Reviews (2)

Amazing toy!
This is a great gift, a great toy. I am amazed by it, and so is everyone whom I have showed it to. It's great!

Lots of fun & full of surprises!
We got this toy as a gift & have just placed an order to send it as a gift as well.
It is as small as a yo-yo but has the artificial intelligence of a sofisticated robot.
This toy is surprisingly wise and witty; it seems to function as a mind reader.
It is great for rainy day recesses at school, parties and long car rides.
Highly recommended. The only negative is that it runs on batteries. ... Read more

Editorial Review

It's still hard to get a triple word score, the tiles are still made of wood, there's only one "X" in the whole box, and family feuds are increasing exponentially. But after 50 years, Scrabble has had a face-lift: a swivel base allows the board to turn so players don't have to work upside down, a plastic grid helps keep tiles in line, and a handy bag stores the letters when they're not in use. The premise hasn't changed at all--two to four players battle it out to make high-scoring words from seven little letters--so choose a dictionary before play begins to avoid ugly confrontations. --Lynne Sampson ... Read more

Reviews (68)

Play Scrabble? Buy This.
Remarkable. Scrabble is cool. Hep. Rad. Outta sight. But Scrabble in this deluxe form is sublime, intoxicating. The pieces stay put, thanks to little walls around each space. You can spin the board so as to not need to examine it upside down. The pieces never slide around. The plastic coating lets you wipe it off, unlike the cardboard version which stains. Nothing is compromised from the original, flat cardboard version, but everything is improved.

OK. Not everything. It still can't help you dump the Q, Z and J at the end of the game without a U. And it is unlikely to assist you in stopping your grandmother's amazing ability to squeeze you out of that triple word score you hoped to grab with a seven-letter word. Take that up with Gram. Just remember who made you the cookies.

Seriously, I recommend this to any family or commited Scrabble player. Families need it for that 'full-body contact' style of play that sometimes happens with children or cats involved. Commited Scrabble players need it for pretty much the same reason!

I fully recommend this game.

Anthony Trendl

A terrific game for the digital age!
Scrabble - deluxe, electronic, regular and travel editions, has been a tradition in our family for three generations. Even as technology becomes ubiquitous in our personal and professional lives, a game of good old fashioned Scrabble anytime two or more family members or friends are gathered is still among the most entertaining activities! It's an occasion for camaraderie, competition and conversation that is likely to remain popular in the 21st century and I highly recommend it for people of all ages.

Don't understand why they made this
I don't understand why this was released as a "deluxe" edition. This board is horrible. It is made of cheap plastic, nothing like you would think for $30. I was very, very, very disappointed in this. If you are looking for a good scrabble board, look somewhere else, because this is not the one. I have an old one that is great, but it is dirty and old, so i wanted somthing new. I am sorry I bought this. I guess it could be good as an occasional toy, but not for serious scrabble lovers.

A great game diminished by cheap construction
Our family enjoys playing scrabble so much so that we decided to buy the 'Deluxe' version to solve some of the common problems we have playing the game on a regular board.
Needless to say I was thoroughly disappointed at the cheap, flimsy, plastic board I received in the box. I have seen other 'Deluxe' brands which my friends and relatives had bought years ago and was shocked at what is now being sold, at over double the price of the regular version. The old one I had looks as if it will outlast the 'Deluxe'.
I reduced the fun rating by 2 stars simply because I hate looking at this board. Save your money and don't buy this one.

About the "Deluxe Edition"
I already reviewed normal scrabble, so this review is just about the Deluxe Edition. I got this as a gift and I appreciated how much easier it was to play because the board spins and the letters are secure.
A must when you are playing on the kitchen table in a crowed house. Worth the extra money in my opinion. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Scene It? The DVD Movie Game is for the film buff what a double-fudge brownie sundae is for the chocoholic. Players take turns moving around the game board and answering challenges, which usually take the form of trivia questions--about movies, of course. Questions are culled from either a box of cards, much like Trivial Pursuit, or from onscreen prompts that follow movie clips. The included DVD is loaded with snippets from recent movies, although the occasional classic sneaks in too. Multiple questions are asked about each clip--identify the title of the movie, name actors in the scene, recall some minor detail--so that even when the clips begin to repeat, it will take some time before questions do too. (Subsequent DVDs are also said to be in the works.) The game board, which looks like a cross between an accordion and a film reel, can be folded out to accommodate longer games or closed up for shorter ones. Scene It? was definitely built to be a party game, and another advantage of the DVD is that there’s no need to explain the rules. Instead, just press play and hope that everyone simmers down enough to pay attention. Plus, the hokey music and neon "You Are a Winner" screen that ends the game is certain to send those individuals who like winning a bit too much--and you know who you are--into an absolute frenzy. --David Morel ... Read more

Reviews (26)

A lot of fun even if you don't play with the board
I got this for my husband as a gift and we enjoyed just answering the questions from the DVD, by watching video clips and picture clips, etc. It's like Jeopardy meets Wheel of Fortune with pop culture questions and numerous other variety of trivia and visuals to aid the questions (there are some nifty animated clues). We were quite impressed and our friends sat and played this with us for 2 hours and wanted to keep going. Having a portion of the game on DVD brings a different dimension to the regular board game where you're just reading off cards (there's that in the game, also, so the game is part video and part questions from cards).

