TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Board Games Product Category

Cluck 'N' Chuck by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

Cluck 'N' Chuck is a game that’s bursting with fun – and chickens! This game for two to four players will leave kids in hysterics as they try to contain runaway chickens. Players roll the die to see which chickens they can chuck into the coop. But move quickly before the coop jumps up and they all fly out. It’s a race to see who can round up their chickens first in this rowdy cluck-cluck game. For ages 4 and up. 7/3/2012 (Price: $16.99)

Don't Rock the Boat by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

Don’t Rock the Boat will have kids channeling their inner pirates without fear of having to walk the plank! The play pieces for this game are fun pirate penguins, and play takes place aboard their pirate ship. Take turns trying to balance the pirate penguins on the ship, but if you rock the boat and send some mateys overboard, ye be a loser! For ages 5 and up. Launch date: 2012. 7/3/2012 (Price: $16.99)

Big Little Games - Super Shooter Basketball by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

Super Shooter Basketball is for one or more players. Shoot hoops with the miniature basketballs and gain mad skills! The game includes rules for three well-known games. Super Shooter Basketball is for ages 5 and up. Launch date: 2012. 7/3/2012 (Price: $8.99)

Big Little Games - Spurtle Turtle by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

Spurtle Turtle is also for one or more players. In this fun matching game, press the button on the turtle’s back to spurt out tokens. Then, find the matching sets of tokens! The turtle is also a convenient storage case. Spurtle Turtle is for ages 3 and up. Launch date: 2012. 7/3/2012 (Price: $8.99)

Empire Express by MAYFAIR GAMES INC.

In Empire Express, players create competing railroad empires by drawing railroad tracks with crayons upon an erasable board. Players win if they utilize their network of rail lines to acquire and deliver goods efficiently to accumulate the largest personal fortune. The base game provides pre-programed routes on a board depicting a north eastern portion of the US with demand cards providing players with an easy way to learn the system through play. Players start with the bare bones of a railroad: an empty train and track connecting some cities. Each turn players take turns building track, operating trains, and delivering loads. The bank will pay players for each delivered load. With the starting route guided by the board, only two loads per card and a visual pick-up and delivery guide on every card the learning curve is greatly shortened. For 2-4 players, 90+ minute game time. 7/2/2012 (Price: $30.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tsuro of the Seas by CALLIOPE GAMES

In Tsuro of the Seas players will sail the treacherous waters of the Mystic Seas in an engaging game of adventure and suspense. As the captain of one of the Emperor’s mighty Red Seal ships, players navigate the seas by placing Tsuro wake tiles to direct their vessel. Players must take great caution to avoid opponents’ ships...and those mysteries lurking on the horizon and under the sea. The last captain sailing to survive the mystic seas wins. For 2 to 8 players ages 8 and up; plays in 20-40 minutes. Launch date: August 2012. 6/27/2012 (Price: $40.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Buzzlewords® The Spelling Bee Game Level 4 - 7th & 8th grade by THE SPELLING BEE GAME INC.

BUZZLEWORDS® - The Spelling Bee Game is the most fun that children and adults can have while learning spelling, reading and vocabulary. Because the spelling words are taken from actual school word lists, children will master all of the spelling words for his or her grade level just by playing the game. In addition, by reading the words to the speller and by looking up the meanings of words for the speller,  children will improve his or her reading and vocabulary skills while having fun, without even realizing it. Includes Game Board, Tri-Colored Die, 6 Bee Playing Pieces, 300 BUZZLEWORD Cards, 50 BUZZLEBEE Cards. 6/22/2012 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Buzzlewords® The Spelling Bee Game Level 3 — 5th & 6th grade by THE SPELLING BEE GAME INC.

BUZZLEWORDS® - The Spelling Bee Game is the most fun that children and adults can have while learning spelling, reading and vocabulary. Because the spelling words are taken from actual school word lists, children will master all of the spelling words for his or her grade level just by playing the game. In addition, by reading the words to the speller and by looking up the meanings of words for the speller,  children will improve his or her reading and vocabulary skills while having fun, without even realizing it. Includes Game Board, Tri-Colored Die, 6 Bee Playing Pieces, 300 BUZZLEWORD Cards, 50 BUZZLEBEE Cards. 6/22/2012 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Buzzlewords® The Spelling Bee Game Level 2 - 3rd & 4th grade by THE SPELLING BEE GAME INC.

