cards, one die, wandering playing pieces, and a healthy dose of intuition will help players be the first to figure out the answers. This edition of Clue is a departure from the old faces and mansion rooms that were beginning to look dated after all these years. Sultry Miss Scarlett looks like Lesley Ann Warren from the movie Clue. Mr. Green looks convincingly sinister, Mrs. Peacock snobbish and potentially cruel. Colonel Mustard is still Pompous, Professor Plum still clueless. Mrs. White, the grandmotherly maid, is downright spooky. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (79)

The Game Clue
The game Clue is a detective game that entertains you and your friends by seeing who is first to solve the murder mystery. I usually play this game with my family and friends because it is a game for the entire family and we enjoy it. This is my personal favorite board game because it is simple and it perks you up if you are having a gloomy day.
This game has some some positive things about it and some negative things about it. One poitive thing is that there are very few directions. Another is that it gets your mind thinking by using your knowledge or "Clues" that you have discovered and try to guess the person who committed the murder, where it happened, and with what weapon they did it with. But along with positive comments, there are also negative ones too. For example, it takes a long time to set the game up because you have to sort the cards, hand the out to each player, and without looking take three cards and put them into the confidential envelope.
I have played this many times and I am only 11 years old. I would rate this game 5 stars!

The classic whodunit game
Known in Britain as Cluedo but in America as Clue, this classic game is based on a simple idea but your enjoyment of it (or lack thereof) will depend to some extent on what sort of brain you have. The game is basically a logic puzzle so it is not a game of luck (though there is a little luck involved) so the most skilful player will win most of the time.

With six possible murderers, six possible weapons and nine possible locations, there are 314 possible solutions to the puzzle. By a process of elimination, each player tries to work out the combination. Each player is dealt some cards containing names of people, weapons and locations, so is able to eliminate some possibilities immediately.

The main skill lies is in knowing what is the best combination to guess when it is your turn to guess, and understanding the implications of your (and other people's) previous guesses. When you guess a combination, you announce it aloud for everybody to hear. Going round in a circle, your opponents have to either say they haven't got any of those three or they show you a card. Nobody else sees this card but they know that this person has one of the three you guessed. Of course, that person may have more than one of the three but as only one card need be shown, you don't know that. If none of your opponents is able to show you a card, then either you have guessed correctly or you've got one of the cards in your own hand. In the latter case, it seems like a wasted guess although there are occasions when bluffing might be useful. In any case, those players who can make most use of clues offered by all guesses, not just their own, have the best chance of winning.

Yes, this game can be a lot of fun, but you need a brain suited to solving logic puzzles to really enjoy it.

Mystery Madness!
Who killed Mr. Boddy? Was it Mr. Green in the Ball Room with the Rope? Colonel Mustard in the Dining Room with the Revolver? Miss Scarlet in the Lounge with the Lead Pipe? Professor Plum in the Study with the Knife? Mrs. White in the Kitchen with the Candlestick? Or Mrs. Peacock in the Library with the Wrench? If you love solving mysteries, then Clue is the board game for you! Six suspects, six weapons, and nine rooms are available in the game: Mr. Green, Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, and Mrs. Peacock are the suspects, the Revolver, Rope, Knife, Lead Pipe, Wrench, and Candlestick are the weapons, and the Hall, Library, Billiard Room, Ball Room, Lounge, Study, Kitchen, Dining Room, and Conservatory are the rooms. You are the detective and you must solve the murder of Mr. Boddy before another person does! The game includes six moving game pieces (green for Green, yellow for Mustard, red for Scarlet, purple for Plum, white for White, and blue for Peacock), six weapon pieces, a pad of detective notepads, the game board, a "CONFIDENTIAL" envelope, and rules for playing. Supply yourself with some pencils in order to mark your clues down on the notepads. Read the rules for gameplay. What I like about the game is that it is challenging fun for everyone. You can't stop playing this game, because it is SO much fun!! I totally love it!! I give it a five-star review, for it being such an excellent game! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Furrowed brows and hearty laughter are the most likely outcome of this fun but challenging game from Game Development Group. Just like its elder edition, the object of Stare! Junior is to be the first to reach the end of the game board. "Been there, done that," you're thinking? But in this game, looking hard and paying attention to detail are two things that will help players move forward. Individuals or teams stare at an image on a card for 30 seconds (more challenging games can be played by shortening the time) and then answer questions about what they saw. It's not easy--just try to remember what color socks the person next to you on the bus was wearing this morning, or how many people were reading magazines. Of course, you weren't staring... --Rachel Radway ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Yes, a terrific game for the kids (and parents)!


Stare! Junior is simply a terrific game for the kids.It's fun, it's educational (without the kid's knowing it); it's interesting; and it is a great social activity.During each kid's turn, the child stares at an image to study as much detail as they can recall.Then, when time is up, the child is asked a series of questions about the image.For instance, what is in the teddy bears hand?The Images are just terrific and fun to look at.We take this one in the car on long trips - the kids play and I keep track of how far they advance on the game board.Really, you will be happy you have this.No gimmicks, just good old-fashion game play, with laughs and learning thrown in for good measure.