PERFECT PARTY GAME!!!
I bought this one night when me and a bunch of friends were bored..next thing i know all of us are screaming because the clips are such of old movies and new ones. me and the girls were laughing at the guys because they were the ones who thought it would be a waste of money and they were loving it!!!! so pick up the game!!!!

Scenetastic
I played this game with four buddies last night and thought it was sweet!!!!!
The variety, quality, and ease of use was awesome!!!
Buy it!
Now!

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR GO GO GO!!!!

Fun movie game for amateurs and connossieurs alike!
Some friends and I played this game one night, and we all had a blast. The game took awhile, about 2 hours with 4 of us, but it was a lot of fun. The same friends played the game about 2 weeks later, and we thought we'd know the questions and do better, but that wasn't the case - they use the same clips sometimes, but the questions are different.. they're either really really hard or really really easy.. I liked the variety of the movies, too. Pick this up - you won't be sorry!

Lots of fun!
I played this at a friend's house last night. I thought the question variety was pretty good. If you have a group of people with varying amounts of movie knowledge, this is a great game because there is a good balance of easy, medium & hard questions.

Personally though, I thought most of questions were really easy - but there were a few that really stumped me and I'm a UCLA film student!!! ... Read more

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 (89)

Hours of Fun Fun Fun
This is a great puzzle. Since it is a game only one can play at a time, my nieces, ages 6 and 8 and my nephew age 11 took turns getting the red car out of the traffic jams. They even enjoyed watching each other find the solution to each "jam". Incidently the 6 year old is almost through solving the "Advanced" puzzles and I am about to buy both additional card packs. Kids and adults will love this game.

Great "toy"
Add us to the host of folks who love this puzzle toy. I generally consult Amazon ratings before purchasing new items and any item that has this many positive ratings always catches my attention. And it lives up to the promise. My almost 7 year-old son is ADHD and I was AMAZED at the way this toy captured his attention. I expected him to become quickly frustrated and give up. But after a few successes, he was hooked. I coached him a little bit at first (and then I was hooked too!) and before I knew it, he was solving puzzles by himself and doing a better job than me! He did the first 20 in one sitting. I was amazed as I watched him begin understanding which cars had to be where in order for him to get the red car out, then he started working out his plan to get there. You have to think ahead to be successful and he was doing it!

His persistence and concentration surprised me, so if your child is having any problems sitting and concentrating on a task, don't be afraid of this toy! But, alas, as with many ADHD kids, he's also been tested as gifted, so he's already run through the first 3 levels and is now nearly done with the expert level - solving puzzles that I can't do! I have to wait until he goes to bed to even get a chance to play! There's 40 cards in the first pack. The beginning levels are pretty easy to remember the solutions, but as you go higher in difficulty, you could probably do the puzzles more than once and still be challenged. But do be prepared to buy the 2, 3, and 4 Gift Pack (a great deal for $12 on Amazon)

I LOVE the fact that you store the cards right in the bottom of the tray. However,I wish that they would put a more permanent kind of cover on the tray. Also, you cannot replace the cover when you are in the middle of a puzzle, the cars have to be in the tray in a certain way in order for the cover to fit properly. But those are extremely minor drawbacks considering the hours of entertainment my son and I have gotten.

grate!!!
I love this game and so do my familly from ages 6 - 35. you will enjoy playing this game alone at home. the greate part is that even once youv memorized this toy and all the levels (wich you will.) you can buy more cards! it is a grate present for anyone not too lazy to think a bit. everyone has their own level. Also other games such as the one croosing the river from this manufacturer are fantastic! really worth the money!

GREAT GIFT IDEA
We just got this game today and we were all instantly addicted! My 7 year old loved the challenge of the game, didn't get frustrated at all, and wouldn't even think of giving up on trying to solve the puzzles! This is a great gift idea for birthday parties, as it's inexpensive and parents will appreciate the educational value of this puzzle game.

Greatest Game Ever!
I am in the Gifted program in school and it is a lot of fun! I play this everyday. It is very challenging but an awesome game! I would reccomend it to anyone! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The most fun you'll ever have being horribly annoyed
Full of fabulous facts about the saga, this game is the hardcore Star Warrior's dream....AND worst nightmare. You'll have fun playing it at home but get fits from your friends who bring it out with a big smirk, saying, "Okay, now, let's see how much you REALLY know about 'Star Wars'...."May The Force Be With You, you'll need it! Hee hee

The Best Game I Own, but for Hardcore Fans Only
You better know your stuff before you plan on purchasing this game and make sure you know 2-4 people who know more than they should as well about the Star Wars universe. Some of these questions are extremely tough and there are very few easy ones. I used to play the Decipher Star Wars card game, so my memory of those cards actually helped me a lot with remembering certain characters that were barely mentioned in the films. This is a truly great game that we knowledgeable Star Wars fans finally deserve.