BUZZLEWORDS® - The Spelling Bee Game is the most fun that children and adults can have while learning spelling, reading and vocabulary. Because the spelling words are taken from actual school word lists, children will master all of the spelling words for his or her grade level just by playing the game. In addition, by reading the words to the speller and by looking up the meanings of words for the speller,  children will improve his or her reading and vocabulary skills while having fun, without even realizing it. Includes Game Board, Tri-Colored Die, 6 Bee Playing Pieces, 300 BUZZLEWORD Cards, 50 BUZZLEBEE Cards. 6/22/2012 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Catch a Falling Star by PLAYROOM ENTERTAINMENT


A mysterious shooting star has fallen to earth and is stuck on the clothes line. Now players can try to give back the rays to the little star as carefully as possible, without letting any pieces fall down.  Some rays will stick to the star, while others will not. For 1-5 players. ( Watch Video) 6/21/2012 (Price: $35.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kindness Kingdom by MARVELOUSLY WELL-MANNERED LLC

This marvelous manners game encourages empathy, develops social skills and nurtures a kindness of spirit that will help each player lead a more enjoyable and thoughtful life.
— As of 10/4/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on Amazon.com. ( Watch Video) 6/21/2012 (Price: $35.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Madd Capp Checkers - Dogs by E11EVEN LLC

MADD CAPP™ CHECKERS adds a strategic twist, more risk and more fun. What's the twist? A unique dice popper means players can move their own dog bowls and even their opponent's bowls.
— As of 12/6/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com. ( Watch Video) 6/21/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Quadefy by MARANDA ENTERPRISES LLC.

Easy to learn and quick to play, Quadefy uses visual spatial skills and strategies to keep players on their toes. When playing Quadefy, players have to think a little bit strategist and a little bit puzzle builder. Players take turns stacking their game pieces on the base, each attempting to keep their entire game piece "in bounds." "In bounds" means that the piece must be completely over the game base and no more than four "cubes" high. The first player to force their opponent to have to play out of bounds wins. Every move is both offensive and defensive. The rules have been drafted so that there is always a winner, no ties, stalemates, or cat's games. Hand crafted from high quality hardwoods, Quadefy is pretty enough to be left out on the coffee table or bookshelf to be played again and again. Playing time: 3-5 minutes; 2 players.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toys 6/19/2012 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pathagon by MARANDA ENTERPRISES LLC.

In Pathagon, players take turns placing their wooden game pieces on the board in an attempt to build a path from one side of the game board to the other. There is a "trapping" move that allows a player to "trap" and remove one of their opponents game pieces from the board. The first player to complete the path wins. The catch is that the two paths cross. Every move has an offensive and defensive consideration. Pathagon is simple enough to be played by children, strategic enough to engage a true gamer. The rules have been drafted so that there is always a winner, no ties, stalemates, or cat's games. Hand crafted from high quality hardwoods, Pathagon is pretty enough to be left out on the coffee table or bookshelf to be played again and again. Playing time: 10-20 minutes; 2 player game.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toys 6/19/2012 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Eternas by MARANDA ENTERPRISES LLC.

Eternas is a four in a row style game in which the first player to place four bead of their color in a row, either vertically, horizontally or diagonally, wins the game. Conceived around the shape of the circle (the symbol for eternity) Eternas was designed for borderless play. The rules have been drafted so that there is always a winner, no ties, stalemates, or cat's games. Hand crafted from high quality hardwoods, Eternas is pretty enough to be left out on the coffee table or bookshelf to be played again and again. Playing time: 5-10 minutes; 2 player game.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toys 6/19/2012 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Anti-Virus by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC

Anti-Virus is a sliding puzzle game with a new twist: Tiles that only slide diagonally and can move in groups. 60 challenges with 5 levels to keep the body and mind healthy. 6/8/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Castles of Burgundy by RAVENSBURGER

15th century princes from the Loire Valley devote their efforts to strategic trading and building in order to bring their estates prosperity and prominence throughout Burgundy. Two dice set the action options, but the players always make the final choices. Trading, livestock farming, city building or scientific research many different paths lead to the prosperity and prominence of the players. The many ways to gain victory points in this building game require careful thought and extensive planning ahead. The different estates ensure that no two games are alike and that the game remains challenging for long time. 5/25/2012 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Electronic Labyrinth by RAVENSBURGER

Collect the magic gems and free the Wizard in Electronic Labyrinth. The enchanted Labyrinth is in danger. The evil witch Grimelda banished the wise wizard Akata, guardian of the Labyrinth, into a magic book. Can players break her evil spell and free the wizard? Dangers lurk everywhere; Grimelda has put a curse on anyone who has tried to save him and turned them into mythical creatures. Contents: 1 playing board, 1 magic book, 37 Labyrinth cards, 17 object cards, 5 treasure chest cards, 4 mission scrolls, 4 magic keys, 4 playing pieces, 60 gems, instructions. For 2-6 players. Playing time: 45-60 minutes. 5/25/2012 (Price: $50.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Duple by ANOMIA PRESS

