Editorial Review

Cadoo is the funky fusion of tic-tac-toe, general knowledge, sculptingskill, and scavenger hunt designed for kids by the brainiacs who brought us theleft side/right side frenzy of Cranium. Operating solo or in combo with others,players attempt to line up four of their jack-like tokens on the groovilycolored grid board by fulfilling a myriad of tasks in an array of categoriesfamiliar to Craniacs. Whether attempting to sculpt a taco out of the includedclay or guessing which of Milky Way, Butterfinger, or Twix is longer, cadetsfind that correct answers and successful missions--can you bring back bothsomething smaller than your big toe, and something bigger than your foot, inless than a minute?--put them one-quarter of the way closer to their Cadoo. Withits elements of strategy, its elegantly funny graphics, and some downrightserious silliness, there isn't a lot of Cadon't in Cadoo. --Tony Mason ... Read more

Reviews (84)

Awesome game for everyone
My daughter received this game for her eighth birthday.We are avid game players in this house and own several cranium games.This game definately meets the cranium standard.We had a BLAST playing this game and ended up playing several time.My daughter loves the variety of activities, where I love that everything fits back in the box! This is a great family game.

The perfect kid's game...even teens will get some kicks
This is a wonderful game for kids 7-10, and even teens, like me, might enjoy it for a while. Like the original Cranium, players are encouraged to use all kinds of different skills to advance in the game. The different types of cards encourage kids to work with words, draw pictures, act things out, and even sculpt with the included clay (it's great clay, by the way, and stays moist and pliable through tons of use). The variety is what keeps it fun, as you're always wondering what you'll have to do next.

The game pieces themselves are eye-catching and colorful. The cards and playing board are nicely illustrated with cute characters (Cranium fans will recognize the star, cat, worm, and Data Head). The playing pieces have a unique, whimsical shape that not only makes them look cool, but allows them to fit together for easy storage. These touches give the game a cheerful, happy look, but never in a cheesy way.

The gameplay is forgiving, as the included timer gives you ample time, and the questions and activities are simplified for younger players. Some challenges, however (sculpting in particular) are tough even for older players. Overall, though, everything seems to be at the right level for the age group, and all the activities are educational in some way. Plus, they're so fun that kids will have a good time doing them even if they don't win the game.

All in all, Cadoo has no flaws at all, and is overflowing with creativity and variety. It's a great game for a group of kids, a family looking to spend some quality time, or just about anyone, and parents will have the satisfaction of knowing that their child is learning as they play. It's the perfect balance: more kid-friendly than classics like Monopoly and Clue, more educational than games based on TV shows, and different from just about everything out there.

Exellent, but not bad
When I got this game for my birthday, I was so happy to play it. That day I played it was so much fun. Three days later, I forgot about it. Then in March 2005, I was board and I remembered Cadoo.Then my mom accsept playing with me. Then it was so much fun!
So buy one now.Or not. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Honk! Honk! It's gridlock and the little red car can't move.The player is a traffic cop in the Rush Hour Traffic Jam Puzzle wherethe objective is to get the red car off the road. To play, pick one of40 challenge cards; solutions are printed on the back of each card.Then set up the cars and buses in a specified pattern on the6-inch-square road grid. Move the vehicles one by one (obey those trafficlaws!) until the red car can escape the traffic jam. There are fourlevels of difficulty. Kids can alternate turns with another player orjust "play in traffic" alone. The game from Binary Arts received anational award from Mensa and is used in elementary school mathclasses. The design includes clear instructions printed on the sturdybox, which can be used both as a playing tray and for storage. The gamecards stow away in a drawer in the road grid. This is a 1999 Parents'Choice recommended toy. --Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Reviews (96)

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 levels. The highest level is really really difficult. Meant for the "Pros" only !!!

Awesome Game!!
I first encountered this game at a friends house while I was house-sitting, and I tell you...without it, I think I would have lost mt mind!It is basic yet challenging all at the same time...and it really is for all ages!Since I bought it off amazon.com, my niece and my father-in-law have both enjoyed the thrill of playing Rush Hour.I would strongly recommend this game for anyone who thinks they would be too good for this game...cause they won't be!!