If you're a Star Wars fan, this is fun
There's nothing like getting together with fellow Star Wars fans and play this special version of Trivial Pursuit. It's great! It's just like the old Trivial Pursuit with, of course, questions only about Star Wars. When you try for a wedge, however, you have to resort to one of two DVDs that come with the game for the question. If you don't answer the question in the time limit given, your oponents can shout out the right answer - as long as they don't have the wedge - and possibly steal it from you. If you like the classic Trivial Pursuit and you happen to be a Star Wars fan and you have a couple like-minded friends or family members, this is a lot of fun and definitely worth the money. ... Read more

Features

• Five games featuring your favorite Disney characters
• All games are stored in the joystick: just plug into your TV and play
• Games include Donald's Disney Golf Tournament, Stitch's Search for Lilo, and Aladdin & the Gems of Agrabah
• Other games are Timon to the Rescue and Simba & the Tree of Trials
• For 1 player

Reviews (2)

You can wait til May 19...
...or you could get this now and see tons of footage from Return of the Sith [sic] a few weeks early. That's really the only reason I bought it, and I was not disappointed in the slightest. Many questions are in the form of a movie clip, and there are quite a few questions on Episode 3. And none of it is from the 11/04 teaser trailer or regular trailer that's been out for months. Though if you really want to see these clips, you're best off just playing the DVDs, rather than actually playing round after round of TP with them...

Okay, so I couldn't possibly have played it yet.But C'MON!
Sure, it's not even out yet and I'm rating the holy hell out of it.But C'MON!Imagine if the original Star Wars Trivial Pursuit and the game Scene It had a kid together...There's no way it wouldn't be great!


Again, I argue...C'MON! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Much like the Classic
As a person who's rumored to have been playing Trivial Pursuit since she was six years old, I have to admit that version 6 of this game has to be one of the better ones to come along in years. Much like the first Genus edition, the questions have a great range in both subject matter and level of difficulty. However, a problem plagues Trivial Pursuit 6 that has plagued all other recent editions: NOT ENOUGH QUESTIONS. After about 5 full length games, I found myself and my companions repeating the questions! Trivial Pursuit 6 has about half the number of question cards that Genus I (from 1979) had. The new version 6 is great if you're a casual player who won't play it that often, but for any die-hard fans, this game is going to get really old really quickly.

An educational activity that is still enjoyable.
Trivial Persuit is a game that brings something unique and refreshing to the "board game" genre. It is'nt educational in the traditional sense, but it is a great way to learn about specific interests for children and parents alike. A classic game with potential to last for years as childeren grow and share the game with their own families. TP is a neccesity for any person that enjoys games, learning or a stimulating challenge.

Another great edition of a great game!
After several years, this game is still challenging and can keep you guessing for hours. It also makes a great gift, as my brother was excited when I bought this for him at Christmas. Who said random bits of trivia were useless? Get this game and put those tidbits to good use. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Still the best
Years before "fantasy baseball" became a fad, Strat-O-Matic was giving youngsters the opportunity to manage their favorite major league baseball players. Only those who are baseball fans can appreciate how much fun it is to play a tabletop dice game that accurately re-creates major leaguers' performance so well on so many levels.

The original version of Strat-O-Matic Baseball, which is still around as the game's "basic" version, is pretty simplistic. But beginning in 1972, when the "advanced" version was born, the company has continually added rules and made improvements that make the game more challenging and realistic. The game today also has a "super advanced" version, which re-creates just about every variable that means anything in a baseball game.

You can still play the basic game if you want. But those who grew up with the game, or left it and returned, will find the super-advanced version a fun challenge. Alas, the "fantasy baseball" mentality has robbed the game of some of its innocence; many SOM draft leagues and their general managers take this game a wee bit too seriously.

All teams come with 27 players plus perhaps one to three optional "mixed players" who didn't finish the season with the team. (All 30 major league teams and the mixed players come with the game sold here.) In the bad old days, teams came with only 20 players each, or 24, if one bought the optional "additional players." And if a key player was traded from his original team to the other league, he may not have gotten a card at all. Fortunately, that's no longer the case; in the 2003-season set, for example, Ugueth Urbina has two cards, one each for the Texas Rangers and Florida Marlins.

Gripes about the game are minor. The perforated player cards come on giant sheets that you have to break apart yourself, and this is a real chore. The six-sided dice are small and cheap, and the super-advanced fielding charts are on flimsy, decidedly nondurable paper. (Cardboard charts are available from Strat-O-Matic.) The game rules are long overdue for a new printing; the separate list of rule clarifications, corrections and additions is two pages long, mostly single-spaced.

