Showing posts with label games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label games. Show all posts

Dec 13, 2012

Sifteo Cubes Interactive Game System Review




Sifteo Cubes are a very cool interactive, tactile game platform that make you the talk of the town.  We recently received a set of Sifteo Cubes (and one add on cube) to test out.  I first opened it after the boys had gone to bed.  It took a just a couple minutes to set up as you need to put batteries in the main unit and each of the cubes.  After that the hardest part will be deciding which game to play first.  Sifteo comes preloaded with 4 games and additional games are available for download.  I played, all by myself, for hours that first night.  You'll be addicted to tilting, turning and tapping in no time. I really liked Chroma Splash which is a shape matching game.  It feels similar to a lot of the match and destroy type games available online but with the ability to turn and tilt the cubes before matching them up together the possibilities and sometimes the challenge are far greater than anything else I've seen online.  I also had a lot of fun with Sandwich Kingdom which is a little more like your traditional video game but to create your path you have to manipulate the cubes to keep yourself going.  The kids also liked Sandwich Kingdom.  But Johnny loved Cube Buddies which was fun to watch him play.  It's sort of a puzzle/logic game but done with fun creatures you create by swapping their features back and forth between cubes...you'd have to see it to really understand.  And Code Cracker and Word Caravan are great educational games that are still fun. 

Sifteo Cubes are recommended for ages 7 and up which I think is fair because some of the games involve math and a lot of logic and reasoning.  But Bryan (not quite 5) enjoyed helping manipulate the cubes with my help and instruction.

The best part of Sifteo is that because you're constantly moving and the games feels like its constantly moving and changing, it keeps your attention much longer.  As I said, I played for several hours the first time without even realizing it.  The next day I tossed the cubes in the bag that is included and brought them with to help entertain the boys during Timmy's Robotics competition (an all day event).  Johnny spent literally all morning playing with them quietly on the floor.  And no fewer than 4 people stopped to ask what it was that he was playing with.  Each person checked it out, asked more questions and then made sure to get the full name so they could purchase it or look into it more.  It really is a cool system unlike anything anyone has seen!
 

Here's some great info on Sifteo Cubes but be sure to check them out online for more info:

How Sifteo Cubes Work

Sifteo Cubes respond to your moves. Neighbor Sifteo Cubes side-by-side or top-to-bottom and watch them interact for totally unique gameplay. You can also shake, tilt, flip and press cubes for endless combinations. Your cubes operate as a single game interface, and can be played single player or multiplayer, depending on the game. Expand your play possibilities by downloading more games (using the Sifteo Desktop Software) and adding additional cubes.






Big tech in a little package
The ultra-compact Sifteo base runs the show. It stores your games, plays game music and sound effects, and wirelessly talks with the cubes. Purchase additional games using the Sifteo Desktop Software (you will need a Mac or PC with a USB 2.0 port) and they'll be synced automatically when you plug the Sifteo Base into your computer. Then toss your cubes and base into the included soft carrying case, and play on the go!
Big tech in a little package. Cutting-edge technology powers the capabilities of each sturdy 1.7-inch Sifteo Cube and the Sifteo Base.
  • Modern, playful user interface
  • Touch sensitive screen
  • Proximity sensors to detect nearby cubes
  • Precision 3-axis accelerometer responds
    to motion
hands

 

What's Included:

  • 3 Sifteo Cubes
  • Sifteo Base with speaker and USB port, pre-loaded with 4 included titles
  • 4 included game titles: Chroma Splash, Cube Buddies, Code Cracker, and Word Caravan
  • Free download of Sandwich Kingdom, an adventure quest where players explore the four corners of a playful fantasy world (limited time only - a $10 value!)
  • Micro USB cable
  • 5 AAA Batteries
  • Soft carrying case


pictured is Sifteo Cubes Game System and one add on cube

  Also available for Sifteo:

Sleuth and slide—ninja style!  

Turtle Power! The highly anticipated game Ninja Slide, brought to you by Sifteo in partnership with Nickelodeon, is now live! 

Play as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle to outsmart the enemy mastermind and save the city. Can you think like a ninja?

My boys LOVED this!!

Thanks to Sifteo for the chance to check out this product which is now a family favorite!! 

Nov 6, 2012

Did You #StopZombieMouth This Halloween?


This Halloween we did our part to help Stop Zombie Mouth!