Great fun and awesome game!!!
My husband and I gave this game to our daughter for Christmas. When she first unwrapped the present she looked uninterested. Later that day she pulled it out and asked what it was about. We got it out and tried it out. Instantly she was hooked as was I. This game is really a great game, but it is also a wonderful educational product. It truly teaches thinking skills and as a homeschool parent I can truly appreciate that. I highly recommend this for anyone regardless of where or how your children are schooled!!!! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Voted a Best Party Game of the Year by Games magazine, Wise and Otherwise belongs next to Pictionary and Scrabble in your arsenal of fun. This creative, interactive game (read: everybody shouting, flailing, laughing) revolves around 500 cards, each emblazoned with five obscure and long-forgotten sayings from around the world. For example, one old Chinese saying is, "Don't add salt to a boatload of salt fish." One side of the card states, "Don't add salt to..."and it is the job of the players to devise probable endings. "Don't add salt to salty soup," for example. Or, "Don't add salt to the open wound." (The actual endings are listed on the flip sides of the cards.) A player wins points when other players vote for his or her special ending, or when the player guesses the actual ending, so the goal is to finish the proverb as convincingly as possible given the geographic region in question. Each elegant box contains one game board, 500 cards, six writing pads, six pencils, one die, and six player pawns. People who love language, oddly hilarious translations, offbeat proverbs, or just making people look foolish by guessing their very clever answers will adore this game. We predict: The one who plays this game ... will hear the laughter. ... Read more

Reviews (131)

The best board game I've ever played
This game is a blast. I've never written an online review before, but I felt like I needed to for Wise and Otherwise. I've had my copy for a few years now, and have probably played about forty games on it. (Each game takes at least an hour or two and is most fun with four to six people with roughly similar verbal skills / creative abilities, so it takes a little effort to get a game going.) It's definitely a little "slow" when you start out playing, but once everyone in the game has played once or twice and understands how to play, it becomes incredibly fun. You don't necessarily have to be a "word" person to like it, or even think of yourself as creative, though imagination helps. A little like Balderdash... but with the potential to be way more fun.

Wise and Otherwise Board Game
This game is GREAT!!!Fun for multicultural groups, as well.I played once with a Canadian, a New Zealander, two Australians, an Egyptian and two Dutch women, and me, an American.Makes for VERY interesting responses and tremendous laughter!You can play without the board.Just take paper and pencils (included) and the cards.We took it to the beach on the Red Sea and played in between snorkelling and sunbathing.

Sounds lame... Really not lame!
My dad had this on his amazon wish list for years before someone finally bought it for him for Christmas.No one would play with him, we all thought it sounded lame.Finally, the next Thanksgiving, we conceded to play this game.We couldn't believe how fun it was.We loved it.

If you're thinking about getting this for someone you know, I would if I were you.Then you can play it... or buy one for yourself.I have it on my wish list now. ... Read more

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

Reviews (47)

I'm So Glad I Found It!
My family and I played this game this pass weekend and I have never laughed so hard in my life!This game is too much fun!Not only do you get to learn about the people you are with, but you also get to find out just how witty or clever they are!I'm related to a bunch of comedians!I can't wait to play this with my friends!

Laughed so hard...
My family are avid board game players, and we absolutely love this game.We are a family of smart asses and it feeds right into our sense of humor. You answer the loaded questions (e.g. What is your best body part?What do you wish you never had to hear about again? What rich person do you think doesn't deserve it?) and try to guess who gave which answer. We work inside jokes into the questions and often answer sarcastically or try to throw each other off with answers we think others would give.Sometimes the person reading the answers cannot even get through them for laughing so hilariously.It depends on the group but I've nearly wet myself everytime I've played this.

Wonderful game- full of laughs
This game is perfect for a group of friends.Whether lifelongs friends or new aquaintences, its a perfect way to get to know each other- or test your friends knowledge of you... ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Spell a word backwards, hum a tune, answer a multiple-choicequestion, draw with your eyes closed, and more when you play Cranium.Unlike games that focus on only a few skills, Cranium offers 14talent-tapping activities designed to bring out the best in you and yourfriends. Cards from four decks, color-coded to match each of the crazycharacters--Star Performer, Creative Cat, Data Head, and WordWorm--describe activities that teams must complete in order to advance aroundthe board. If you choose a Sculptorades card from the Creative Catdeck, for example, you might be asked to sculpt a hamburger fromlemon-scented Cranium Clay while your teammates try to guess what you'recreating.

To win the game, teams have to make it to Cranium Central--the largepurple brain in the center of the board--and then successfully completeone activity from each of the four decks. The result is that the teamwith the best combination of abilities comes out on top. With itswonderfully diverse set of activities and top-notch design (artwork byillustrator GaryBaseman decorates the colorful board and decks of cards), Craniumoffers the best of all board game experiences--and it's a whole lot offun, too! (For 4 or more players) ... Read more

Reviews (496)

Hours of Fun, and Most of it is Spent Laughing
Cranium is the ultimate combination of every party game you love in one nice package.Acting, unscrambling, humming, drawing, there is always a new challenge to face that will have the entire group laughing.