Despite these complaints, the game is well worth the money, especially through Amazon.com, where the price is surprisingly a bit less than what the game company itself would charge for exactly the same thing. This is all the more reason for baseball fans of virtually any age to give SOM a try.

great game
i loved this game. Especially being a very true baseball fan i was glad to see something other than a video game capture the real spirit of baseball.
in this game you get to call the shots like a major league manager. Cant wait for 2004 to come out.

Best Baseball Game Ever
I've been playing this game since 1970 and have every team that has been issued since. You can't call yourself a true baseball fan without playing it. You get to be a big league manager, make out your lineups, choose your strategies: sacrifice, squeeze, hit and run, steal, position your infielders, hit the cutoff man, its all in there and more. Every player rated and simulated. Play any fantasy lineup you choose. Set up any matchup in history. Its all in there.

The Ultimate Baseball Game
I've been playing Strat-o-matic baseball since 1964; I believe it was first advertised in the back of baseball magazines in 1963. Over the years the game has evolved into an internet game. The original board game has improved. For a baseball fan the world of statistics and probability is opened. It develops problem solving skills as the player acts as a baseball manager. Besides its educational value, the game is also a lot of inexpensive fun. Let's see, I was 12 when I first played Strat-o-matic, and now I'm an avid player at 50! Only now I don't have to "score" the games to compile statistics. The game is played by a computer, three games a night, and all I do is pick the players in a draft and adjust the lineups and strategy. If you love baseball, playing Strat-o-matic is like having your baseball cards come to life.

The Greatest Sports Simulation Game Ever Made
It may even be the best table-top game in history. No kidding. It's that good. You don't even have to like baseball to like it, though I suspect you'll come away with a much greater appreciation of the game. ... Read more

Editorial Review

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

Reviews (56)

Great nostalgia kick
I was a huge Atari fan back in the day, so I was very excited about this product when I saw it in stores. My wife took the hint and picked one up for me. What a great little product! I have had a great time getting into the old classics, and even my kids are enjoying it. ADVENTURE is especially good and is easily the game I play most. There is only one dark spot on this product - some of the games they chose for this joystick product were originally designed for the old paddle controller. Pong and Breakout just aren't the same.

Not worth the money
I thought this would be a fun purchase, but it's not! <br /> <br /> Like the reader before, the games don't even look like they did in the arcade, for example Centepede, when the game is about to boot up, the screen shows the original screen with mushrooms but when the game play starts the mushrooms turn into red blocks! <br /> <br /> None of the games match the originals. Very dissapointing!

COOL gaming system!!!!
im Erik Brillhart and when i was growing up, my parents' freinds had an Atari 2600. when i was playing it, i didnt wanna stop! then i saw this when i used it, it was just like the Atari 2600! i really love this thing and it can take a heck of a beatin'. but u wont learn anything from it exept how to have a fun time!

Review
My grandma got me this game and I love it I also have the controller with 10 games.

NO GOOD!
I am very disappointed with this product. It's not even worth 20 bucks. The graphics/sounds aren't even close to the original games. Plus, it doesn't even work properly. TOO many glitches have started appearing and it's only been used a few times. (and not by abusive children, but by adults) Please don't waste your money on this poorly made product. MS pacman one is bad news too. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Heroscape line of toys is like the all-star game of make believe. While other games might focus on a specific era of history, the age of chivalry, perhaps, or the Jurassic period, Heroscape puts everyone together on one enormous madcap battlefield. Vikings, World War II soldiers, ninjas, mutant monsters, samurais, dinosaurs, dragons, they’re all there, done up as tiny, highly detailed figure. It would be sort of comic if all the players didn’t look so gosh-darn serious. 85 interlocking terrain tiles are also included so you can craft exactly the landscape you wish for all the action to happen on. Multiple dice are featured along with game cards and detailed instructions on how to play. We liked the boundless imagination of this game and the open-minded versatility of its imaginary protagonists. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Editorial Review

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

Reviews (18)

The Best game!
Bop it Extreme 2 is the best! My sister got it for her birthday but, I love playing it! Before I could only get 1 or 2 but, now I have 38.
I play it when I wake up, when I have extra time, & before I go to bed!
I like all the things you can play on it and, that it has a volume control and, that it tells you what the high score is.
This game is really fun! People should purchase this item.

Bop it extreme 2 vs Bop it extreme
Hi, I'm a 19 years old college student attending UCSD. I live in a suit with other students and we use to hang out, but we got nothing to do. I decided to buy this toy to promote some social interactions. To my surprise, everybody just jumps in and have a blast. We played endless Pass it! games. It REALLY trains your reflex skill. I find it so much fun that I had to write a review, which I rarely do.