We gathered some of our friends for Halloween bonfire and shared the special Stop Zombie Mouth trading cards from ADA and PopCap Games along with coupons to download a free copy of Plants vs Zombies.

I mean really, is there a more perfect time of year to celebrate Zombies? I don't think so either.

But as fun as Zombies are to kill, NO ONE wants Zombie Mouth.  That's why The American Dental Association (ADA), the leading source of oral health-related information, and PopCap Games, a leading digital games creator and a division of EA, partnered to raise awareness of the importance of kids’ oral health in addition to providing a fun alternative to sugary treats on Halloween night.


The kids LOVED the trading cards!! 

And to stop frost bite, along with Zombie Mouth, we cranked up the heat with a toast bonfire and enjoyed what will likely be our last outdoor event of the year!

Remember if you have a #StopZombieMouth coupon, you MUST redeem is by THIS Saturday, November 10, 2012 at StopZombieMouth.com.   Codes are good for the PC or Mac version of the super-popular game, which normally sells for $19.95.

 Trading cards were supplied by PopCap to facilitate our sharing. All opinions are my own!

Oct 24, 2012

Spell Shot Zapped Edition Review


Cast spells head-to-head on your iPad with SPELLSHOT zAPPed edition! When you download the free app to your iPad (iPad required, not included), you can play your Wizard and iPad together! Choose from 4 Wizards and battle through the Island and Jungle worlds. Your iPad will recognize your Wizard and put incredibly cool battle spells at your fingertips! Who will win the iPad battle of spells? There’s only one way to find out!

Play your Wizard and iPad together with SPELLSHOT zAPPed Edition! Cast spells on your iPad! Works with your iPad (iPad required, not included). Choose from Air Wizard BREEZICUS, Fire Wizard NOXIUS, Tree Wizard LANDOR or Water Wizard STORMICA. Your iPad recognizes your wizard! 2 magical worlds!


Includes 4 Battle Wizards and 4 Spell Cards.

I'm sure it is probably just me but this game seems totally 'mom-proof' to me.  I swear I could not play this to save my life.  I attempted it first with my youngest (4) thinking that while it said '8 and up' for recommended ages that it'd be fine if I played with him. Usually I find that this rating often because reading is required.  We messed with it and I swear I followed the directions but no matter how many times I felt like I did the moves it was telling me to, I was not casting any spells.  But as much as I hate to feel dumb, I've resigned myself to the fact that my (almost) ten year old is smarter than I am.  So I put it away and figured I'd have him give it a try.
I forgot about it for a couple days until I found him and his brother playing it.  I hadn't told him about the trouble I'd had. And he just looked at me like I had three heads when I asked if they had trouble playing it.  I'm still pouting so I haven't touched it since but the older two boys like it.  But for us it's better if they don't play each other.  I probably make it sound like I have the worst kids ever, I know I don't, but they have serious trouble playing with EACH OTHER nicely.  They fight about everything and playing games against each other only insights accusations of cheating, which usually leads to yelling and sometimes even crying.  But that's just that them, can't blame it on the game.  Things go much better in our house if they can be played as a full family or can be played individually. Which Spellshot CAN be done with just one player.  But appearently it was more fun as 2 player because they've tried to play together several times.  Each time lasts slightly longer than the last, probably due to my threats of never letting them have the iPad again.

As I've mentioned with other zAPPed reviews, remember that there is some downloading involved so be sure to set it up before you're ready to play.  And don't for instance take the stuff with you somewhere without Wi-Fi (how dare such places even still exist) in hopes of playing.  And I'm still hoping for the perfectly designed case to keep the zAPPed pieces and cards organized and safe.
For 1 to 2 players.  Ages 8 and up.   iTunes account and adult assistance required. iPad required, not included. App in English language only. Works with iPad 4.x or newer.
If you enjoy using the iPad with nondigital elements as much as we do, be sure to check out the other zAPPed games such as Battleship and our current family favorite the zAPPed edition of the Game of LIFE.


Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of this game for review purposes from Hasbro.  All opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback. I have not been compensated for a positive review.

Battleship Zapped Edition Review

Battle aliens and protect the planet on your iPad with BATTLESHIP zAPPed edition! After you download the free app, you can play your BATTLESHIP game and iPad together. Go on epic missions around the globe to hunt down alien targets – and destroy them! Choose one of the 3 zAPP ships and set it on the screen. Your iPad will recognize your battleship, aircraft carrier or destroyer, and put each ship’s super weapons at your fingertips! Who will win the iPad battle of you versus the aliens? There’s only one way to find out!

