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

Let's Make Pizza by FAMILY PASTIMES

In this game, the players are prep cooks in a Pizza Shop and have to help Chef fill the pizza orders coming in while keeping an eye on how hot the oven is getting. Players don't want to burn any pizzas. Often one player on a turn will set up the next player for a good move. Next time round, they may get help from someone else. That's the fun of co-oper­ative play. It allows different ages to play together. Comes with three levels of play- The red dot game is for beginners and young players. Add the green dot cards for a tougher game. Add the yellow dot cards for the most challenging version. Includes 36 Cards, consisting of 6 Pizza Orders, 5 Ovens, 25 Ingredients and Rules. 7/20/2011 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Party Gras by ZOBMONDO ENTERTAINMENT

Features 36 party gras bead strings, 300 party gras cards, 1 rule sheet, for ages 13 and older. 4 to 12 players. Party gras is a perfect way to spice up any social occasion. Unlike other games, you won’t be stuck sitting around a table. Players stand up, move around and try to cleverly complete the lively mission on their cards. Mind control: make someone refuse to throw away the trash. Caught in the act: catch someone text messaging. Talk it out: find someone who likes werewolves better than vampires. Players must use charm and wit to get those sparkly beads away from others, all while they’re trying to get beads from their opponents. Collect the most beads to win. 10 or more minutes to play. Created by GaZima Games. 7/6/2011 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wild Guess Chase by ALL THE KING'S GAMES

Who will be the player/team to win the most cards by guessing other players' words correctly the fastest, and with the fewest letters possible?  Players take turns making a word from the lettered cards in their hand, but they don’t show their word to any of the other players. Instead, they place each lettered card of their word face down on the table.  Then... the first letter of the word is revealed (and the timer is started) as the other players begin to shout out possible words for what the hidden word could be. A player must guess the word before the timer runs out... so if at any time two or more players agree to see another letter, another card is turned over and players continue to try and guess the word. The player who first guesses the hidden word correctly wins the number of cards that are still left face down... or ALL of the cards if the word is discovered with only one letter revealed. Launch date: June 2012. ( Watch Video) 6/27/2011 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Smartrix by FOXMIND GAMES

Players place their cards so that the patterns match, aiming to create point-scoring sets. Smartrix can be appreciated on several levels; for beginners, it is a smart and fun matching game. As players' skills improve, Smartrix provides deep and captivating strategy, combining memory, risk-taking, tactics and a touch of luck.  Contents: 70 cards; Game rules. Launch date: June 2010.
Awards: 2010 6/6 Consumer Guide Canada 6/24/2011 (Price: $11.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cards Against Humanity by CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY INC

Cards Against Humanity is a "party game for horrible people." The game is simple. Each round, one player asks a question from a Black Card, and everyone else answers with their funniest White Card. Includes 550 cards (460 White cards and 90 Black cards); over 13 duodecillion possible rounds (10^40) with 6 players; professionally printed on premium playing cards; includes game rules and alternate rules; shrink-wrapped in a custom box.
— As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.9 out of 5 stars from 865 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Very interactive; humorous; great party game. Cons: One reviewer said some of the cards were "a bit too much;" some references might not be known by everyone. 6/16/2011 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zeven Card Zombie by MINDTWISTER USA

Zeven Card Zombie is like a Rummy game, but with Zombies and more interaction between the players. The object of the game is for players to lay down a matching hand of Seven Zombie cards first. Five cards are dealt, ten brain markers are given to each player, and during game play two cards are always picked up and discarded. Players play Zeven Card Zombie and collect cards to keep the brains of victims, while using the military Commando Team to rescue them from their opponents. Beware the Zombie Hunter as she will slay the minions on the spot- but don’t worry, for the wretched Grave Digger can always get what players need. Launch date: August 2010. 5/27/2011 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Perfect Stride by FUNLEAGUE INC

Experience Perfect Stride, the exciting horse-themed card game for 2-4 players ages 8 and up using our Junior/Basic rules. Players are riders who partner up with a horse of their choosing for a high-speed race across the countryside over a hidden course of jumps. Riders collect ribbons with each successful jump as they race toward the finish line. The rider with the most ribbon points wins the game. Launch date: September 2010. 5/27/2011 (Price: $24.95)

Where is Leo? by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

In this game, players have to hunt for and describe where Leo the Lion may be hiding. Cards show the real location in the lower left corner, and the "last place I saw Leo" is in the thought or speech bubble above each animal's head. Players race to follow the route and find Leo's real location. For example, the frog last saw Leo asleep in his bed. Players scan the circle of card tiles to find the bed in the lower left corner of the tile and discover that the bed is in the Bear's room. But Leo is not there. The bear last saw Leo at the lighthouse. And so it goes.
Awards: Spring 2011 Parents Choice Recommended Award  5/27/2011 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dominion: Cornucopia by RIO GRANDE GAMES