As for the difference between the Bop It Extreme and the Bop It Extreme 2 versions.(I had this question when I buy this toy)
1) The Bop It Extreme 2 version has 3 levels of volume, while the Bop It Extreme has one LOUD volume.
2) The Bop It Extreme 2 has an earphone jack for personal enjoyment, while the Bop It Extreme doesn't.
3) The Bop It Extreme 2 TELLS you at the end your score(i.e. "You scored forty-eght"), while the Bop It Extreme plays different sounds to denote score(i.e. "whistle, whistle, rachet, rachet, rachet, drum, drum, drum, drum"). Hence requiring you to count and decipher which sound worth more points than other.
4) The Bop It Extreme 2 has more music than the Bop It Extreme as advertised.
5) The Bop It Extreme 2 has rubber grip and better grip-mold for the Spin it! wheel.
6) The Bop It Extreme 2 just looks much cooler, hands down! :D

Playing this game Solo is fun, but get together w/ your friends and you all will have a BLAST!

NOT soooo great,
VERY,VERY noisey. It is hard for me to get a high score. They whant you to do it so fast. (Yes, I know a game should be challinging.) And to tell you it takes a odd number of batterys,3 of 'em. One time the batterys got corroded so it made it hard to get out. I never did play with it again. The sound got scratchy too. (...)I do not recomend any of the Bop It toys to anyone.

So much better then Extreme 1!
Wow! This is a pretty fun game. The original was so loud and annoying, and the speaker was tinny. Bop it Extreme 2, though a little easier, is so much better. It also has a Bop It button that is less prone to getting accidentally hit.

EXTREME fun for all ages!!!
Bought as a gift for my son, the whole family has enjoyed this unique little gizmo. I can't help but think that this must help with thinking skills. Totally portable, it's a favorite at sleep-overs... it's even more popular than Gameboy, and that's saying something. A very healthy family game! ... Read more

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 (126)

Wonderful game, despite the price.
For some reason, when I first saw this game I thought it was a bit overpriced for the what it was. However, with the amount of phrases on the cards and the enjoyment it has brought to many of our gatherings, this game was well worth the investment.

Just to inventory the contents... you get with the game a game board, 6 game pieces, 6 pads, 1 die, 1 box or cards... and, most importantly, 6 sharpened pencils. ;)

In terms of game play, this game is the best "bluff 'em" type game on the market, hands down. It's very similar to Malarkey or Balderdash, but deals specifically with proverb and sayings from all around the world. Though the box says 2-6 players, after playing it on several occasions, we thought it best played with at least 4 people.

I would definitely recommend this game for the avid game player, who normally find themselves hosting get-togethers with their witty and imaginative friends. Don't be surprised if you find yourself laughing uncontrollable, throughout, at the proverbs your friends concoct.

A really great game for all ages
We've played Wise and Otherwise a number of times now with friends varying in age from 9 to 75, and all have found it very enjoyable. It's surprising how much fun younger players (age 9 to 12) have trying to outsmart the adults--and how funny it can be when they succeed.

The old proverbs are very enticing and stimulate everyone's creativity. The end result is usually raucous laughter. This is a completely non-threatening, enjoyable activity for any family gathering. If there are more than six people you can play in teams, which makes it even better. END

Hysterical!!!
This is a great game, expect hysterics from everyone concerned. If you can manage to retain your ability to speak while you play, you are in good shape. My husband and I played with a bunch of our friends who were also in our wedding party. Our wedding favors were fortune cookies with customized fortunes so we used sayings that our friends had come up with during various games. The guests were confused, but we were amused all the same.

Don't know about the 12 and above . . .
We actually played with six people, three of them being 6, 8 and 9. Talk about real hilarity!!! These kids came up with unbelievable endings we would never have guessed. It was lots of fun. Truly, we cried with laughter at almost every turn!

Laughed so hard we cried!
The first time we played this game, 6 people (grown adults) were in tears laughing at the absurdity of some of our responses! We continued in this gasping for air style of play for about 3 more rounds before we calmed down enough to get into more of the subtleties of the game. It is at times hilarious, thought provoking and insightful of those you play with. How funny or insightful depends on the players' effort, but if you are truly trying to win, you'll be surprised how many people you can fool with bogus phrase endings. I highly recommend this game! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Ever play "Hot Potato" with a spud that ticks and talks? Welcome toElectronic Catch Phrase, the battery-powered (three AAA, not included) blend ofclue deduction and race against the clock. Two teams of two or more players eachalternate turns, guessing the answers to clues in 11 categories, from Food &Drink to Tech & Inventions. Set the timer on the discus-like game unit, and theclue-giving countdown begins; if a team's guess matches the response on thegame's readout, pass the unit to the opponents. Just don't get caught holdingthis potato when the buzzer sounds (after about a minute of increasinglyinsistent beating), as the other team will score a point, possession being nine- tenths of the "Awww!" With its infectious mix of fast, nerve-wracking, high- pressure passing the buck, Electronic Catch Phrase spreads a serious case offun. --Tony Mason ... Read more

Reviews (67)

A Nerve-Wracking, Yet Highly Contagious Game
"Catch Phrase" is one of the many cool things I have discovered since being in college. I'll bet hardly anyone has heard of it (no one had heard of it where I come from anyway), but it is one of the most contagious games around.

The premise of the game is simple: After setting the timer, your team has to guess what word or phrase is visible on the screen. The unit cannot be passed until someone says exactly what is on the screen. When someone does guess correctly, you pass it on to a member of the other team.