Duple is a quick-thinking game of symbol matching and word-finding. Players flip letter cards in turn until the symbols on two players' cards match. Matching players face-off by being the first to shout a word which contains the letters on both cards. Correct answers must be at least 5 letters long and conform to ever-changing categories. Wild Cards and Cascades create unexpected face-offs and the All Play card gets everyone facing off a once. Distributed by Everest. Launch date: February 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 5/25/2012

Polar Eclipse™ by TURN4TURN INC

Polar Eclipse is an educational board game created to raise awareness about climate change and lifestyle choices. Published in 2011 by turn 4 turn llc. based in Park City, Utah, the game is created for global citizens 8 years and older. Designed, tested and re-tested with students who attend a Utah K-8 charter school, the game offers players the opportunity to add their ideas to the discussion and move toward their survival by doing so. The game board is a warm to cool, and past to future grid; a game about time and temperature. The object of the game is, as one of five species, to make it into the future and get cooler, to survive. If you hit 100 your species becomes extinct and you are out of the game. The motivation to create this game comes from the inventors background as an elementary teacher and the concern for the natural world. By playing the game, it is hoped that the mix of experience that sparks awareness, concern and stewardship to protect the natural world will expand. Knowledge is power. The game includes a die to set your place in time, 184 event cards to experience cause and effect, 64 arctic cards to offer open-ended and multiple choice questions, five players/species, the game board and a rules and reference booklet. Playing time ranges from twenty to forty-five minutes depending on the set of cards you play and number of players. Eight blank event cards are included to create your own events to add to the game. A secondary activity is to sort the event cards into sets of eight cards, by a symbol on the card, and assemble puzzles that make up the photographs on the cover and sides of the game box.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Green Toys 5/18/2012 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Treasure Hunt - Objects & Shapes Game by BEGINAGAIN

This 65-piece set features five game ideas that introduce and teach shapes and objects with unique tactile game play. Little pirates will be ready for games like "The Sneaky Seeker", "The Blindfold Grab", matching games, and more. For a traditional favorite, flip the game board over and play a classic game of Checkers. Clean up is easy as the 18"x18" game board has a Velcro pocket for storage and play. The gameboard is also a great map for role play adventures. BeginAgain uses plant-based and recycled materials whenever possible. The treasure map game board is made from natural (unbleached, unprocessed) cotton and the 20 game cards and 20 matching game pieces are made from recycled paperboard and colored with water-based inks. The 24 treasure coins are made from natural rubber (from rubber tree).
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Green Toys 5/18/2012 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Super Scrabble Deluxe Edition by WINNING MOVES GAMES

Deluxe Super Scrabble combines the "bigger. better" game play of Super scrabble with an innovative gameboard that holds letter tiles firmly in place. Launch date: July 2012. 5/11/2012 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

TriBond by WINNING MOVES GAMES

The Classic Game of Threezer® Riddles. The fun starts with three seemingly unrelated clues.  What do Roses, Doughnuts and Jurors have in common? Players win the card if their team guesses, “They come in dozens.”  How about A Violinist, An Archer, A Fancy Gift? (They all have bows!) First team to collect the winning number of cards claims victory. TriBond “Threezers” are challenging, clever and contagious. The game’s edge-of-your-seat excitement has sparked sales of over 3 million copies. Launch date: July 2012. 5/11/2012 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Off Your Rocker by STRATUS GAMES LLC

Players and the rest of the group all share a quirky problem that is interfering with their lives, so they have gathered together and invited a psychiatrist to figure out what’s wrong. Will the psychiatrist be able to diagnose the problem, or will he end up just as crazy as the players? Launch date: July 2012.
— "This is that rare party game that combines zany interactivity with a solid yet simple mechanical structure. As a patient, it’s a lot of fun to learn your secret prompt and know that the psychiatrist player doesn’t know it. As the psychiatrist, it can be challenging and hilarious to watch your friends act crazy." - a review on Wired.com. 4/27/2012 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

DiceAFARI by STRATUS GAMES LLC

Kids and their friends are going on a photo safari. To see as many animals as possible, they will have to plan their trip well. Whoever visits the most areas and takes the best photographs will be the safari champion. Launch date: July 2012.
— "My little geeks and I have played DiceAFARI a number of times and keep enjoying it more and more. The dice certainly add an element of randomness and luck to the game but also act as an equalizer...Light, flexible, customizable, and accessible, DiceAFARI is a fun game that will challenge and entertain." - Review on FatherGeek.com. 4/27/2012 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]