Play your BATTLESHIP game and iPad together with BATTLESHIP zAPPed Edition! Hunt aliens on your iPad! Works with your iPad (iPad required, not included). Choose from battleship, aircraft carrier or destroyer zAPP ships. Your iPad recognizes your ship! Each ship has its own super weapons!



Includes 3 zAPP ships and 3 Strategic Battle Cards.

If you don't mind sharing your iPad a little more, check out Battleship zAPPed Edition for the iPad.  For me the iPad is already sort of a family gadget so I am ok with sharing (back away from my laptop though).  I was surprised that it was a 1 player game given that the well known game has always been a two person game.  But once we worked out sharing and taking turns (yes by 9 and 10 years old this should probably not be such and issue but it still is) the boys really enjoyed Battleship zAPPed.

And it should probably go without saying but since I always forget, there is some downloading required so if you have impatient kids (like I do) you might want to go ahead and open this and download the app before asking them if they want to play! 

Now I just need someone to design a great case to hold all our zAPPed pieces and cards.  Right now they are in a ziplock baggie because we are REALLY good at losing juts about anything but especially cards!

My four year old did give this a try and was just frustrated by it so I'd say the 8+ age rating is pretty fair because my almost 9 and 10 year old loved it.


Ages 8 and up.   For 1 player.   iTunes account and adult assistance required. iPad required, not included. App in English language only. Works with iPad 4.x or newer.

I really enjoy using the iPad with nondigital elements.  There are other zAPPed games such as SpellShot Wizards and our absolute family favorite game right now the zAPPed edition of the Game of LIFE.

Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of this game for review purposes from Hasbro.  All opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback. I have not been compensated for a positive review.

Oct 23, 2012

The Stop Zombie Mouth Twitter Party #StopZombieMouth


Join the #StopZombieMouth Twitter Party with Halloween Party Tips and Great Prizes!
DETAIL AND RSVP FORM: http://www.partybluprintsblog.com/uncategorized/stop-zombie-mouth-twitter-party-popcap-ada/
DATE: Wednesday, October 24th
TIME: 9:00 – 10:00 PM ET
LOCATION: #StopZombieMouth
HOSTS@DawnSandomeno  @BethRosen  @RoleMommy  @Partybluprints and @EvolvingStacey
SPONSORS: @Popcap and The American Dental Association  @ADAMouthHealthy
RULES: You must RSVP and be a US resident 18 and older to be eligible to win.

Sep 7, 2012

Do You Cheat?

I swear I made it through all my years of school without ever doing any REAL cheating (oh shut up, a little 'help' with that homework you totally forgot about doesn't count).  But these days well...I admit it. I'm a total cheater.

I swear I started out totally against it.

I played Words With Friends and when someone told me how people were coming up with these insane words I'd never heard of by using a site you just plug your available letters into, I sort of gave up on the game.

When my opponents in Draw Something started just writing the word instead of actually Drawing SOMETHING, I sort of fizzled out.

But then I started playing 100 Floors.  Have you played it?  It starts off easy enough.  Pulling you, making you feel all smart.  And then suddenly I was all deer in the headlights....huh? I don't know what to do.  Poking and prodding.  Pushing...tilting.  Nothing worked.  I spent DAYS stuck on a level.  THIS level to be exact...
I could tell that the thing above the door was a code and I swear I tried every which way to poke the numbers and...nothing.  So finally after almost a week, I almost deleted the app. Then I did the unthinkable. I cheated.  Yup, I did a screen capture*, and uploaded to facebook with a request for some help.  And it totally worked. Within seconds my friends had my cheating back.  And I moved on to the next level.

Since I don't play games too often I only made a it a few more levels before stopping for awhile.  Then I was quickly stuck again the next time I picked it up.  Even my kids looked at it and had no clue.  So once again I went to my facebook friends. 
I SWEAR I tried to do just what was needed several times but once I KNEW that was the right thing it still took a couple attempts.  But guess what...apparently I don't even need to bug my friends when I'm stuck...the solutions are all on youtube!  You'd have thought.  So yeah, I checked and I've made it through a ton of levels now! I'm totally addicted to cheating!

So tell me, do YOU cheat at games?  
What app/game is your current addiction?

*Screen capture on the Samsung Galasy SIII is so easy! I love it!