For example, if the word was "pumpkin," you could say something along the lines of, "Okay, guys, Peter-Peter-blank-eater!" If someone has been keeping up on their nursery rhymes, he or she will know that the word in place of "blank" is "pumpkin." Make sense?

This game is a blast when you get a huge amount of people to play. About a month ago, around 20 of us were playing it at the same time. Good times there, folks!

Fun: Fun, fun, FUN. I can't reiterate it enough. It's interesting to see how nervous people get when the timer starts beeping faster; hence, the buzzer is about to go off. For some reason, people get really panicky when the pressure starts to build. It's only a game, people! Of course, you don't realize that at the time. Everyone is yelling out answers, and with all the excitement going on, your heartbeat can rise in a hurry.

Educational Value: This is a thinking game. That's the only way I know how to put it. You have to think about what it is your teammate is trying to say without he or she actually coming out and saying it. And they're not all as easy as "pumpkin." There are some real stumpers in this game, and that only adds to the fun (or frustration depending upon what side you're on).

Durability: This game is very durable. Just don't drop it! It probably wouldn't hold up very well since this is the electronic version.

In short, "Catch Phrase" is a very cool game. It's great to play with a lot of people, and it never gets boring. I've played this numerous times, and I always have interesting stories to tell the next day.

Best.....Party.....Game.....EVER!
I really can't fid anything wrong with this game. There are 10,000 words, so if you find a repeat word, it is incredibly rare. The educational value isnt that good, but, it isn't a game you buy for educational value. You buy it for fun, and that's what it delivers. Everyone will be laughing at the hilarity of some of clues. If you haven't already, buy this game.

Awesome!!!!
I fell in love with this game ever since I saw my parents and their friends playing it at a New Years Eve party. The game is great for both kids and adults. There's even a 'Family' category, which gives easier words to guess. No matter how old you are, you're bound to love it!
The only annoying thing about it is the sound, which you can't turn off or down. But if you lay it flat on the table or put your hand over the speaker while you play, then it's more than bearable.
Probably the best thing about this game is that you can bring it anywhere. It's just one little electronic game. No cards, game pieces, or anything else.
I would definitely recommend it for everyone!

Great Adult Game
We bring this game where-ever we go. We even gave one to my sister-in-law. All of us adult cousins will play once the kids are in bed. We even got my mother-in-law in one game. And she loved it. Some questions test your knowledge. Others are real simple. Sometimes we rhym especially if we can't think of anything else. The one I remember: answer was Long Johns - our Rhym was Slong Bongs. We still laugh over that clue! This is one gift we always give for Wedding Showers and Birthdays. The electronic version is so much better than the other cause all you have is one piece - very portable and packable. I guarantee you'll love it. We take ours everywhere!

Great Party Fun
This is the updated version of the original CATCHPHRASE. Instead of having cards to insert into the slot and also keep score, this electronic version takes all the fun of the classic game and updates it with 10,000 words and phrases, timer and scoring device in an all-inclusive, easy-to-carry electronic unit. This fast paced game of words and phrases lets players rattle off as many clues as they can until somebody on their team yells out the answer. Players keep passing the game unit as they talk and try not to get caught holding it when the buzzer sounds. This fast-paced game is perfect party entertainment. ... Read more

Editorial Review

First published in 1962, Mille Bornes (pronounced "meelborn," French for "milestones") is an auto racing card game whoseobject, for each team of two players, is to be the first to complete aseries of 1,000-mile trips. Each player has a hand of six cards andpicks more in turn from a central pile. There are Distance, Hazard,Remedy, and Safety cards, each with various subgroupings, whichdetermine the course of play. This Collector's Edition reproduces theartwork of the original game. The set includes a car-shaped plasticcard tray, score sheets, instructions, and deck of 110 playing cardswith language in English and French. Bon voyage! --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (40)

More fun than Nascar. . .
I've been playing Mille Bornes since the 60's and now have a delightful granddaughter with which to share it! Mille Bornes is at once fun, educational, analytical, strategic. Fun for the grownups as well as the kids. Though the box says ages 8 and up - I've introduced the game to some bright 6 year olds and they love it!

So get out your competitive spirit. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!

Great Game, but don't buy this edition
This is still an excellent game; lots of fun for all ages. However, the "Collector's Edition" is not worth the price--flimsy plastic tray--skimpy, badly printed score sheets. If this is all that's available, I'd say go for it, but I'd recommend looking for another version.

Learning plus !
Especially helpful in early children's French language skills plus applied math; eg. addition/subtraction. Adult fun too - you can play this game & socialize without a "must win" complex.

fun card came
this is by far the best card around.very educational and fun for the whole family.

