TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Category: Family Games

Dark and Dangerous Skies by FAMILY PASTIMES

This board game is designed particularly for young children who have an interest in stars, planets, astronauts and space travel. Players are among a team of astronauts sent out into the universe to find another planet with new sources of energy, food and minerals as a suitable environment for earth's growing population. Dark and Dangerous Skies includes two more games of increasing complexity, making it a game youngsters can start off on and then grow with, well into adult years. Jim Deacove, President of Family Pastimes, told TDmonthly that one of the notable features of the game is that one can "play as friends, not as enemies!" The game includes a 12" x 12" board, four explorer craft, four matching astronaut movers, a die, rules, and 10 equipment, 19 danger and 12 info tokens. Launch date: 2006. 4/2/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jungle Jive by RAVENSBURGER

Players train their sense of balance & discover their body's flexibility with lots of fun exercises in Jungle Jive, the "eggciting" balancing game. In this party game, players challenge each other to see who has the best balance, concentration, flexibility and coordination while imitating the monkey's moves on the cards with the amazing egg in hand. There are 36 Exercises and 3 levels of difficulty players can choose from. Launch date: 2010. ( Watch Video) 3/25/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rock the Beat by PLAYROOM ENTERTAINMENT

A party game where each player is given a card with a unique hand symbol they must watch out for. Everyone starts the beat and if an opponent makes another's symbol instead of the clap in the beat, that person must respond with their symbol and then one of another player. The game teaches rhythm, strengthens observation and encourages social interaction. For four to twelve players. Launch date: 2010. ( Watch Video) 3/25/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Name 5 by ENDLESS GAMES

Name 5 is the new party game that asks the easy questions you know the answers to. Players are asked to name five items within a specific category. Sample questions include: Can you name 5 of the 7 dwarfs? Tom Hanks movies? Pizza toppings? TV Dads? Playable in teams or as individuals. Launch date: 2010. ( Watch Video) 3/25/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LEGO Games: Ramses Pyramid by LEGO

LEGO Games has developed the first collection of buildable games with changeable rules and a unique buildable LEGO Dice. In this game, the Mummy King Ramses is planning on conquering all of Egypt with his army of mummies. Players must unlock the crystal coded layers to climb to the top of the pyramid and defeat the Mummy King in this family game of memory, skill and cunning. An entertaining game for 2 to 4 who can play as a team or opponents. Includes: 1 buildable LEGO Dice, 13 LEGO microfigures, 1 rule booklet, 1 building instruction. Launch date: 2010. 3/19/2010

Shake 'n Take by OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING

Aliens are on the loose and it’s up to the players to capture them. Everybody’s got aliens, but there are only two capture markers. The goal is to catch as many aliens as possible before the next player grabs the capture marker. The first to capture all of his or her aliens wins the game. Launch date: July 15, 2010. ( Watch Video) 3/10/2010 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pirate versus Pirate by OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING

Three bands of pirates have discovered an island brimming with treasure. The goal is to conquer the island by capturing the gold and silver, or by eliminating the enemy pirates. Players must position their pirates carefully, as enemies are all around and they are hungry for treasure. "Unique pirate figures make the game very attractive out in the store," Leah Sugar, VP Marketing, Out of the Box Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 15, 2010. ( Watch Video) 3/10/2010 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

10 Days in the Americas by OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING

Players should gather their sunglasses, snowshoes and mosquito spray for travel to the Americas. Players use destination and transportation tiles to chart a course through North, Central and South America and the Caribbean — touring by airplane, cruise ship or on foot. With a little luck and clever planning, they just might outmaneuver their fellow travelers and be the first to make connections for a complete 10-day journey. It's "exclusive to the specialty market, great for families and educational settings," Leah Sugar, VP Marketing, Out of the Box Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 7, 2010. ( Watch Video) 3/10/2010 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wits & Wagers Family by NORTH STAR GAMES

Wits & Wagers Family takes the unique trivia-betting game play of Wits & Wagers and makes it more family-friendly, for three to 10 players. The simplified, faster game-play and kid-friendly questions are designed to level the playing field and provide instant fun for all ages. "Previously found in hobby oriented board games, meeples have been gaining in popularity as gaming pieces. These cute wooden pieces serve as the perfect family-friendly replacement for the poker chips found in the classic Wits & Wagers game," Matt Mariani, Director of Marketing, North Star Games, told TDmonthly. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010; Mom's Best Award 2010. Launch date: March 2010. ( Watch Video) 3/10/2010 (Price: $19.99)

Musical Circles by Yur Games, Inc.