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.”

Sep 5, 2012

#DipDipHooray Family Game Night Picnic

    After a week of running from work to sitter to practices, I'm ready for an easy meal solution.  This Labor Day weekend I headed to Walmart to get some help putting together an easy family game night picnic.  The three day weekend actually left us with an evening without any commitments and since I knew we would have a long busy day on Labor Day, I thought a great Family Game Night at home might be just what we needed to spend time together but also be able to be well rested the next day.

    My littlest shopping partner and I picked up Tyson Chicken Nuggets, Heinz Ketchup and Ore Ida French Fries to make a easy dinner that my kids would LOVE and would allow me to join in the Hasbro game night fun!

    I did find that the nuggets and fries actually had different prep times and temps but I made some slight modifications and managed to make some yummy stuff all ready at about the same time.  (I know you're wow'd by my expertise in the kitchen.  But with a little work you too can master these fabulous skills.)

    I dished it up for our indoor picnic....

    But then decided I didn't want the boys eating ketchup on my new rug so they ate with plates on the coffee table...almost picnic style!

    They were still pretty happy with it. 


    But the best part was that this simple, kid approved meal allowed mama the time to get down on the floor and play with the kids.

    We broke out our current favorite Hasbro family game Life Zapped Edition.  A fun classic with a hi tech twist.

     Pick your car and your peg but interact with your pieces on the iPad.

    I sometimes really struggle to find the time to plan something like a family game night, even though we do play games together regularly.  But having something like Tyson and OreIda on hand means I can always have an impromptu family game night indoor picnic whenever we find ourselves with a (very rare) evening with nothing to rush off to.



    Be sure to check out the current promotion going on right now at DipToPlay.com where one grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 Hasbro Game Night Grand Prize of top-rated board games and dinnertime favorites from Heinz® Ketchup, Ore-Ida® French Fries, & Tyson® Chicken Nuggets!  They are also giving away 250 Hasbro games.  Check out the official rules and then enter to win!

    Ready to keep dipping? Check out the brands online:



    I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias Tyson and Heinz #CBias #SocialFabric

    May 24, 2012

    THE GAME OF LIFE: zAPPed Edition

    A lot of things have changed since I was little.  I mean, A LOT!  Many of those things are fabulous advances, hello, GPS?  But sometimes all our technology gets in they way, in the way of taking the time to really see the world around you, smelling the roses etc, and for many people it is taking away the quality time spent with family.  But with Hasbro's The Game of Life: zAPPed Edition, you can have the best of both worlds.  With this new version of an old favorite new technology meets good ole fashioned family game time.  I remember spending many Friday nights playing Life with my mom when I was little.  It was fun and was way quicker than the other money collecting board game.  Now a new generation can fall in love with The Game of Life while using the technology they love too.  If you have an iPad, you'll simply need to purchase THE GAME OF LIFE: zAPPed Edition and then download the free app.  (You can download the free app without the game...but it won't do you any good.) Once you have your game and the app, you're ready to start.  You'll still pick a car (a real car token just like the old ones) and a blue or pink peg.  But you'll also get to customize your virtual peg too.  Once everyone has created their pegs, you'll spin to see who goes first.  And just like always you'll be posed with the question....get a job right away or go to college.  In the zAPPed Edition you'll be given three choices of careers.  And you'll also get two other opportunities to make choices about your life path.  Along the way you'll get to watch videos from American Funniest Video's celebrating those special life moments such as your graduation, wedding etc.  My kids LOVE AFV so this is fun part for them as well.  Along the way you'll see many good fortunes and misadventures similar to those you'll remember from the old game. But you'll be using a virtual spinner, watching video clips and the APP doesn't let you have more kids than you car can hold.  (I can't be the only one who ever had to use a second car to hold all my kids back in the old days, can I?)

    This game is listed for 8 year olds and up but my 4 year old plays along just fine as long as there is a qualified banker to help him with the money.  At the end of the game everyone adds the quantity of each denomination bill (and loan) they have acquired and the APP credits your special token values and money for each baby and shows you the final results.  This is a quick and easy play that I think is perfect for the whole family.  We regularly play it together and have a ton of fun. 

    Note: I do let me kids play with my iPad under very strict supervision but the pads on the board seem to do well to hold the iPad in place and we've had NO issues with the safety of this expensive piece of technology!

