October 2008 Notable Toys — Board Games

Based on the best-selling Great States game, this junior version is a fun way of introducing youth to the U.S. map. Kids will have a blast searching the game board as they travel along the colored game path. Even pre-readers can play by matching cards to the pictures on the board. "This game teaches children at a very young age about geography, history and state facts. Since even children who cannot read yet are able to play, this game presents a fun way for social studies facts to reach developing minds," Nicole Tiedemann, PR coordinator for R&J Public Relations, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007.

We are Partners in the TK&RL Transport Business, with our own lines of Trains & Trucks for collecting & delivering various Goods to Mr. Big’s Coastal Warehouses. Mr. Big pays us well for everything we bring in plus Bonuses for filling each Warehouse. The Risks are great, what with the Roads and Rails getting wiped out by Snow Storms and Rock Slides, not to mention Government Cutbacks leaving the Infrastructure in dangerous shape. Only Partners with nerves of steel and alert brains need apply for the job. If you have what it takes, join us in a Railway & Trucking adventure! Includes rules for 2 games, a basic game for ages 9 to 12 years, and 12 years to adult.

We are local Business Partners collecting Goods from the countryside & delivering them to Coastal Export Warehouses, Inc. CEW pays us for everything we bring in, plus Bonuses for completing certain Contracts. The pay is poor and the Dangers many. If we are not avoiding Snakes, Chagas, Flash Floods and the like, we are watching out for Robbers. So, why bother, you ask? It’s a living and a lot of rural workers depend on us to bring as many Goods as we can to the Warehouses before Dangerous Conditions make it impossible to continue. If you lack the necessary pride, wisdom and courage, don’t join us, join the Banditos.

Players in the game comprise a fishing co-operative that supplies village and town markets with fish. Obstacles include elusive fishing grounds, incorrect gear, insufficient bait and fuel, boat leaks, nasty sharks and stormy weather. The game comes with a 17 x 20" board, rules for basic and advanced games, five fishing boats, five pawns, five gas, a warehouse, 12 fish markets, 12 store closed signs, 24 assorted fish, six sharks, five gas markers, two boat leaks, four good weathers, four storm gear, 24 storms and 22 assorted baits. “Much interest in China these days makes this game special," Jim Deacove of Family Pastimes told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007.

For Adults who like to talk over, reflect about and generally explore who they are and what is important to them in this ever challenging world. In a non-competitive, relaxed friendly format, we paint verbal portraits of each other using the image cards provided. The cards are both serious and playfully humorous. We rank the Images on each other's charts as well. How important, for example, are Family Reunions to Jim? More important than having a Car? And where do Politics fit in? To add to the enjoyment, there are Quips to consult, Koans to answer and Furtunes to consider, as revealed by the Gypsy at the end of the game. Rules provide for Solitaire play, a Couples version, and a Group version for up to 30; thus, this is a game suitable for a few or for socials, parties, or gatherings.