You play the game in partners and will find the games level of difficulties ranging from spelling a word to 60's trivia. The competition is eased through the constant mishap whiletrying to complete the zany challenges which adds for a funner atmosphere.

The games design is modern and nicely done, and the replay value of the game is high since the card booster sets have been made and the first deck will last you a long time.Cranium doesn't get old fast, it's so entertaining I doubt it will ever get old.It is a must own game and definately the best of the new wave of party games.

Cranium's Crazy Contests earn it
A Bliss of 9

Good game
Cranium is a good game, but does not appeal to everyone in the group. Rigamarole is a lot more fun and there is something for everyone.

THE SMARTEST, WITTIEST, FUNNIEST, COOLEST, FUNNEST GAME EVER
This is without a doubt the best boardgame ever created! Friends of mine who hate boardgames love this one! It combines pictionary, charades, trivia, and a whole slew of other exciting games--all in one! Highly recommended for teenagers and adults. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Brain Games    4. Learning    5. Family Favorites    6. Trivia    7. Party Games    8. Grownup   

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

Scattergories is a fast-paced word game that's a real crowd pleaser. Each player takes a categorylist with 12 categories--such as vegetable, state, president, things you throw away--and must write down thename of one item that fits into each category. Sounds easy enough, but each item has to begin with aspecific letter that is determined when the 20-sided die is rolled. For instance, you roll the letter "R." Youranswer list for the above categories might look something like this: rutabaga, Rhode Island, Roosevelt,rubbish, etc. You have to think fast, because a round lasts only 3 minutes! Players score points for eachunique answer. --Alison Golder ... Read more

Features

• Think fast to come up with words all beginning with a specific letter.
• Includes 6 folders and 48 category cards
• 2 to 6 players
• Adults

Reviews (63)

Good for quick-thinking players
Scattegories is so much fun! Even though it's a word-based game, you don't need a huge vocabulary to play. The categories are pretty well-known and general. The hard part is coming up with the right word in time!

To play Scattegories you choose one of 12 different games, each with 10 separate categories. So the categories in one game might be, for example:

* Things you find at the beach
* Famous people

And so on for 10 in total. You then roll a die that has letters of the alphabet on it to determine which letter all of your answers have to start with - and no repeating words in the same game! You get bonus points for multiple word answers that all start with the chosen letter. For example an answer for "Famous people" might be Ronald Reagan (2 points). Like I said before, there's a lot more pressure when you can hear the timer ticking down! Whoever gets the most points wins the game. Sometimes it's fun to make up words and see if you can get everyone else to believe you.

Scattegories is an easy game for almost anyone who can read and write. It's good with groups or just two people. You can even play it over the phone if you really want to. Highly recommended for people who like board or word games.

Great in Teams!
I'm always intrigued when I read of folks playing this game as individuals . . . I've only played it with teams (usually of 3 players each).

I host a potluck dinner and "game night" at my home every couple of months . . . sometimes a mixed group of singles and couples, sometimes friends bring their children, sometimes just a group of women friends . . . after dinner and chat we move on to the game for the evening . . . we have tried several different games, but have settled on Scattergories as one of our favorites --- it is easy to play in teams and the answers are creative and fun (with few blank spots when the timer stops!)

Each team designates one person to write while all the team comes up with answers . . . some teams have one person start at the bottom of the list while another starts at the top and they meet in the middle . . . we have found that with team play some like to move away from the table for the fill in portion of the game (into the family room, out onto the deck, etc.).

What's great about this game is that it's fun to play with all ages . . . the kids get to see adults having fun (and not taking themselves too seriously) everyone gets to play and no one is ever made to feel foolish or stupid.Even friends who think that they don't like to play games because they aren't competitive enough have enjoyed this game when played in a team.

Even people who don't like to play games like this one!
There are a few people in our extended family who simply don't enjoy playing board games or even party games of any type.However, these same people have loved playing Scattergories.It is simple in concept but challenging to the intellect.Also, it just ends up being hilarious to hear the answers that people come up with.This is the game our family has enjoyed playing more than any other game.