    Product Description:

    A family gaming experience like never before With THE GAME OF LIFE: zAPPed Edition, you can enjoy a whole new way to play! Add your iPad to the unique gameboard for a truly interactive family experience. The free app brings your game to life as you move around the board. You still get to move your car from space to space and select your path to retirement, but now you spin, get paid, sue other players and make important decisions all on your iPad. Don’t want to be just a plain peg? Go ahead and customize your peg character and add a peg-sessory!
    Quick to set up, easy to play No assembly necessary! Just download the free app, hand out cars and cash, place your iPad on the board and you’re ready to go. Just follow the on-screen instructions and move your car around the board.
    Exclusive multimedia content Real life is full of funny moments and so is THE GAME OF LIFE: zAPPed Edition. Land on app spaces to unlock more than 100 hilarious clips from America’s Funniest Home Video. Find out if these videos bring you good fortune or bad luck.
    Includes gameboard, 4 car movers, 52 pegs, money pack, 4 rubber pads, Quick Start Guide. iPad not included but required to play the game.
    For 2 to 4 Players
    Ages 8 and up

    Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of this game for review purposes from Hasbro.  All opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback. I have not been compensated for a positive review.

    Dec 4, 2011

    Angry Birds: Knock on Wood Game Review

    Do you have an Angry Birds fan on your Christmas shopping list?  Then check out Angry Birds: Knock on Wood.  This fun take on the Angry Birds app gives you a chance to flip the bird away from a screen.

    Amazon.com Product Description

    Play your favorite app game in real life with the Angry Birds: Knock on Wood Game! The age-old battle between Angry Birds and the egg-stealing pigs continues, and the birds will have their revenge. Draw cards, build castles, and knock them down in this hands-on version of the touchscreen hit. First one to 100 points wins!
    Hands-On Version of the Touchscreen Hit The Angry Birds: Knock on Wood Game brings all the fun of the touchscreen app to a new, tactile playing field for two to four players. This game follows the same goals as the online version: launch the Angry Birds toward the egg-stealing pigs' wooden castles to destroy them and advance to the next level. With three Angry Birds, four pigs, a variety of "wooden" pieces, and a bird launcher, you can now bring the same action to your living room.
    Build, Launch, and Destroy to Win
    Play consists of drawing cards from any of four levels, building a structure on the card, and then knocking it down. To play, you draw a card--the higher the card the more points possible to earn. Give it to the next player to build that card's castle. Then, use the bird launcher to shoot it down with the birds indicated on the Mission card.
    Go Crazy with Wild Cards
    Our testers enjoyed the challenge of playing within the game's rules, including the ways the structures can be built and the birds that can be used during particular launches. They also had fun with the special fourth-level mission cards that allow for freestyle building for more creative play. They enjoyed experimenting with the distances from which they could shoot the birds toward castles. With so many possibilities for hands-on play, this game will keep you and your family and friends occupied for hours!
    What's in the Box
    3 Angry Birds, 4 pigs, 1 bonus points star, 1 bonus points egg, 1 bird launcher, 14 building blocks, 40 mission cards, 16 points cards, and instructions.

    My Thoughts on Angry Birds: Knock On Wood;
    I have to give the creators of this game credit for trying to take such a well loved game and bring it to life.  My kids were so excited to try this game because they LOVE Angry Birds.  We learned a few things very quickly, first, you will want to find a very sturdy table and play when the kids are bouncing all over like a a pack of wild dogs otherwise your structure won't stand long enough to shoot any birds.   Second, this game is NOT on a 3 year old will be able to play, not the right way at least.  We realized that despite the suggested age of 5-9 years old many of the arrangements are difficult for even a 50 year old to create without some patience.  And lastly, as frustrating as you thought the app Angry Birds was, this one is just as frustrating. The boys still LOVE to get this game out and flip the bird, but most of the time they do NOT play the right way.  I love the concept and the boys still enjoy just playing with the game pieces but figuring out the right distance and how hard to flip those crazy birds really is very challenging. 

    Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this game for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback.

    Nov 1, 2011

    {Closed} Telestrations wants to send you to the Chicago Toy and Game Fair

     Want to attend the Chicago Toy and Game Fair with your family?  Are you a game lover who'd like to represent MY blog in a Telestrations show down with the game's inventor for a chance to win a ton of great USAopoly games?


    If you are available November 20th at 2pm to attend ChiTAG and play Telestrations, a game that is sure to make you laugh, leave a comment below sharing what is another sure fire thing that gets YOUR family laughing?  Be sure to leave a contact email.  Winner will be chosen at random from the comments!!

