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

Crossword Blocks by SMART PLAY LLC

This blend of alphabet blocks and crossword games is designed to grow with the child and is fully bilingual. Children start off by learning the English and Spanish alphabet using the blocks. The learning continues as they spell first words while playing the 12 crossword games in English and Spanish. Launch date: October 2009. 2/4/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

This or That? by PEACEABLE KINGDOM

This or That? is a fun way to learn something new about someone you know. It’s packed with lots of question and is designed as a simple, everything-included, take-along game for waiting rooms, restaurants, planes, back seats, parties and any time there’s down time. "This or That? is the perfect cross-market item; it places well in all store types," Donna Modrell, Marketing & Operations Manager, Peaceable Kingdom Press, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010. 2/4/2010 (Price: $13.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

ROLL'EM!™ by TAILORMADE GAMEZ

In this party game, gamers must place Movie titles and TV shows in sequential order by wide release or air date before the time's up. Can players sort "Cheers," "Frazier" and "Seinfeld" in correct order sequence from the date they first premiered on the silver screen? Added play elements such as “Critic’s Corner” and “Rapid Reels” exist to make game play all the more fun. The first player to collect all the letter cards that spell ROLL’EM! wins. Launch date: 2010. ( Watch Video) 2/4/2010 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Invention Game by PAZOW! CORPORATION

In this game, players try to concoct believable descriptions of more than 150 inventions straight from the U.S. patent office, and then guess which explanations are correct. It includes cards with pictures of some very unusual creations. 2/1/2010 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Green Start™ book and game sets: Numbers in Nature by INNOVATIVEKIDS

From three snowy white polar bears to seven fluffy bunnies, kids will love reading the 10-page rhyming board book and counting to ten with all the wonderful numbers in nature! Next, they can use the game cards to match all the animal sets. Launch date: September 2009. ( Watch Video) 1/27/2010 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mouse Match by FUNDEX GAMES

In Mouse Match, mischievous mice race through tunnels to chase their cheese to victory. For two to six players, the game includes a board, six mice, cheese slices, a bag and instructions.
— Mouse Match was a top-10 best seller at RoundTable Toys in Winterville, N.C., at the end of 2009, according to David Davis, owner. ( Watch Video) 1/25/2010 (Price: $12.59) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sparring Cards by WHITE BOARD DESIGN GAMES

This combat card game with a martial arts theme contains 54 cards and is for two or more players. Participants can choose to use one or more deck for this fast-paced game of attack and defense that simulates the discipline of martial arts sparring. Opponents may spar cooperatively or competitively. Players can expand play with an add-on deck, and fly, spin, duck and dodge their way to victory. It includes rules for single-round play through a six-belt tournament, and there are special rules for beginner, intermediate and advanced play. Launch date: December 2009. 1/14/2010 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Anomia by ANOMIA PRESS

Anomia is a  game where common knowledge becomes uncommonly fun. Anomia plays off the fact that our minds are positively brimming with all sorts of random information: things to eat, pop songs, websites, etc... Sure, under normal circumstances, it's easy enough to give an example of a frozen food, or a dog breed; but you will find that your brain works a little differently under pressure. Easy to learn, fun to play over and over again, Anomia will have any group of friends, family, even perfect strangers, shouting and laughing out loud as they try to beat each other to the punch. It can be your turn at any time and anyone can be your opponent.  For 3 to 6 players. One round lasts about 30 minutes. Launch date: Fall 2009.
—  They sell "15 to 20" Anomia games per month at Magic Box in New Orleans, said manager James Dello Stritto in early 2011.
—  Four of 12 retailers who attended ASTRA 2010 named Anomia as one of their favorite products at the show.
—  “Anomia is really great; I’ve been told for the last year to get it,” said Kristen Pollard, owner of Mudpuddle Toys in Marblehead, Mass., in summer 2010.
— In an August 2010 survey, nine percent of 43 retailers said Anomia is a card game best seller. Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barston’s Child’s Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly the same month that her store sold 89 Anomia games in one month. ( Watch Video) 1/14/2010 (Price: $16.00)

Seven Card Samurai by MINDTWISTER USA

A family card game set in feudal Japan during the era of the Samurai which depends on skill, strategy and planning. It is a time where bandits roam the countryside stealing the precious rice from villages. Yours is one of those villages. Defend your rice with Samurai and Ronin, use bandits and Ninjas to steal other villages’ rice and eliminate their Samurai, and plead with the local Shogun to conscript help for you. But be warned, for the other villages are doing the exact same thing. Launch date: 2010. ( Watch Video) 1/11/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Multi-Player Pentago: The Mind-Twisting Game by MINDTWISTER USA