A game kids and parents can have fun playing with together

I play lots of games with my kids.I can't say I am always wide awake playing Candy Land and Life over and over again.That has all changed with this game.

Stare! Junior changes the playing field.I actually enjoy playing it and my kids can tell that.The object is simple but challenging.Each turn a player (or team) stares at an image card.The cards are a great array of child friendly pictures.The cards have just enough detail to make it interesting for the kids, but not too much to make it frustrating.When time is up, the player is asked to recall certain aspects about the image.Was the hat red or green?Was the boy smiling?How many apples where on the table?The more the player recalls, the more the player advances his/her playing pawn on the game board.

The kids have fun and so do I.Go figure!

Great idea, but the game is just ok.
I purchased this game for my 5 year old. The idea of the game is to stare at a tiny card with tons of details. Then you are asked to remember some obscure detail about the picture. It is even hard to answer some of the questions when you are looking at the pictures.If you are looking for an educational game, look somewhere else.Your child might learn to pay more attention to details, but I can't think of any other educational value.I don't see what is so stimulating about Superman comic pictures (22 in all), and I like Norman Rockwell but 30 pictures seems over kill. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Games    3. Party Games   

Editorial Review

Furrowed brows and hearty laughter are the most likely outcome of this fun but challenging newgame from Game Development Group. The object is to be the first to reach the end of the game board."Been there, done that," you're thinking? Look again. In fact, stare hard--because that's the only way you'llget anywhere. Players (individually or in teams) must stare at an image on a card for 20 seconds. Actually,that's the "challenging" version. Depending on the relative level of masochism at the table, you can opt forthe "almost impossible" version--stare for 10 seconds--or the "general" version, stare for 30 seconds (best ifthere are kids playing), and then answer questions about what you saw. It's not easy folks--just try toremember what color socks the man next to you on the bus was wearing this morning, or how many peoplewere reading magazines. Of course, you weren't staring.... --Rachel Radway ... Read more

Reviews (60)

Fun New Game.
A great new game.This game is certainly different from anything out there.I am so tired of the newest version of Monopoly.I mean how many different versions of Monopoly can one possibly play.Who cares about StarWarsOPOLY, SimpsonOPLY, SpiderManOPLY...What I am interested in is playing a unique fun game, not a 'theme game'. Straight old Monopoly is what I opt for.But, when we want a break from Monopoly, it is always refreshing to find something new, good and unique!We really like STARE!It is a great fun concept and very challenging to boot.I don't like games which do not challenge.I mean what is the point of playing a game which does not get your gray matter working just a little.That is not a problem with Stare! - plenty of gray matter gets exercised. Anyway, I've been meaning to buy this game for ages. And I was happy I did, it is just down right likable to play.You will really like the array of image cards.The cards are a great selection of old advertisements, funny graphics cards, some everyday images etc.I especially love those old advertisements.In any event, you stare at the image card for either 10 seconds, 20 seconds, or 30 seconds.Prior to starting the game you decide which version you would like to play.I like the 10 second version - it makes things hairy.There are 5 ready made questions about the image on each card, but the 6th option let's an opponent make up the question about the image. The ready made questions range from pretty straight-forward to multiple choice, brain twisting puzzles. I especially like when I am asked to make up a question about the image for another player.I am never fair and opt to ask a question about the most annoying detail. Of course, the gentler folk in the crowd can ask the standard "what color question", but I say why make it easy for your opponent to get the question right.After all, the object of the game is to beat your opponent. Well, the skinny is that we have fun playing this game.And that is the name of the game! Isn't it.

Great for game night parties!


I learned about this game from my kids.I had bought the junior version of the game and had really enjoyed playing that.So I thought, what the heck --I should try the family version.


Good Choice!While the kids version is a great addition to the children's games cabinet...the family version is terrific for grownup game nights.


The object of the game is that players (or teams) stare at an image card for a set time period.We opted for the 20 second version of the game.So players in our games have 20 seconds (2 timer flips) to stare at the image.When the 20 seconds are up, an opposing player (or team) retrieves the card and asks questions printed on the back of the card.How many windows are on the house?;Is the woman to the right or left of the baby?What is the monkey eating?You get the picture.The questions can be very detailed, which adds to the fun of the game.The more questions answered correctly, the further the player or team advances on the board.


The image cards are fantastic, with everything from comic book covers, old advertisements (I just love those), Magazine Covers, Artwork, etc.


When my kids are awake during game night we let them play along with Stare! Junior.This way the adults and kids are on a level playing field.We adults have our own card set from the family game with more detailed images and harder questions and the kids have their own card set from the Junior Edition of the game with more basic images and easier questions.Perfect!


You won't be disappointed!