Musical Circles is a game where players compete to stay in the game and be the last one standing. Players move around the outside of the mat as music plays and scramble for a spot when the music stop. The mat is 96" x 36". There are six blue circles labeled "NOT SAFE", six green circles labeled "SAFE," and one red circle in the center labeled "SAFEST." Players line up on the outside and move in the direction of the arrows as music plays. For 2-14 players.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine Excellence Award 3/8/2010 (Price: $26.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Words [Level I] by Yur Games, Inc.

Challenge oneself and each other to spell words. Use adjacent letters on the mat to move about by spelling words. This game consists of a mat that is 96” x 72” that you lay out on the floor. There are 14 columns and 13 rows containing 182-letter circles. There is one letter per circle. Players compete to spell words moving from the “START/END” points (stepping on the letter circles) while moving to the far side and then return to the “START/END” points. The first one to return is the winner. Level I has the easiest level of difficulty. 3/8/2010 (Price: $34.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Words [Level II] by Yur Games, Inc.

This game consists of a mat that is 96” x 72” that you lay out on the floor. There are 14 columns and 13 rows containing 182-letter circles. There are two letters per circle. Players must spell words consisting of four or more letters using any letter combination from the circles they choose. Players compete to spell words moving from the “START/END” points [stepping on letter circles] while moving to the far side and then return to the “START/END” points. The first one to return is the winner. This is the moderate level of difficulty. This game can be played indoors or outdoors. The fabric is washable. For 2-4 players. 3/8/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Words [Level III] by Yur Games, Inc.

This game consists of a mat that is 96” x 72” that you lay out on the floor. There are 14 columns and 13 rows containing 182-letter circles. There are three letters per circle. Players must spell words consisting of six or more letters using any letter combination from the circles they choose. Players compete to spell words moving from the “START/END” points [stepping on the letter circles] while moving to the far side and then return to the “START/END” points. The first one to return is the winner. This is the most difficult level. This game can be played indoors or outdoors. The fabric is washable. For 2-4 players. 3/8/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Let's Make a Deal by PRESSMAN TOY CORP.

This family game allows three to four players to join in the fun and suspense of the top-rated TV game show “Let’s Make a Deal” for “what’s inside the box” or “behind the curtains” in their own homes. 3/4/2010 (Price: $17.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Do Tell Family Game by DO TELL ENTERPRISES

Do Tell Family game takes five minutes to learn and requires no knowledge of anything. The game sets up quickly and the average play time is about an hour. In this game, players get to reveal themselves using both words and actions, some thought-provoking, some side-splitting. DO cards invite you to step into the spotlight and demonstrate your talents, TELL cards invite you to share your thoughts and feelings, RISK cards add excitement to the game, and WILD cards shake things up. Contents include four decks of cards, eight tokens, two dice, scorepad, pencils, timer, and instructions. ( Watch Video) 2/24/2010 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sounds Like a Plan™ by GAMEWRIGHT

What's the best plan for climbing Mt. Everest? How about the worst plan for making a million bucks? Find out in this party game that's all about giving outrageous advice. Select a card containing a piece of advice that best fits the judge's chosen activity. Score points if the judge takes your advice, but keep in mind that plans change with the roll of a die… You might have to give out bad advice, your grandma's advice, or even advice from a psychic! Includes 300 advice cards, 100 to-do lists, 8 wooden pawns, 1 custom die, 1 game board, and Rules of play. For 4-8 players. Launch date: Spring 2010
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010, 2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal, Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award, Major Fun Award, Dr. Toy’s 10 Best Games, Tillywig Laugh Out Load Award, Parents’ Choice Approved. 2/17/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Forbidden Island™ by GAMEWRIGHT

Dare to discover Forbidden Island! Join a team of fearless adventurers on a do-or-die mission to capture four sacred treasures from the ruins of this perilous paradise. Your team will have to work together and make some pulse-pounding maneuvers, as the island will sink beneath every step! Race to collect the treasures and make a triumphant escape before getting swallowed into the watery abyss. Includes 58 playing cards, 24 island tiles, 6 pawns, 4 treasure figurines, 1 water meter, 1 water level marker, and Rules of play. For 2-4 players.
Awards: 2010 Mensa Select, Creative Child Magazine Game of the Year, FunFare All Star Award, FamilyFun Magazine Toy of the Year Award, Parents’ Choice Recommended.
Launch date: Spring 2010.
 2/17/2010 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sumo Ham Slam™ by GAMEWRIGHT

In Sumo Ham Slam, players step into the fierce and furry world of full-contact Sumo hamster wrestling. Using magnetic force, maneuver a Sumo hamster and try to knock the other player's hamster out of the ring. The player that wins the most rounds claims the title of Sumo Ham Slam Grand Champ. Includes 1 elevated game board, 1 custom die, 1 champion chip, 2 magnetic wands, 4 sumo hamsters, 4 scoring pegs, 60 food tokens, and Rules of play. For 2-4 players. "Sumo Ham Slam is a skill and action game featuring adorable sumo wrestling hamsters!" Gamewright Marketing Coordinator Emily Nichols told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award, Tillywig Sterling Fun Award, Major Fun Award, Dr. Toy’s Best New Products Picks 2/17/2010 (Price: $26.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Order's Up!™: The Ring-a-Ding Diner Game by GAMEWRIGHT