A must have for your game collection! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

It sounds so simple: get your team to name common words withoutvoicing a few choice descriptors. But could you describe a wristwatchwithout mentioning time, wrist, or clock? Taboo rewards those whothink--and speak--fast. The team that correctly identifies as manywords as possible in a minute (measured with an hourglass timer) wins.If a member of the opposing team, armed with the blaring buzzer,catches the clue giver using any of the taboo words, a point is deducted from the group's score. It's a good idea to separate peoplewho know each other well, because their familiarity can be too great anadvantage. If the clue is spinach, prompting with "Mom made this everyMonday" just doesn't seem fair, though it is permissible according tothe rules. Playing Taboo requires an AA battery and a sense ofhumor--you'll need them both! The timer is included. Taboo is for fouror more players. --Leah Ball ... Read more

Features

• The game of unspeakable fun! Help your team guess everyday words but without using some of the most obvious clues!
• Features more than 1,000 words to guess! Requires 2 "AA" batteries (not included). For 4 or more players.
• Ages 12 to adult. Time is against you. You know what ypu'd say if you could only find the words.
• But some things in life are strictly...Taboo!
• Contents: 504 taboo cards card holder buzzer timer scorepad

Reviews (87)

Very fun game...
Taboo is a game that I played as a kid & I never forgot about it.I remembered it being so much fun that I asked for it for Christmas several years in a row & I've finally got it.We really enjoy this game.It's so much fun for all ages & you may think it sounds really easy but you'd be amazed at how many times you actually slip & say one of the words listed on the card that you are not supposed to say.When that happensyou will get buzzed or when you pass on a card the other team will get a point.So sometimes when it's your teams turn to give clues the other team can actually come out with more points then you earned on that turn.It's such a great game that I highly recommend.

A good game for about a half hour
I enjoy playing Taboo and always get a few laughs out of it, but a half hour is plenty.I find party games like Cranium, Balderdash and Rigamarole are far better at keeping a group's attention and interest.

Fun for hours
This word game is so much fun.Any age level could play it.It really is great.My friends and family love to play it in teams or one on one...Overall, everything is good except the buzzer is annoying. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Who confronted Ivana Trump with: Do you love your husband? Because I do? What sitcom star popularized the Rachel haircut? Who led the 1995 Million Man March on Washington? Capture the scandals and successes of the 1990s in this tin-box time capsule! Okay, you know the routine. Trivial Pursuit's immense popularity is due in part to its rehashing of bizarre, poignant, funny, and sometimes, well, trivial details of life on Planet Earth. The 1990s Edition continues the tradition, allowing two to four adult players (or teams) to pose questions to one another in six categories, including the new Oops (mistakes and mishaps),Wired (technology, gadgets, and the Internet), and Hangin' (what people did in their leisure time) categories. As they correctly answer questions, players move around the board, collecting colored wedges. Includes game board, one deck of 400 question-and-answer cards, five card holders, one 6-sided die, one 10-sided die, four decorated pawns, and 24 scoring wedges. --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Features

• Trivial Pursuit 1990s Edition is a special edition of America's favorite trivia game.
• Includes 2,400 questions about one of the most momentous decades of teh century.
• Hip new categories: Oops, Wired, Viewing, Trends, Important and Hangin'.
• Features a contemporary package and board design, tokens and card holder / dispenser.
• 2-4 players.

Reviews (15)

If you like other Trivial Pursuits, you'll enjoy this
As others have said, this game doesn't have as many questions as other Trivial Pursuit editions, but if you are looking for some extra questions to suppliment your other Trivial Pursuit games, this is a great addition. I didn't find the questions excessively challenging or too easy, although there were a few "gimmie" answers.

Better know your 90s!
My husband and I bought this game because we both spent our high school years in the 90s. So we thought we could handle this game no problem... yeah right!

Unless you paid very close attention to all current events during this decade, you will find the game very challenging. We were able to come up with answers to about one of every eight questions. This made the game... uh ... not so fun. And just like another review said, you either know the answer or you don't. Most of the questions don't offer tiny clues as to the answer and some have horrible grammar!

Bottom line: Better know the decade very well before attempting this game!

Hint: When in doubt about a golf question, answer: Tiger Woods!