The Best Card Game Next to Uno is Back!!
I loved this game when I was young!! I remember playing with my family and actually having a chance to win against my mom and my aunts!! I went looking for it a few years ago in Toys R Us to buy to play with my daughter and they told me they didn't make it any more. So, when it finally came back out, I immediately bought it from amazon!!
This is a great game to play with your kids that they won't get bored and want to quit! It's addictive like Uno. It reinforces math skills as your child has to count the points they lay down each hand as you have to reach 1000 each hand and you can't go over. It's fun and educational!! ... Read more

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 (477)

Hilarious way for teens and adults to spend time together
I bought this game based on the other reviews, hoping it would be a fun way for my visiting sister and brother-in-law to get reacquainted with 2 nephews and 2 nieces (ages 14-19). We spent an entire evening playing, and have never laughed so hard! My sister and I had tears running down our faces, and the "kids" kept begging to play again. We have a true mix of left- and right-brainers in our family, and this was the first game we've ever played that EVERYONE liked equally (and we have tried them all!). After a few questions, the brainiacs wanted to try the artsy stuff, and vice versa, because the game is so low-pressure and FUN. Forget the comments about difficult set-up, hard-to-follow instructions -- nothing could be further from the truth. It took no time at all to figure out how to play, and -- DUH! -- you don't have to keep rereading the same instructions over and over just because they are printed on each card (of the same category)! And the people who want "harder" questions are missing the point...with Cranium, it's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game -- and how much fun you have playing it!

Anyone can play
I purchased this game after hearing about it from a friend. We took it home for the holidays and played non-stop for hours with the entire family. Then we brought it over to a friend's house.

There are four basic categories, each of which bring out a certain skill set. There is the green catagory where you have to act like a famous person, play charades, or hum a song.

The blue category challenges your art skills - either drawing like pictionary, or with your eyes shut, or sculpting something out of clay.

The red catagory is very similar to a trivia game and the yellow category is for everyone who aced English class in high school! It involves spelling words both forward and backwards and choosing the correct definition for a word.

This game brings out the hidden talents in all of us. I especially like the clay (it comes included). No other game I've come across lets you sculpt the answer in clay. We fight over who gets to do the sculpting every time!

What a Blast!
This game is awesome! My husband and I aren't real big on board games, so when my Brother brought this game over on my Husbands B-day we both were thinking.."ugh" lol.. But we ended up playing 3 times! (Would have played more but it was late) My husband loved it! His favorite part was getting to sculpt things out of clay..(a little harder than it seems)try sculpting "jail" lol.or drawing ransom with your eyes closed! It was so much fun! It's not boring since the game mixes up the fun.. you never get 2 cards alike!... My husband had to act out Madonna! He could use words and gestures...but no names... It was the funniest thing I have ever seen! & something fun I will remember forever! We had so much fun, that we can't wait for them to come over again so we can play! I also just came across Cranium Conga.. This is a version for ages 8-88. We played it last night with our 2 kids ages 8 & 10 & had a blast! It is an excellent game that allows you to have some fun family time together! I recommened both games, and will be picking up the other 2 versions soon.. Will post my thoughts on those as well..

too predictable
I have played this game several times with a family of friends, and the same people always win. The skills necessary to keep playing are not different enough, and there is not enough chance involved. It is a relief when the game is over, which, as another reviewer has indicated, is a Bad Sign. "Wise and Otherwise" is much more entertaining.

Fun for everyone!
This is one of the most fun games I have ever played. It has a little of something for everyone, so everyone can enjoy it. People who enjoy art will love sculpting with the clay and drawing, hams will love playing charades and humming tunes, technical people will like answering mind bending trivia questions, and the word problems might stump even the most seasoned language lovers. This game is most fun when you have a lot of people to play with, making it a great pick for a party or holiday get together. It's definitely worth the price and you're guaranteed to have hours of fun with it! ... Read more

Editorial Review

"It is the spring of 1942. The world is at war. Five world powers are struggling for supremacy. You and your opponents control the military and economic destiny of one or more of these countries.... In this game, you'll discover that cooperation and negotiation are just as important as tactical maneuvering." So begins the 32-page instruction manual for Axis & Allies. To win this complex strategy game, you must learn to be a master economist and a brilliant military strategist and tactician. The game board is a map of the world divided into the spheres of influence that existed at the height of World War II. Both the Axis and Allied powers are allotted combat forces and income, measured in Industrial Production Certificates (IPCs). You must manage your nation's economy and lead its military forces--air, land, and sea--into well-chosen battles. The intricacies of the game are carefully spelled out, as are the criteria each side must meet to become the victors. Contents include 299 detailed combat force playing pieces, IPCs, dice, markers and chips to chart each country's progress, and everything you need to change the course of history in under a day. For two to five players. --Rachel Radway ... Read more

Reviews (131)

Great strategy game
Axis and Allies is best described as a "thinking person's Risk." While random dice rolls still determine the outcome of battles, the decisions players are forced to make, allow the game to be far more challenging than the better known Risk while not hampering its play-ability. Do you need infantry or armored units? Should you build an airforce or a navy? When do you attack and when do you assume a defensive posture? All are questions players need to consider. Axis and Allies is easy play the first time and challenging enough that it is still a game you will want to play the hundredth time you take it out of the box. The flexibility of the game which pits the Allies (US, USSR, GB) against the Axis (Germany, Japan) allows for two players to enjoy the game as much as when as many as five players each control the destiny of each country during WWII. The colorful gameboard and plastic infantry, tanks, ships, and planes all work together to make this one of my favorite games.

