April 2011 Notable Toys — General Games

Who would win a pie eating contest: Marilyn Monroe or Albert Einstein? Players can settle this and other timeless debates in this hilarious party game of improbable celebrity matchups. Players draw cards and then convince the judge why thier character would win a randomly chosen event. The person who gets the most votes wins the game. Contents include 200 cards, Sand timer, and Rules of play. For three or more players; playing time is approximately 15 minutes.

Stack ‘em up … Knock ‘em down. First, players race to build one of five structures by matching up the patterns on your blocks. Then use the battle die to knock off the opponent's crown. Depending on the player's roll, they may get to attack with an avalanche of boulders, a wall-smashing ogre, or even a fire-breathing dragon. The player who racks up the most victory points is crowned the king of the block. Contents include 30 victory tokens, 28 wooden blocks, 4 structure guides, 1 battle die, Rules of play, and Rules in Spanish. Estimated playing time of 15 minutes.

This card game that casts players in a contest to build the mightiest Gub colony. Player seek wisdom from The Esteemed Elder or take shelter from a Toad Rider as they fend off a myriad of traps, lures, and other surprising events. Victory lies down an ever-changing path and no one is safe until the final card falls. Contents include  70 cards and Rules of play. For 2-6 players; game time is approximately 20 minutes.

Go head-to-head against your opponent in this tactical game of city planning. Draw a shape card and then simultaneously try to fit the matching tile into your city grids. Plot wisely, as you must always have space to play your next piece. Build your city without going over the limits and consider yourself the master planner. Contents include 42 city tiles, 21 cards, 4 starter tiles, 2 game boards, Rules of play, and Rules in Spanish.

Roll the die and then drop the wooden pebble into the pond. Did any colorful shapes splash out? If so, match them up to your playing board. Be the first to fill up your board and then dry off with a win. Contents include 50 wooden droplets, 4 character boards,1 custom die, 1 wooden pebble, 1 game board, Rules of play, and Rules in Spanish. Estimated game time is 15 minutes.

Swim along with Swirly Shirley, Betsy Bubbles, Rip Rider, and a colorful cast of undersea characters as you try to collect the most seashell cards. Watch out for sneaky waves and icky seaweed along the way. Most of all - don’t get caught holding the sea monster at the end of the game. This card game was invented by 8 year old Emily Ehlers.

Pillow Pets Dreamland Adventure Game and the Pillow Pets Dreamland Matching Game. Children can set sail on an exciting journey through seven continents as they race to enter My Pillow Pets Dreamland. Along the way they encounter adventures, adorable My Pillow Pet friends, and even some pitfalls. The Dreamland Matching Game hones children’s memory skills and focus as they try and match some of their My Pillow Pet favorites.
Awards: 2010 Top 10 Holiday Toys for Toys R Us; Hot Dozen by FunFare Magazine (2010); iParenting Media Excellent Product award (2009); Mr. Dad Seal of Approval (2009); Dr. Toy Best Vacation Products (2009).

The Chairman of the Board has gone missing - presumed dead. A new Chairman must be appointed. Each player has the opportunity to become Chairman, to do so you must first acquire 100.000 company shares from the outer square. This is done by the decisions you make with the cards you hold and those you discard. With 100.000 company shares you may enter into the Promotion inner circle, you must now become a Manager and then "wheedle" your way to become a Director. Now you are ready to make the final move and become Chairman of the Board. All the time your opponents will try to outsmart you, take your personal shares, block you with a Veto card or trick you with a Joker card. They too want to become Chairman of the Board and will show no mercy. They will sell you out or buy you out on their way. You may have to trade or bargain with them - you must have a strategy and you must never lose sight of you goal. You will become Chairman of the Board. For 2-6 players. Playing time: approx. 45 minutes.