The peasants have spent a hard week scything hay in the fields, but tonight the festivities begin, starting with a sumptuous banquet of roast hay. Then, the annual nose-stealing competition. Then you have two jesters, one who always lies, one who always tells the truth, both hilariously. This celebration will truly have something for everyone.This is the 5th addition to the game of Dominion. It adds 13 new Kingdom cards to Dominion, plus 5 unique cards. The central theme is variety; there are cards that reward you for having a variety of cards in your deck, in your hand, and in play, as well cards that help you get that variety. 5/24/2011 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

2011 Spring Tin: Pokemon Trading Card Game: by POKEMON USA

Each 2011 Pokemon Trading Card Game Sneak-Peek Tepig Tin contains a basic Pokemon Tepig preview card from the Pokemon TCG Black & White expansion, as well as a Tepig collectible figure. Each tin also contains a special Black & White preview pack with 5 more new Pokemon. In addition, included is 4 more Pokemon TCG booster packs from Call of Legends, the HS Series, or the Platinum Series. 5/24/2011 (Price: $13.95)

Pokemon Card Game Black White Special Edition Victini Box by POKEMON USA

This special edition set comes with 5 Black & White Booster Packs, 1 Foil Promo Card and a mini PVC figure of Victini. 5/24/2011 (Price: $20.00)

Magic the Gathering: MTG New Phyrexia Fat Pack by WIZARDS OF THE COAST

New Phyrexia is the third set in the Scars of Mirrodin block. The set features 175 black-bordered cards, including randomly inserted premium versions of all cards in the set. Contains: nine boosters, 80 land cards, a Spindown life counter, a player's guide, a card storage box, and two 60-card deck boxes (Contents subject to change). 5/24/2011 (Price: $36.65) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Steam™ Map Expansion #1 by MAYFAIR

The first of Mayfair’s expansions to Steam, this set offers three tracks in the same pack. One side has a map of the Mid-Atlantic United States. The other side has two maps: Belgium & Luxembourg and the Brussels Metro. These boards are sure to challenge Steams players with their region-specific rules and challenging topography. Details on the three maps included — Belgium & Luxembourg: An Expansion for 2 Players, Build an Importing Empire. Brussels Metro: An Expansion for 3 Players, Develop Intercity Transit. Mid-Atlantic US: An Expansion for 3-7 Players, Railroad Empires in the Civil War Era. Also Included: An Extra Steam Tile Sheet. NOTE: Requires ownership of MFG4551 Steam™ to play. 5/6/2011 (Price: $24.00)

Pictionary by HASBRO INC.

In this quick-draw classic, the sketches draw loads of laughs- but the guesses can be even more hilarious. Roll the six-sided challenge die for extra-silly scenarios; no two games will ever be alike. Play in teams, large or small. Game includes game board, one-minute timer, 4 pencil pawns, 4 pencils, 4 pads of paper, card box, card deck, standard die and challenge die, and instructions.
— As of 05/20/2011 this product had 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com from 9 reviews. Pros: Helps improve vocabulary; fun for the whole family. Cons: Some players didn't like the new updates to the game; One person said it was too hard. 5/5/2011 (Price: $26.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Non-Trivial Quest by NON-TRIVIAL QUEST LLC

Non-Trivial Quest challenges players by asking questions about all the things they need to know for real life- it's trivia that isn't trivial. For instance, what does one do with a computer one no longer needs? The cards have the question and provide the answer. Aimed at families and friendly groups, Non-Trivial Quest is educational and helps stimulate conversation. The first person to get to the finish line wins. The game includes 300 Questions & Answer cards, a game board, 2 dice, 8 pawn tokens, a card tray, and an instruction sheet. The categories include Health & Nutrition; Math, Science & Technology; Money & Economics; Law, Civics & Sociology; Computer & Internet; and History & Geography. For 2-8 players. ( Watch Video) 4/25/2011 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Flip Six Card Game by U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.

Adorable graphics, colorful cards, and easy-to-learn game play come together in this great new family game that provides “flippin’ good fun for everyone.”

In Flip Six, even young players learn adding and subtracting strategies as they get rid of their high cards. Starting each round with six cards, players try to reduce their points by getting rid of cards and/or swapping them for lower cards. After ten rounds, player with the lowest cumulative score wins.