Recommend you all
In 1990 I had first played the game. As I am living so far from USA, in Turkey, It belonged to one of my friends who used to live in USA and came for a vacation. I have never forgot the fun that I felt. In 1999 (between these years I was looking someone who I could order the game)I looked for the game from Amazon's site but during those days It was not available. (It is not also available in Turkey)So I ordered the game to one of my friends who was living in Canada. I and my friends have been spending our weekends playing with the game from the day I got it. After a short time period we have decided that one was not enough so one of my friend in Turkey ordered another one to the guy who brought it to me. It deserves these demands.

Simple concepts, complex strategies
The great thing about this game is novices will reduce the game to germany vs. russia in karelia. Advanced players will learn that there are ways to defeat ANY strategy. Also, the plethera of optional rules and add-ons provide more diversity.

For example one of the popular options for club play goes something like this. The allies have a distinct advantage in a game of equally matched players, so players bid down how many extra "dollars" worth of units they would need to win with the axis. These units can be placed in any combination where the axis already have units.Favorites are manchuria, egypt, or eastern europe...or even spread the extra units between the 3. Good luck, and you might want to try the new Axis&Allies:Europe.

Spring 1942
This is a wonderful game with a historical premise. The scenario is accurate and each piece represents roughly a division, squadron or battle group. The pieces are so detailed that you can land the planes on the carriers! There is also room for creative rules interpretations...

Axis & Allies: Fun Until A Strategy Is Settled Upon
When I first started playing Axis & Allies I was very impressed. It was fun game that acurrately depicted the strategic conditions of the major powers in 1942. However, after repeated play, anyone can see that the game is Russia/Germany (not unlike the real war itself.) If the Russian player is wise he will throw everything he has into Karelia at the begining of the game. The German player will have no choice but to attack with the odds against them. Whoever wins this battle (almost always it's Russia) will win the game. Xeno games has made some very similar games to Axis & Allies. 'World at War' and 'Europe at War' are far superior to Axis & Allies both in fun and replay value. ... Read more

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

Reviews (82)

What's more fun than TABOO?!!
I just bought this game recently and couldn't stop playing it from the minute I started!

Let me tell you about Taboo: 1. It kills time! 2. Sooooooooooooo much FUN... that sometimes you lose time laughing instead of helping your team :-) 3. It gets those small minded people very annoyed, mad and angry when they lose or fail... which I enjoy :-) 4. You lose control... 5. Very challenging if played between good teams. 6. Once you start you can never stop playing it.

To me this game beats Pictionary, Charades and many others...

A lot of laughs!
I was totally hooked after the first time I played this game. It really makes you think on your feet as you try to get your teammates to guess the highlighted word on your card without saying the other printed "taboo" words. After a few turns, I caught on to the idea of describing the actual word or putting it in a reference that my teammates would understand. It was hysterical hooking up with close friends or family who could figure out what I was trying to get at with odd clues that no one else quite understood. I told my Mother about this game and she was excited to learn and we bought it for a party. Some of the guests were apprehensive about playing at first, but after watching the rest of us, they all wanted to join in. This is a great game to play with 4 or more people with guaranteed laughs. As far as the buzzer goes... it is a bit annoying, but the guys especially enjoyed using it when time ran out or a taboo word was said. I think it added to the laughs and the fun of the game. After playing a few times, you become accustomed to the particular word set, so I recommend the booster sets as well as the newer edition of the game. PLEASE BUY THIS. I GUARANTEE YOU WILL HAVE FUN!

puts the T in Terrific!
Taboo is a terrific game! its kind of like charades but instead of acting the words out, you have to describe them without using any of the words on the card. This is a great game because its really fun and I can play it with both, my family and my friends since it appeals to all age groups. We can play it for hours without getting bored of it! I would recommend this game to anyone!

This brought our family together
I was at a family event last week and we were all trying to figure out what to do. The suggestion for a movie came up. One of my cousins fought the idea saying he didn't come all the way to visit so we could all sit together in the dark to watch a film. So we went to Walmart and bought some games. Taboo, Cranium, and Pictionary. Well, we had such a great time together. We really laughed and bonded. That weekend as we rode around one cousin pulled out a singing lesson Cd and played it in the car, Voice Lessons To Go by Vaccarino, so we all sang together in our car like crazies- again having the best time. The rest of the weekend, we played more games and never thought about turning on the TV or watching a film. My niece even played the piano for us one night and we sang songs from a song book. These games really help bring back the communication our generation has lost.

Kinda fun, but gets old after a half-hour
This game is good fun for a little while. After a half hour we got bored and moved on to card games. ... Read more