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

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][?]

Mysterious Creatures by EDUCATION OUTDOORS

Mysterious Creatures the Game was created to engage player's curiosity in the mysteries of nature that exist across the world. The game takes each player on an adventure/race across the globe in search of their creature's evidence cards. The first player to collect all 3 evidence cards and make it back to their creature's country of origin wins. Along the way players will learn geography, country flags, and a multitude of info about creatures that may or may not exist. All the card art for each creature incorporates the flag of its native country. Other features include the set-backs for natural phenomena like the Bermuda Triangle.
Watch video from Toy Fair 2011

( Watch Video) 2/22/2011 [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][?]

V-Cube 7 by V CUBES NORTH AMERICA

Similar to a Rubik’s Cube, this multicolored cube has seven rows and columns users have to align. 2/22/2011 (Price: $40.54) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Phone Frenzy by BUFFALO GAMES INC.

Phone Frenzy is a board game that uses everyone’s mobile phone as the primary game component for calling, texting, and sending photos.  Every turn, players are given a challenge or activity that can only be completed with the help of one or more of their phone contacts.  A challenge might be a race to receive a correct response to “Finish this lyric by Journey:  ‘Just a small town girl’…”  Players pick who they think are the right contacts from their phone and send them a text message with the question.  The first player to receive the correct text message wins the round. Launch date: Summer 2011. ( Watch Video) 2/22/2011 (Price: $22.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Angry Birds Knock on Wood Board Game by MATTEL INC.

One player draws a construction card and builds the structure shown. Next, an opponent loads an Angry Bird onto the launcher and catapults the bird to knock down structures and pigs. The player with the most points and knockdowns wins. Features three Angry Birds, four green pigs, one slingshot-style launcher, structure pieces and multiple mission cards. For one or more players. Launch date: May 2011.
— As of 12/17/2012 this product had 3.9 out of 5 stars from 252 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Great alternative to the app for parents who want to reduce kids' screen time; fun for the family to play together; helps kids develop dexterity and patience. Cons: Certain structures are too elaborate to build and don't seem to be grouped in the correct level of difficulty; kids with short attention spans may lose interest in building the structures; structures are easy to knock down, which can be frustrating for younger players. 2/18/2011 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Baffler by GAMEWRIGHT

Each puzzle image is randomly designed and cut in the oddest ways to make it as tricky as possible. The Baffler has no straight edges, no overlapping images and many unique shapes. Each of the three puzzles in the series has a unique piece count: 67 pieces, 69 pieces and 78 pieces. "The puzzles feature unique shapes and no straight edges," Emily Giurleo, marketing coordinator at Ceaco, told TDmonthly.
— David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2012 survey that puzzles from Gamewright/Ceaco were among his best sellers. 2/9/2011 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mahjong Junior by FACTOR FAMILY LLC

Mahjong Junior is an introduction to the classic game of Mahjong.  It’s not only fun, fast, and easy to learn, but the game teaches sequencing, odds, evens, patterns, promotes planning, strategy, organizational skills, and taking turns. The game offers players both an element of history and another culture. Mahjong Junior is a socially interactive game that lends itself to connecting people to people. It is challenging for both children and adults, and places varying ages at equal playing level. It is also an eco-friendly, fair trade produced game. 2/4/2011 (Price: $34.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tetris® Link™ by TECHNO SOURCE

In the Tetris Link game, players battle to score the most points by linking colored Tetriminos, the iconic Tetris playing pieces, into an upright game tower while attempting to block competitors from linking their game pieces. The Tetris Link game is a strategy game that takes just minutes to learn and15 to 20 minutes to play. Each player begins by choosing a color and collecting all of the Tetriminos in that color. Players then take turns rolling the die and dropping their color Tetriminos into the game tower, attempting to link Tetriminos of the same color to earn points while blocking opponents from scoring. Earn three points for the first three Tetriminos linked, and score one point for each additional Tetrimino linked. Players can lose points for any holes that are left in the game tower. Players track their points in real-time with the built-in scoring markers and, when the tower is full, the player with the highest score wins the game. For 2 to 4 players. Launch date: Spring 2011. 2/4/2011 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

All New 20Q by TECHNO SOURCE

The all new 20Q® is the next generation of the best-selling electronic handheld game of twenty questions that has sold millions and millions of units worldwide. Players think of any animal, vegetable, mineral or other object, and 20Q magically reads their minds by deducing the answer in twenty questions or less. The all new 20Q features updated game play and the most eerily accurate artificial intelligence (A.I.) to date. It’s so amazing, even if players try to trick it with incorrect information, 20Q will know exactly what they are thinking. The portable electronic handheld game allows for easy on-the-go play and offers adjustable sound control. Batteries included (2 AAA). Available in three colors: red, blue and pink. Launch date: Fall 2011. 2/4/2011 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Race to Smurfs Village by PRESSMAN TOY CORP.

In anticipation of Columbia Pictures’/Sony Pictures Animation’s 3D release “The Smurfs,” in theaters August 3, 2011, Pressman Toy Corporation announces a licensing deal to create games and puzzles based on the movie. Pressman Toy’s games and puzzles will be available for purchase at mass and specialty retailers nationwide in July 2011. Race to Smurfs Village is a board game where players choose their favorite Smurfs character and try to be the first to get to their village. Special spaces help players get closer to the village, while others will set them back. Launch date: Summer 2011. 2/4/2011 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Happy Feet 2 -Hold On Erik! by PRESSMAN TOY CORP.