This multi-dimension, multi-player version of the strategy game Pentago accommodates two, three or four players. Two players can play using one or two colors each, and in games with additional participants, players can choose to play as individuals or in teams.  Launch date: March 1, 2010.
— A top pick, retailer Kate Tanner, owner of Kidstop Toys, informed TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010. ( Watch Video) 1/5/2010 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rory's Story Cubes by GAMEWRIGHT

This pocket-sized story generator is designed to provide hours of imaginative play for all ages. With Rory's Story Cubes®, anyone can become a great storyteller and there are no wrong answers. Players simply roll the cubes and let the pictures spark the imagination. "Rory's Story Cubes is unique because of its simplicity, small packaging, low price point and endless story possibilities. It's a great learning and writing tool that can be played with one person or a large group as a party game," Emily Nichols, marketing coordinator for Gamewright, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2010.
Awards: 2009 Dr. Toy’s 10 Best Games of the Year; 2010 Major Fun Award; 2010 Parents’ Choice Gold Award, Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Award, iParenting Media Award, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award.
— As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 306 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Helps develop story telling ability; promotes cooperative play; creative; affordable. Cons: One reviewer said they were bored with it after playing a few times, but that it is very affordable.
— Stacy Kalisz of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine “absolutely loved” using the Story Cubes with her family as they came up with a variety of games. One of their favorite play variations “is to tell a group story, with each person using one die on his or her turn.” 12/28/2009 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Sign of Money Dice Game by KOPLOW GAMES INC

It's all about keeping the most money. Game includes 6 oversized 3/4" (20mm) Dice. For 2 or more players. (Choking hazard: Not for children under 3 years of age) 12/18/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

a-ha! Brainteaser Blockout by THINKFUN

ThinkFun a-ha! Brainteasers are designed to inspire special a-ha! moments for novice and seasoned problem solvers alike. A player will need all his brainpower for this one. The goal is to fit all four cubes into the box so they sit flush with the rim. Expert, Level 4. Launch date: 2010.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va, told TDmonthly in a July 2013 survey that ThinkFun Brainteaser Puzzles were among her store's best-selling puzzles. 12/16/2009 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

a-ha! Brainteaser Straight Arrow by THINKFUN

ThinkFun a-ha! Brainteasers are designed to inspire special a-ha! moments for novice and seasoned problem solvers alike. Can you “shoot” the arrow out of the front of the tray without removing the three planks? Hard, Level 3. "[It's] another brainteaser to add to ThinkFun's collection of best-selling brainteasers, which teach pattern recognition, abstract thinking and problem solving," Edoardo Kulp, Marketing Manager, ThinkFun Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010. 12/16/2009 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

a-ha! Brainteaser Star Burst by THINKFUN

For novice and seasoned problem solvers alike, the object of the Star Burst is simple, the solution is elusive. Just take the Star Burst apart and put it back together again. Simple. Or is it? Medium, Level 2. Launch date: 2010.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va, told TDmonthly in a July 2013 survey that ThinkFun Brainteaser Puzzles were among her store's best-selling puzzles. 12/16/2009 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zig-Zag Knot by THINKFUN

This “cousin” of the best-selling Gordian’s Knot is designed to be elegant but cunning. Untangling Zig-Zag Knot is not as easy as it looks. The player slides each piece in the correct sequence of 37 moves to take the Zig-Zag Knot apart. With every move made, one or more pieces will move easily, but there’s only one right answer. The included guide shows the complete solution as well as full instructions for putting Zig-Zag Knot back to its original form. Launch date: April 2010. 12/16/2009 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

What's GNU? by THINKFUN

This new and improved version of What’s GNU? may serve as a fun confidence-builder as it allows early readers to build their vocabularies. Two or more players slide the “Letter Getter” to reveal two letter tiles at a time, then use those tiles to create three-letter combinations on their Word Starter cards. The player who spells the greatest number of words wins. It now includes beginner and advanced Word Starter Cards and highlighted vowels for added learning. "ThinkFun has taken a best seller and improved it by including both beginner and advanced cards. Now the entire family can play!" Edoardo Kulp, Marketing Manager, ThinkFun Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: Jan. 15, 2010. 12/16/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

