Word Frenzy ... A true hit! An Award WINNER!!

This game received some skepticism from our "Game Gang", because two of the eight players in our gang are not good spellers and they were afraid this would make the game more frustrating for them, than fun ... But, they were goodsports and decided to give it a go. They were so glad they did ...

Word Frenzy is a RIOT! It is fast paced, crazy, can get loud, but so hilarious! We are considering purchasing gloves for the players next time this gang plays, however, because a couple of the players have some pretty good nails going and they gave battlescars to other players, who were trying to also grab the prizes at the end of the round... which became a battle in and of itself, making for more laughter to go around.

In this game you set up the prizes on the table, where they can be reached by all players. You then pass out the letter cards to all players. Keeping 5 cards in your hand for game play, players pick up a card from the player behind them, then discard one to the player in front of them, until one player gets the letters in hand to form a 4 LETTER WORD that pertains to the category chosen for that round. At this point the player grabs a prize, trying to not let others notice ... As other players see a prize is missing, they too grab one - until all are gone and one or more players are left with no prize. The player who first formed the word and grabbed the prize, shows his/her word to the other players. If it is indeed a word that complies, they write their word on their score sheet and collect the points displayed on the cards. The player(s) who did not get to collect a prize, must cross out one letter in the word FRENZY on their score sheet. Once a player crosses out all letters of the word FRENZY on their score sheet, the game stops and players add up their total points. The one with the highest points, wins.

Our Game Gang all agreed this game is on our TOP THREE - Must Play list !! You can't get any higher on the list with this gang !! Way to go Word Frenzy!!! We can't wait to see your Award!!!


This game can be played by 2-8 players, using one set of cards and prizes. Add an additonal set for 9-16 players. Age suggestion is 10 and up.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE

Ring-O Flamingo

Visit Gamewright by clicking here

The folks at Gamewright just sent us a copy of their game Ring-O Flamingo. One look at it and I knew my daughter would like it, so I took it home and opened it up to do a review.

The game is recommended for ages 6 and up but my 4 year old totally understood it, and enjoyed it to the fullest.



In this game you have 12 little life preserves. They are made pretty strong, so my worries of quickly becoming destroyed by my daughter were put aside, as not a one was even damaged in our extensive play of the game.

The life preserve rings are held in a little lifeboat looking holder. You remove one and then use the launcher, which is also a part of the "boat" to sling your rings at the Flamingos which are on the play board. You do your best to avoid the Alligators, which are also on the board. They will make you lose points - focus on the flamingos and launch away! Good luck though ... it is not as easy as it looks! I was able to ring them, yes ... but I also ringed an alligator a couple of times, and the plant across the table and my daughter and spouse on a couple of occasions. (no worries - no humans or plants were injured in the "testing" of this game :)

A lot of fun to play with your kids - My daughter played it until she had to go to bed. I ducked out after the third round of play :)

Easy to set up, easy instructions and good for a bunch of excited squeals as they play. I would suggest this one to anyone with young children. As I said - recommended for ages 6 and up, but my personal experience shows 4 year olds love it too.

This game is fast paced but will teach children (through trial and error) to slow down enough to improve their aim as they launch their lifesavers. Improves hand eye coordination as well.

BAILOUT - The Game

http://www.bailoutthegame.com/


I found this game to be a lot of fun. Once in awhile a new game comes along and it will just click with me. Bailout is one of those "clicks". This is not your typical hohum boardgame (IE: bored game) ... This game is more of a challenge that you want to continue in against your opponents. It is constant up and down, as real life can be! One try at playing this game and you too will see what fun a Bailout can be!!!

Bailout was an easy choice for our GOLD AWARD 2009 !!!


Check out the Youtube video here: http://www.youtube.com/user/bailoutthegame


PLAY OVERVIEW:
You are the Chief Financial Officer of a Bank; your institution is hanging on by a thread. You must reach Bailout Bank before it is too late. So, you take a chance and follow the money trail.

Don't think this is going to be easy. You have to earn this Bailout!

Along the way you will be forced to undermine the competition, endure the uncertainty of the stock market, avoid hostile takeovers, deal with the instability of the housing market and your bank may even be forced to take a bank holiday.

Be the Bank, Lose Billions, Get a Bailout!

Bailout The Game has the appearance of a classic board game with quick 1-hour playing time! Bailout The Game is interactive and requires a competitive strategy to outsmart your opponents! Every action you take compounds upon the next creating a unique outcome every time you play! Bailout The Game is designed for 2-6 players and recommended for ages 12 and up.

The BackTpack

http://www.backtpack.com/



Who said carrying a backpack had to break your back!? Well, that used to be the case! But, not anymore!!! BackTpack is an awesome new way to carry a heavy load and not give your back something to complain about at the same time.

This handy design fits over you like a vest, but gives ample room to carry everything you need. WE LOVE IT and gave it our Gold Award!!!

Designed by a physical therapist, BackTpack is a revolutionary carrying system that through everyday carrying habits, uses the vertical force of gravity for training proper alignment of the skeleton in the way the body was designed to function.

It allows you to stand, walk, and sit with your spine and head tall and your shoulders relaxed in a healthy "T" posture. These postural habits will contribute to lifelong healthy movement, and a strong skeleton.

Common backpacks require you to lean or pull forward to compensate for the load on the back. This posture has led to countless back, neck and shoulder problems. Since the load of the BackTpack is balanced and aligned with your natural axis, no compensation is necessary. The body's response is only to strengthen a tall posture. The load feels much lighter to the wearers, especially as they realize that load, when applied in this manner becomes their friend not their burden, encouraging their body to be strong, upright, graceful and free.