    Contest ended


     

     

     About Telestrations:

    Amazon.com Review

    Telestrations is the visual equivalent of the classic school-yard game "telephone." It's a fun-filled sketching game in which everyone's attempts at "art" can turn hilarious. The game starts with a secret word that is passed from player to player. As the word is sketched, interpreted, and then sketched again, it undergoes a visual transformation that will surprise and delight everyone. Designed for players ages 13 and up, Telestrations is sure to be a hit at parties.




    Telestrations

    Ages: 13+

    Requires: 4 to 8 players
    What We Think

    Fun factor:
    Durability:
    Ease of assembly:
    Novelty factor:
    The Good: Easy-to-learn game with cleverly designed, reusable game pieces.
    The Challenging: Scoring system caters to competitive players; others may wish to avoid it altogether.
    In a Nutshell: A creative and funny visual equivalent of classic game of "Telephone."


    Telestrations turns the classic schoolyard game of "Telephone" into a hilarious sketching game.


    With each guess, players get further from the original, intended interpretation. View larger.

    Eight Players for Maximum Hilarity
    Telestrations is designed for 4 to 8 players. As with the classic game "Telephone," the bigger the group, the more confusing -- and funny -- things can get. Gameplay requires little more than the included erasable markers and sketch books.
    Each sketch book contains eight erasable pages, and each page is labeled with either an "S" (for sketch) or a "G" (for guess). The spiral binding allows you to flip pages before passing the sketch book to the next player, and the label lets that player know whether to sketch or guess. Aside from the occasional unrepressed snicker, gameplay is silent until the final results are revealed.
    The erasable markers have a fine point to allow true artists to flourish. Clean-up cloths are provided, as is a timer and a deck of 144 cards, each of which contains six "secret" words.

    Gameplay: Friendly or Competitive Mode?
    Much like "Telephone," Telestrations leaves a lot of participants scratching their heads. One player's sketch of a pretzel might end up looking more like a ribbon, and that ribbon might evolve into a banana peel. Only rarely does the final guess match the original word, so playing Telestrations is almost always a delightful comedy of errors.
    While the game is easy to learn, scoring can get a bit complicated. The instruction manual describes two different modes of gameplay: friendly and competitive. The friendly mode awards points based on the most creative and hilarious drawings, a subjective determination that can lead to either a fun debate or an irritating disagreement, depending on who is playing. In either case, a simple democratic vote may be necessary to speed things up.
    The competitive mode awards points to players whose sketch helps another player win a point. This determination is straightforward enough, but going back over the drawings and assessing points may be tedious for those who would rather simply laugh at the results. Anyway you decide to play it, Telestrations will bring out the artists in your friends and family, along with lots of loud laughter.

    What's in the Box
    Telestrations game instructions, 8 erasable sketch books, 8 erasable markers, 4 eraser cloths, 144 cards in card box, 90-second sand timer, and die.

    May 17, 2011

    Hasbro's Connect 4 Fun on the Run Review and Giveaway CLOSED


    Play a round of your CONNECT 4 game anytime, anywhere with this awesome set! The convenient, self-contained storage case doubles as the game grid, so you can set it up and start playing wherever you are. Drop your checkers into the grid to try to connect four vertically, diagonally or horizontally but watch out - your opponent is going to try to block your moves and you’ve got to try to block his! Can you connect your checkers before your opponent? Start droppin’ and blockin’ to try! Includes playing grid with trays, 21 yellow checkers, 21 red checkers and instructions. For 2 players. Ages 6 and up.

    We play a lot of games in our house and one of our favorites is Connect 4 so when we had the chance to check out the new Connect 4 Fun on The Run, we were thrilled.  It's the same game you've always loved but now with a smaller design that is perfect for taking with you when you're on the go.  I was skeptical about how they could really make Connect 4 travel friendly, but I think they did a great job.  I'm not sure it'd be ideal for playing in the car because you still risk losing the pieces when you finish a game and let the pieces out if you hit a bump at the wrong moment.  But for us is will be going into the car for the many hours we will be spending at the baseball field this summer.