Fun!
Finally a game to make use of all my knowlege derived from years of reading gossip magazines and news stories!Some of the questions are pretty hard, but if they were easy, it would be boring.The container is pretty cool looking too. ... Read more

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

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 it and is challenged by the game.Even some of her older cousins enjoyed playing with it over the holidays. ... Read more

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

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

Can you draw a cat? How about sketching something that conveys the word area or The English Patient? Can you do it in less than 60 seconds while your team yells the wrong answers at you and the other team is close to getting it right? Welcome to the game of Pictionary, in which players attempt to guess words from sketches made by other members of their team. The words can be objects, people, actions, places, animals, or the dreaded "difficult," although in the heat of an exciting game, even house can be difficult. Word cards are randomly selected, the timer is activated, and players begin scribbling franticly as they race to beat the clock. Correct answers are rewarded with a toss of the die and progression around the board toward victory. Pictionary veterans should note that this is an updated edition of the game, including more than 1,000 new words to challenge even the most experienced quick-draw artist. Pencils, sketchpads, and a 60-second timer are included. Pictionary is for four or more players. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Features

• The Classic Game of Quick Draw-- with more than 2,800 words to guess!
• Get your teammates to guess the secret word before your time is up!
• Includes challenge die with fun game variations!
• For 3 or more players.
• Ages 12 to adult. contents: gameboard, one-minute timer, 324 cards including 4 category cards, 4 movers, 4 pencils, 4 pads of paper, card holder and standard die plus challenge die.

Reviews (30)

Fun for non-artists too
The thing I love about Pictionary - apart from laughing at the crazy drawings people come up with - is that you don't have to be a great artist to win. That's good for me, I can tell you! You see, it's not so much how *well* you can draw, but more how well you can get a point across in *what* you draw. I've seen people guess the right answer from some pretty simple line drawings. In fact, you'll be amazed at how some partners seem to almost sense what the answer is.

I'm sure most people know how the game is played, but just in case, here's the gist:

There are several categories that come up randomly as you progress around the Pictionary board. Sometimes one person from each team draws (we make this rule apply all the time); otherwise one person draws and their partner guesses what their drawing means. The first person to guess before the timer runs out wins the round and that team rolls to go again. That's basically it anyway.

I love this game and I highly recommend it for a good night of entertainment with friends and family.

One of my most prized posessions!
My friends and I have taken Pictionary to a whole new level.Most of the time it's guys against girls, and the men in my life have yet to win a game!This is a game for everyone, although I have found that the better you draw, the worse it is for you.Artists tend to take there time, and when you're faced against the timer...all bets are off!I would definitely recommend this game to anyone who likes to get together with friends and have a good time.

Blechy Blech
Before I begin to rant-get one thing straight. I LOVE BOARD GAMES!!! So you can imagine how bad this is, if someone like me, who owns at least 200 board games, despises it. This game is just plain stupid. Also, since I tend to get nervous when I'm on timer, hated the little hourglass, pouring sand into the bottom chamber. Please, don't throw away your hard-earned money, get yourself a fun and more worthwile game, like Trivial Pursuit, or Clue. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

The aMAZEing Labyrinth uses a clever board design to create aseries of ever-changing mazes that one to four players must movethrough. The object of the game is for each player to collect asquickly as possible all seven treasures depicted on their individualtreasure cards. To add to the challenge, players know what the nexttreasure is only after they find the one before it. Before each turn, amaze card is pushed into the maze in a strategic place, helping theplayer make his or her way to the prize. This means that the entiremaze shifts and changes on each turn, confounding some and helpingothers. Players will need to think ahead to choose just the right spotto shift the maze in their favor. This is an excellent game to get lostin. A simpler version can be played by younger children. --LeeStrucker ... Read more

Features

• For 1 to 4 players
• Playing time 20 minutes

Reviews (3)

'Mazing
This strategy game is one of the best birthday presents my children ever got. You can play once or several times, and never grow tired of the game, as each set of mazes is different than the last.

Playing is a fabulous way to spend an afternoon or evening with your children. The game requires non-verbal skill and logic, but is fun as heck. Very often, the children do better than the grown-ups.

Highly recommended.

Good game
We love this game.It makes you think, so it keeps us all interested. This is one of the few games that we all enjoy playing together because it is challenging enough for our overachieving 8-year old, and also interesting for our 6-year old.It is difficult to find games that do all that these days, because the 6-year old is refusing to learn how to read well enough to be able to enjoy "older kid" games, and we have all become bored with the "little kid" games.This game requires no reading, which (obviously) is a plus for us right now.

Great Family Fun
Our family really likes this game.It is a great strategy game.You have to think ahead and try to plan moves to help yourself but not others.It really keeps you thinking and the kids love it when they make a move that really messes up Mom or Dad.It is not so hard however, that a younger child of 8 or 9 would get frustrated. ... Read more

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

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

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   

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   

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

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 th