This game of skill features Erik balancing atop of blocks of ice that must be carefully pushed out one by one. Pressman Toy has partnered with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to produce a line of board games and puzzles based on Warner Bros. Pictures’ highly anticipated computer-animated family film Happy Feet 2. A follow up to director George Miller’s 2006 Academy Award-winning Best Animated Feature Film, Happy Feet, Miller’s Happy Feet 2 will be presented in 3D and 2D and IMAX, and will make its theatrical debut on November 18, 2011. Launch date for game: Fall 2011. 2/4/2011 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Green Lantern Quickshot Game by PRESSMAN TOY CORP.

Green Lantern Quickshot Game is an action-packed game that allows kids to put their dexterity to the test as they load up their shooters with marbles and try to pop out the Green Lanterns. The game was produced in conjunction with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, and is based on Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming 2011 film “Green Lantern.” The movie will make its theatrical debut on June 17, 2011. Launch date: May 2011. 2/4/2011 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lucky Ladybug Color Match Up by MANHATTAN TOY

This illustrated wooden board comes with color-coded ladybugs that are rounded and raised to provide easy removal and placement on the board. Use this matching ladybug game to introduce the concept of fair play and taking turns while sharpening focus and memory. Launch date: January 2011. 1/26/2011 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Busy Bug Count & Match Dominoes by MANHATTAN TOY

This game includes 27 wooden dominoes with cute-as-a-bug illustrations for each number. Tiles come in a portable bug habitat with sliding mesh window. Launch date: January 2011. 1/26/2011 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bug Out™ by OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING

Scatter the bug cards all over the table or floor.  Players race to capture the bugs by covering each Bug Card with a matching Leaf Card—It's a wild scramble to find each bug. The first player to cover all of the matching Bug Cards wins. 2-6 players. Launch date: September 2011. 1/25/2011 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

FauxCabulary™ by OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING

First, a crazy definition is read to the group by the "Wordmeister." Next, players must grab three random word cubes and create a new word to fit the definition. Each new word is read out loud, and the "Wordmeister" picks the best one. The player whose words are chosen the most wins. 3-7 players. Launch date: March 2011.
Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy Award, June 2011
— Why it won: Fauxabulary is a great game for large groups. It's similar to Apples to Apples, but creating new words out of different word-parts encourages kids to think creatively, and have fun with letters. It combines the silly group fun of Apples to Apples with the fast-paced scramble to create and find words like Scrabble or Boggle, and is reasonably priced relative to similar party games. 1/25/2011 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Royalty Word Game by U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.

Players form words with the letters in their hand. They add a letter, build a new word, and capture their opponent's word, all in one turn. Players score points and earn 'royalties' for words of all one color. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins. "Gameplay allows players to capture cards to build bigger, better words," Lynn Araujo, communications director for U.S. Games Systems, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2008.
Awards: A Games 100 Selection (2008, 2009, 2010) 1/25/2011 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I Spy Spectacular Game by BRIARPATCH INC.

This matching game features a 3-level spinner as well as a riddle challenge at the end of each round. I Spy Spectacular includes 36 double-sided cards featuring different levels of play for younger and older players. "Our 3-level spinner is truly a unique aspect in the world of matching games," Carol Comes, senior product manager at Briarpatch Inc., told TDmonthly. 1/25/2011 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Storymatic by THE STORYMATIC CORP

The Storymatic is a writing prompt, a teaching tool, a parlor game, and a toy, all in one little box. Combine a few of the 500+ cards, and watch a story take shape. Six trillion story combinations are possible. "I made the first one while teaching creative writing at a small Vermont college...my students kept asking me to make more than one so they could buy it and play with it outside of class with their family and friends. Finally, I took their advice," Brian Mooney, president of The Storymatic, told TDmonthly. Additionally, "The Storymatic is made here in the U.S., in a printing plant and box factory that have both been in continuous operation for more than 100 years." Launch date: March 2009. 1/25/2011 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SCRUBLE Cube by RSV PRODUCTIONS INC.

SCRUBLE Cube is a fusion of the classic Rubik's Cube and SCRABBLE games. To play, you twist and turn the sides of the cube or rotate the individual squares to spell words. Earn extra points for spelling a word across multiple surfaces using bonus squares and building new words off ones that have already been created. SCRUBLE Cube can promote the development and exercise of key brain functions- logical deduction, analytical processing and word development skills. 1-4 players. 1/24/2011 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Woodstock Paint Your Own Instrument Set by WOODSTOCK CHIMES

This wooden set allows children to creatively and artistically embellish each item. Includes Tambourine, Maraca, and Train Whistle. "The pieces are for children, but are created with a professional musician mentality," Garry Kvistad, CEO of Woodstock Chimes, said in a press release. 1/24/2011 (Price: $12) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Oh, Really! Game by FIND IT GAMES

"The Lively Game of What Matters Most." Opinions count as players try to guess how their friends really feel about what matters most. From the seemingly trivial to the highly debatable, "Oh, Really!" reveals players' true feelings about everything from "Emotions" to "Underwear." For 3-8 players (or teams). Contains 200 engaging word cards, game board, 40 ranking symbol cards, 5 blank cards to customize your game, Scorepad, 5 pencils, and rules for individual and team play. 1/19/2011 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Celtic Challenge by FIND IT GAMES

This is a classic game rich in Celtic tradition. Whether solo or with a partner, this strategic game of matching, with a dash of chance thrown in, requires undivided attention. Celtic Challenge is based on an ancient game, crafted with a handsome hardwood board, 45 rustic tiles bearing traditional Celtic symbols, a Celtic staff to designate rounds, and embossed marker stone. The player to clear the most tiles in one game wins. 1/19/2011 (Price: $40.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]