Unique, Refreshing, Fun...
.
In the age of board games where you find games which focus on

Trivia, Trivia and more Trivia, or TV Reality Shows (I mean who

wants to play a board game based on a TV Show, just watch the

show if you must....), this game is a refreshing retreat from

all of that.Stare! is a simple concept but exceedingly

addictive. Each team takes turns staring at the great images

included in the game.You only get 20 seconds to study the

picture to retain as much detail as youcan.Then, times up

and the opposing team asks you questions (found on the back of

the image card) about the picture. The questions are great

fun. Some are easier than others,but I always like it when we get

the challenging questions to show my husband just how good my

memory is.The only problem is that my observational skills

need a tune up because I don't always take in how many glasses

are on the table, whether the bottle is full or half full, or if

the book is opened or closed.Those are the types of questions

you get in the Stare! game.Sometimes, the questions ask you to

pick 2 true statements about the image out of 4 given.Other

times the questions are just straight out -- Is the monkey

eating a banana?Anyway, we had great fun playing this game.

It is certainly a keeper.I love the image cards which contain

a wide array of images to satisfyeverybody, including

nostalgic advertisements, old comics, funny photo's, art work,

etc.This game comes highly recommended!

... Read more

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

Editorial Review

That iMAgiNiff was developed by two brothers (in Australia) makes perfect sense, because this is a board game you'll want to share with family and friends. It's simple to play. A set of names is chosen, usually the name of every player plus those of several absent friends. When it's your turn, one name is selected as the subject of the question. You pick a card--one of hundreds--that poses a question and six possible answers (for example, "Imaginiff _____ were a crime. Which would he/she be?"). Read the question aloud, plugging in the subject's name. Then read out the six answers (in this case, they range from "homicide" to "indecent exposure"). Each player picks an answer to fit the subject; those who have picked the most popular answer move forward. But though you win by advancing, winning is obviously not the point: laughter and arguments are. The questions on the cards range from the ridiculous ("Imaginiff _____ were a body part.") to the provocative ("Imaginiff _____ had to decide which of the following values is most important."). The game is a fun cross between Scruples and True Colors. --Elisa Murray ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Not for 2 players
I was looking for games that 2 people could play. The site states that it is for 2 to 8 players. It is not. When I got the game and started reading the instructions it became clear that you need at least 3 players. Then I looked on the box and it clearly states "for 3 to 8 players". I don't know how to rate it because we did not get to play it.

Kid's point of view
I am 14 years old and I played this game recently at a family reunion.We had a blast!Everybody joined in on the game: my grandparents, my uncle and aunt, my dad, my cousins, etc.Even my 6 year old cousin was able to play with us.This is a very sociable game.I would say that the only problem was that only 8 people could play!

"The funniest game you can imagine!"
"iMAGiNiff" is a fun game for all. Great tool for learning more about your friends and laughing your head off at the same time!Truly a game that you have fun whether you win or lose--there should be more games like this! Having fun is the reason why we play games, after all.

"iMAGiNiff" calls for 3-8 players ages 12 and up. This game isn't designed for young kids, but I have a six year-old daughter and she always wants to play along on games when we have our friends over but she rarely can. "iMAGiNiff" is great for kids! We just gave her a pawn and matching color cards and let her put down a number one through six and over half the time she got it right (said what most other people said.) We kept her tied with the winner so even though she didn't really "play" she felt like a winnner.Good, because she IS! She laughed and had as great a time as the rest of us! (Now when does that happen when kids play games?) For younger kids, this helps them learn their numbers and colors.Of course, this again, ISN'T designed for kids, it is for adults but the fact that your kids CAN PLAY along (if need be) without disturbing your fun is just brilliant.

I'll share a question where I was the blank: "iMAGiNiff" Kellye were something worn on the hand.What would she be?" 1 Brass knuckles 2 Silk Glove 3 Diamond Ring 4 Rubber Glove 5 Puppet 6 Mitten. [Quick, friends that are reading this, guess an answer.] One friend and my husband got it right and another friend answered puppet.Well, three, diamond ring was my answer after debating between picking brass knuckles since I am a kickboxer and would love to do a mean punch if I ever needed to and then rubber gloves since I am studying to be a nurse. But diamonds after all, are a girl's best friend! I didn't like the puppett answer (I am not one to be controlled, buddy!) but my friend explained he put that because puppets were fun and I was fun.So if you get a weird answer you can always ask them to explain. I was slowest putting down answers about everyone because I love to imagine! The one thing I don't like about the game is that when one puts down an answer about oneself, seems like that should be the definitive answer but it isn't, majority rules; paradoxically, this fact actually makes it all the funner because it helps you see how other people see you. I do hope the makers come up with refill cards to buy because we will be wearing this game out, everyone loves it.

This game is an Essential for get-togethers with your friends! Buy it now! You are truly missing out if you don't own it.
... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Party Games    4. Trivia    5. Grownup    6. Activity   

Editorial Review

Monopoly's popularity is of epic proportions. Thisquintessential board game challenges wannabe capitalists of all ages toaccumulate as much wealth as possible by buying, selling, and tradingproperties; collecting rents; and various other windfalls. Keepingplayers engrossed for hours, Monopoly requires clever strategizing andsometimes ruthless business maneuvers. Numerous versions of thethoroughly satisfying game have appeared over the years, butMake-Your-Own Opoly could be even better--because players create it themselves!The game includes everything n