    When I looked at the creative way they were able to contain the game pieces I wasn't sure if my youngest, who is well below the recommended age but regularly plays the regular version, would be able to get the pieces out it himself.  But after showing him once how to do it, he was easily able to play many games with his brother.  And he even won a few...with a little help from mama.
    The pieces go into a compartment with a snap shut top and then can be pulled out he bottom when you need a piece.  Easy for fingers of all sizes to manage.







    If you haven't played Connect 4 with your kids, it really is a great game.  We start playing Tic-Tac-To early with our kids while out to eat etc so they have caught on to the concept of having to pay attention to your plan to win but also blocking your opponent but Connect 4 gives so many more options, it's really fun for me to watch the boys play.  Not that there aren't ever any tears when they don't win.  But I think this is even more reason to encourage them to play games and learn good sportsmanship.

    Because this is being sold as Fun on the Run, I decided we couldn't properly review it without fully testing out how secure the pieces would be for travel.  So I handed it over to a very energetic 3 year old to see if he could shake the pieces out.  Admittedly they DID eventually pop out (my husband wasn't so thrilled with my plan here) but it took awhile and some effort so I think it's safe to say that with NORMAL usage and bumping around while you're on the go, the pieces are pretty secure.  But you should still watch this, just cuz it's funny.


    Want to try Connect4 Fun on the Run for yourself? Enter to win!!

    Giveaway Rules
    Required Entry: Visit Hasbro Online and come back and leave a comment sharing which other Fun on the Run game your family would enjoy!

    Additional entries: (Extra entries are only valid after completing the required entry. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry)
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    PLEASE NOTE: I will do my best to mediate any problems in delivery of giveaway prizes with the sponsor, and I do my best only to represent companies I trust, however I am not personally responsible for any prizes which are not received for delivery or any other reasons.



    **Winner**
    41. Gianna said...
    BATTLESHIP FUN ON THE RUN Game.
    Contest ended 5/23/11!
    US Residents Only!

    Please be sure that I have a way to contact you either with a email available on your blogger account or leave your email in your comment. If I can not contact you via email, or you do not respond with in approx. 48 hours to my email, I have to pick a new winner. And I really hate doing that!



    Disclosure:  The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

    Mar 1, 2011

    Mega Blocks Domino Build game review





    My kids LOVE blocks.  Since my oldest got his first set of Mega Bloks for his first birthday 7 years ago, we've always had some sort of building blocks around.  For the most part my youngest has skips the need to keep smaller blocks out of his reach for safety reasons.  But small pieces are just harder for little pudgy hands.  So while he plays with the mini figures of the other brands. If he's building, its a larger age appropriate block.
    At 3 years old, he is really just beginning to have the patience for games where he must actually wait his turn.  He's clearly the baby of the family and a little spoiled, but we're working on it.  To avoid conflict with his brothers just he and I played this new game from Mega Bloks, Domino Build.  As soon as he saw the box, I couldn't get it open quick enough for him.  Between the adorable animals and the fact that it was BLOCKS, he was too excited.  So I quickly popped out the pieces and read through the instructions.  They are pretty easy.  It's like dominoes, match up the ends of your dominoes to the ones that have been played.  But Mega Bloks makes it easy by starting with just 2 dominoes and if you don't have a playable piece you simply pull on more to try and match as opposed to grabbing domino after domino and then hoping you can play them all.  In this game each time you are able to play, you get one of your four animal pieces.  It's super quick which is GREAT for those who are just learning, or who struggle with waiting for their turn in slower paced games.  The instant gratification of getting a animal piece helps keep them interested and the desire to finish their animal keeps them playing.  To also help with young players frustration level there are several wild card piece that can be matched to any other domino. 
    This game gets two big thumbs up from our household as they clearly thought out this game with both kids and moms (or dads) in mind.  The only hard part of the game was convincing him that we needed to put the animal blok pieces away so we didn't lose them and could play the game properly the next time!  (Really wasn't that hard once I explained it that way.)




    Product Features

    • Preschool game
    • 4 block builds
    • 11 zoo animals featured on dominos
    • Includes: 16 maxi bloks, 30 domino tiles, and 1 instruction sheet
    • 2-4 players


    • Manufacturer recommended age: 36 months - 6 years

    Product Description

    From the Manufacturer

    Mega Bloks Domino Build Game utilizes simple domino and building game play to introduce multiple skill sets such as colors, numbers, matching, motor skills, etc. Players collect animal blocks after correctly matching domino tiles. Be the first player to collect all 4 animal part blocks and assemble your animal to win.
    Information from Amazon.com

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