Game includes 55 cards, including negative numbers. 4/22/2011 (Price: $6.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Word Braniac by HILEA ENTERPRISES

Word Braniac includes 120 Letter Cards, 1 Game Timer and 1 copy of Word Brainiac Games Booklet-Volume 1, featuring 5 entertaining and educational word games- all contained in a handy re-closable plastic pouch. There are also instructions to 45 more games on Word Braniac's website- players can play a different game every time. Kids can enjoy a game alone or play with their friends, and can compete against each other or battle as teams. There are games for kids, adults and older folks. There are games for students and those wanting to learn English as their second language. All games are excellent vocabulary-builders. Some focus on English grammar and general academic subjects. Most entail abstract and logical thinking. Each game rewards individual risk-taking while some games promote team building.25% of your purchase will fund youth-oriented development projects. 4/21/2011 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bag-O-Loot by BAG-O-LOOT

Bag-o-Loot is a new card game that combines strategy, luck, interaction and emotions. During their turn, players can create sets of matching cards called collections, steal collections from other players, or complete a set, making a Bag-O-Loot. But players must be wary- The Bag-O-Loot could be a bluff. Players must outwit or outguess their opponents and try to commit a robbery to end the round. "It is just as fun and engaging for a group of adults to play, a group of kids to play, or a mixed group of adults and kids to play," John Shelley, president of Bag-O-Loot, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2011 Dr. Toy's Best Picks; 2011 Preferred Choice Award in the category of Family Card Games from Creative Child Magazine.
— As of 10/19/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews on Amazon.com.
 3/22/2011 (Price: $9.99)

Analyze Me by BLUE ORANGE GAMES

Analyze Me is filled with questions designed to help players get to know their family and friends a little better. Players ask a question from 1 of 4 categories: Work Life, Private Life, Social Life and Play Life. The others submit a card face-down indicating their answer (either A,B or C). If the player guesses who answered what correctly they win the category card. The first player to collect 1 of each category card wins the game. "Analyze Me is the perfect party game to play with friends and family. It will lead to lively discussions, a few secrets and a little honesty as your opponents become confidants," Nicole Britton at Blue Orange Games told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2011. 3/22/2011 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Noval by REDTAIL INDUSTRIES INC.

Noval is a strategy-based card game for 2-4 players, featuring uniquely shaped cards and easy to learn gameplay. The first player without any cards wins. Seems easy enough, but Noval is packed full of surprises and often frustrating twists. Kids will have fun bragging after they force other players to pick up piles of cards, and opponenys will have fun trying to get revenge by making the player do the same. There is no complicated score keeping and game rules are simple and exciting. Players match or beat other players cards. If they can’t they pick up the pile of already played cards. Three hidden cards will keep players guessing who will win down to their last card. 3/21/2011 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

UNO Roboto by MATTEL INC.

For the first time ever players are able to customize and personalize their UNO game with UNO Roboto. Record each player’s name and set unique house rules, then let UNO Roboto get the party started with surprise commands and funny phrases that change-up the game every time. 3/17/2011 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

StoryPlay Cards by THINK-A-LOT TOYS

StoryPlay Cards are an illustrated set of 88 cards plus two wild cards. They are for 1 or more players. Kids can use them for storytelling: Deal 5-7 cards per person and then have each person tell a story using the cards in their hands. There are people, places, objects, elements and treasures (among others). These cards can also be used for playing a wide variety of card games. They also can be used as a simple way for kids to talk about their day: Lay out some or all of the cards. The child picks the one that says something about their day or how they are feeling and shares it with others. 3/15/2011 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hit the Trail by EDUCATION OUTDOORS

Hit the Trail comes packaged in a mini backpack which includes 72 cards, 3 dice, and pencil. Each player is dealt 7 cards. The player then picks a card and lays it face up. (This is where the strategy comes in) Do you pick a lower point card or a higher point card? The Youngest player then rolls the three dice, trying to match one of the die or combination of dice to their card amount which is face up. Each time the die/dice combination match the player's card that is face up, the player gets to move the card into their “mile pile” trying to be the first to hike 100 miles. Players must beware of getting caught with a “cooler card” – like the mother bear & cubs in the trail. If you get caught with one of the three cooler cards you loose 10 miles. Other twists in the game include bonus rolls if the player’s dice totals the card amount that is face up. Don’t forget to look out for the trips /doubles rule which is when any of the dice come up with doubles or triples. You take a card from the person to your right. Launch date: May 2011.
Watch Toy Fair 2011 Video ( Watch Video) 3/2/2011 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Befuzzled by FUN Q GAMES, INC.

Players take turns flipping over cards that show different shapes. The first to complete the correct action wins that card. The game keeps it exciting by shuffling the actions and their corresponding shapes after each round.
See Toy Fair 2011 Video ( Watch Video) 2/22/2011 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Hunger Games: Training Days by NECA

From the best-selling book comes The Hunger Games: Training Days Strategy Game. Training Days allows 2-6 players to follow in the footsteps of their favorite Tributes as they compete in the days leading up to the arena. Includes 18 Tribute Cards representing the female and male Tributes from 9 districts, a deck of 45 Challenge cards featuring: 24 Events, 8 Special Events, 10 Alliances, and 3 End of Day cards. Plus, Effort Tokens for each District, Approval Rating Score Board, and 6-sided dice. 2/22/2011 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]