FlipOver! The Matching Game You'll Flip For! by THINKFUN

Two or more players race to be the first to get the animals into the barnyard in this matching game. Focusing on image completion, players search their cards to complete a barnyard animal, then use the fun Barnyard Flipper to turn over the card and reveal the next image to be matched. Images help children match, while the writing on each card will help early readers make associations between the words and the image. Launch date: March 2010. 12/16/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zingo 1-2-3 Number Bingo by THINKFUN

With Zingo! 1-2-3, players must match their numbered tiles with the corresponding display on their challenge board. The first player with a full card wins the game by yelling “Zingo!” In this fast-paced game, two levels of play focus on image recognition and addition. "This is a line extension of the best-selling Zingo! game by ThinkFun. It now uses numbers and math skills as compared to of pictures and image recognition skills used in original Zingo!" Edoardo Kulp, Marketing Manager, ThinkFun Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: Jan. 15, 2010.
— Angie Knutson from My Four Monkeys:  the “easy to use” number dispensing Zinger was “the funnest part of the game” for her kids. “As with most ThinkFun games,” said Angie, “Zingo! 1-2-3 would also make a great preschool and kindergarten resource!”
— Ruth B. Roufberg and Parents’ Choice applauded the successful blending of number education and bingo as well as the game components and packaging for being “functionally designed.” Zingo 1-2-3 Number Bingo received the Spring 2010 Parents’ Choice Gold Award.
— Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Best Toy Award Winner, 2010 12/16/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BISIKLE by CEPIA GAMES

Players must compete on a crazy track in order to win a bicycle race. No cards or electrical devices are involved. The whole concept is in the ZBall, a new kind of marble that Cepia Games designed internally. This marble is designed to be very easy to control and has surprising effects when flicked. The goal of the game is to flick through the obstacles to the finish line as fast as possible. "BISIKLE reinvents the marble and will be the new classic in race games. It develops mobility and concentration skills, teaches players to evaluate risk, and reveals the competitive side in each of us! All of that in one box ready to use, no batteries are required. Extensions are available to increase the fun!" Cedric Arnould, VP, CEPIA Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2009. 12/16/2009 (Price: $39.90) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Square Off by GAMESSATIONS

This colored poster format game is designed for two to four players and comes with dice, colored game pawns and rules of play. It has a playing time of between 15 and 45 minutes. The object of the game is to strategically be the first player with all four of your same-color game pawns off the board. This is accomplished by landing on other players game pieces by rolling dice. The poster format allows for hanging the game on a wall. Launch date: December 10, 2009. 12/16/2009 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Decision Day Fantasy Basketball™ Board Game by GDC-GameDevCo Ltd.

Embark on a quest to build your all-time fantasy basketball team by competing against opponents while managing a salary cap to become the best General Manager in basketball history. Build your fantasy team with the roster of trading cards provided in the game or use your own trading cards from any era to enhance your roster. Create any team with any player from any league. Includes Game Board, Collectible Trading Cards, Fantasy Basketball Cards, Fantasy Basketball Cash, Position Tokens, and Game Tokens. For 2-4 players. 12/10/2009 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Decision Day Fantasy Football™ Board Game by GDC-GameDevCo Ltd.

Embark on a quest to build your all-time fantasy football team by competing against opponents while managing a salary cap to become the best General Manager in football history. Build your fantasy team with the roster of trading cards provided in the game or use your own trading cards from any era to enhance your roster. Create any team with any player from any league. Includes Game Board, Collectible Trading Cards, Fantasy Football Cards, Fantasy Football Cash, Position Tokens, and Game Tokens. For 2-4 players. 12/10/2009 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Decision Day Fantasy Hockey™ Board Game by GDC-GameDevCo Ltd.

Embark on a quest to build your all-time fantasy hockey team by competing against opponents while managing a salary cap to become the best General Manager in hockey history. Build your fantasy team with the roster of trading cards provided in the game or use your own trading cards from any era to enhance your roster. Create any team with any player from any league. Includes Game Board, Collectible Trading Cards, Fantasy Hockey Cards, Fantasy Hockey Cash, Position Tokens, and Game Tokens. For 2-4 players. 12/10/2009 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Decision Day Fantasy Baseball™ Board Game by GDC-GameDevCo Ltd.

Embark on a quest to build your all-time fantasy baseball team by competing against opponents while managing a salary cap to become the best General Manager in baseball history. Build your fantasy team with the roster of trading cards provided in the game or use your own trading cards from any era to enhance your roster. Create any team with any player from any league. Includes Game Board, Collectible Trading Cards, Fantasy Baseball Cards, Fantasy Baseball Cash, Position Tokens, and Game Tokens. For 2-4 players. 12/10/2009 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]