It's rush hour at the Ring-a-Ding Diner and you must hurry to serve a table full of hungry customers. Roll the die to add dishes to your tray. Roll a Free Meal or snag the Special of the Day to help fill your order. And if you roll a bell, it's a mad dash to grab your grub before another player beats you to the lunch! Be the first to complete all your orders and - DING! - you're the winner! Game includes 64 tiles, 16 guest checks, 1 custom die, 1 bell, Rules of play, and Instrucciones en Español. For 2-6 players. Launch date: Spring 2010
Awards: 2010 Dr. Toy’s Best Vacation Products, Creative Child Magazine Game of the Year, iParenting Media Award, Major Fun Award, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award, Parents’ Choice Approved, National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Honors.
 2/17/2010 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Snipe Hunt by EDUCATION OUTDOORS

The Snipe hunt game can be played with two people, two teams or special * single seeker play, and incorporates both indoor/outdoor activity and good old fashion fun. The object of Snipe is Be the first team/person to find the other team/persons snipe and return it to its nest. After the players have hidden their snipe the other player will try to find it. After a period of time, if the Snipes have not been discovered, they will chirp and then their eyes will light up. Each game comes with two snipes, (named Biela and Smartin) and a Snipe nest. The packaging tells the story behind the legendary campfire animals. ( Watch Video) 2/17/2010 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mario Kart DS by CARRERA

Kids race Mario B-Dasher and Peach Royale down straights, around curves, through loop and flyover as they chase each other. The race set comes with Mario B-Dasher and Peach Royale, transformer, connecting section, two speed controllers, straights, curves, flyover, looping section, guard rails and supports. Launch date: February 8, 2010. 2/11/2010 (Price: $89.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Le Boomb! Counter Display by MAYFAIR GAMES INC.

Some of the fun and frivolous uses found for this game are determining the starting player, or deciding who is going to pay for snacks, or dinner. It can be played with a large group of people to spark a bedlam of humor. Le Boomb!™ is available from any of Mayfair's distributors or directly from Mayfair. Each Le Boomb! ™ is presented in a small clamshell that may be placed on a shelf, or peg hooked, depending upon your needs. The rules are tiny and fit on the back of the information header card inside each clamshell. As a side note, the bomb opens like an Easter Egg and the die can be stored within. Le Boomb! ™ is packed in a display box of 12 pieces featuring seven colors. Each display contains six black Le Boomb! and one each of six other colors: Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, White and Purple. Launch date: December 2009. 2/11/2010 (Price: $54.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

PigZup by BLUE ORANGE GAMES

In turn, players flip their top card. As soon as two cards match, both players with matching cards race to stack up the requested number of piggies with the right color on top. The goal is to be the first player to get rid of all his cards to win the game. "How quick and precise are your fingers? Find out as you build piggy piles in this lively stacking game. Stay on your hooves! There is more than one silly way to stack up your piggies," Bert Devort, Sales Department, Blue Orange Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 14, 2010.
— "Loved this game," Kate Tanner of Kidstop Toys told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010. ( Watch Video) 2/4/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Peek Poker by BLUE ORANGE GAMES

Players use their three dice hidden in their see-through cup and three community dice to make their combinations. The winner will be the one who can combine enough luck and strategy to walk off with all the chips! "Peek Poker is a fast-paced, fun and relaxed dice version of its cousin, Texas Hold’em Poker. Think you have got a good hand? Challenge your opponents ... And beware of bluffers, they’ll fill you with doubt!" Bert Devort, Sales Department, Blue Orange Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 14, 2010.
— "We always love new things from Blue Orange Games," shared John MacDougall, owner of Golden Apple Learning Store in Pleasanton, Calif., at Toy Fair 2010. "Peek Poker Holdem will be another hit for us!" ( Watch Video) 2/4/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Golden Gate by BLUE ORANGE GAMES

Cards are played in sequence, progressing up or down. A player sets down cards in number order. A yellow card means to take a chip out of the Golden Gate. But then, there's some skill involved: Can a player place them at the right times to get the best chips? Or will the opportunity pass? Getting stuck with red cards means a loss of chips. "Golden Gate is an exciting card game in which you combine a little bit of luck with the right plays to start piling up your points. It’s a fast, friendly showdown for the gold with the fine craftsmanship and colorful designs you’ve come to expect from Blue Orange Games," Bert Devort, Sales Department, Blue Orange Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 14, 2010. ( Watch Video) 2/4/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]