60 Seconds Toy Review

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Let’s Learn Opposite Words, By Mandarin Prodigies - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Mandarin book for bilingual kids

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 3 year-old ++

Who would love this: Parents looking for mandarin learning resources designed for bilingual families

Mandarin Prodigies is a true gem in the world of children’s learning resources. Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on Let’s Learn Opposite Words—a delightful bilingual children’s book that introduces young learners to the concept of opposites in a fun and accessible way.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) 30-Page Board Book Featuring 15 Pairs of Opposite Words

This book is designed with bilingual children in mind—perfect for families like mine. Let’s Learn Opposite Words is a charming 30-page board book that introduces 15 pairs of opposite words, such as 多/少 (many/few), 大/小 (big/small), 上/下 (on top/below), 哭/笑 (cry/laugh), and 重/轻 (heavy/light), among others. Each word is presented in Chinese, Pinyin, and English, making it an ideal choice for beginners. The large, easy-to-read characters and helpful translations ensure young learners can easily follow along.

(2) Sentences With English Translation And Vibrant Illustrations

The book also includes useful sentences and vibrant illustrations that bring the opposite words to life. These simple sentences are perfect for young learners, while also offering a great starting point for more advanced students who are looking to practice sentence formation. Each sentence is written in Mandarin, accompanied by Pinyin and a straightforward English translation, along with delightful illustrations that reinforce the concepts.

(3) High Quality & Durable Material

The board book is made from high-quality, thick, and durable material, ensuring it can withstand the wear and tear of frequent handling. Its compact size makes it perfect for on-the-go learning.

(4) Wonderful Range Of Resources For Bilingual Learning

Mandarin Prodigies offers a wonderful range of resources for bilingual learning and classrooms, including board books in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese. Whether you’re looking for board books, busy books, activity workbooks, or writing tools, their collection has something for every learner. What I truly appreciate about this creative, bilingual-focused range is how thoughtfully it’s crafted. The founder, Kristin Yu, is a mother of three and a Montessori-certified early learning teacher, which is evident in the way the books are designed. I highly recommend these books for any family looking to introduce Chinese to their little ones.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Mandarin Prodigies

Enjoy the video!

The Sleeping Beauty Musical Puzzle (The Story Orchestra), By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Musical puzzle

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 4 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids that enjoy puzzles + music + beautiful fairy tales

I’m smitten with Kaddo, a line from the publisher of the beloved Little People, BIG DREAMS series (Quarto). Their games and puzzles are beautifully crafted, with a unique elegance that’s truly heartwarming. Today, let’s talk about “The Sleeping Beauty Musical Puzzle (The Story Orchestra)”!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Puzzle With Tchaikovsky's Music Clips

Like the Nutcracker and Swan Lake puzzles, The Sleeping Beauty from The Story Orchestra is a magical experience. Hidden within the puzzle are four music buttons, each playing a 10-second clip from Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet. From the eerie curse of the evil fairy to the famous waltz (Once Upon a Dream), and the perilous moment Aurora pricks her finger, the music is both dramatic and beautiful. As you complete the puzzle, the enchanting illustration of the prince awakening Princess Aurora comes to life, accompanied by the vivid sound of Tchaikovsky’s full orchestral score.

(2) 48 Puzzle Pieces Including Uniquely-Shaped Cutouts

This set includes 48 puzzle pieces: 4 uniquely shaped pieces with circle cutouts for the musical buttons, and 44 standard ribbon-cut pieces. The illustrations by Jessica Courtney-Tickle beautifully capture the essence of Sleeping Beauty. The puzzle frame offers a concise retelling of the story—from Princess Aurora’s birth and curse by the evil fairy Carabosse, to her fateful prick on her sixteenth birthday, and the lilac fairy’s role in breaking the curse.

(3) Poster - Learn About The Composer & The Music

The set includes a double-sided poster: one side features the full puzzle image, while the other offers details about the composer, a brief summary of Sleeping Beauty, and descriptions of the music clips. Flip it over to discover more about the story’s happy ending, along with a biography of Tchaikovsky and how his music brings the tale to life.

(4) Great Packaging & Components

I love the sturdy packaging - the box cover is stunning, featuring glittery details and golden holographic lettering that instantly catches the eye. Inside, there’s a thick blue cardboard insert, which helps keep the puzzle pieces neatly contained within the lid. Once the puzzle is assembled, the pieces fit securely onto the board, ensuring they stay in place during play or storage.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Dymocks (Australia)

Booktopia (Australia)

Check out more reviews of Kaddo's products here:

Enjoy the video!

Saturday, February 1, 2025

TOSSIT Game Original Starter Pack, by TOSSIT - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Target game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 5 year-old ++

Who would love this: Adults and kids that enjoy fun & competitive target sports

It’s not every day that a toy comes along that challenges both hand-eye coordination and physical skill, so when TOSSIT reached out with the chance to review their exciting TOSSIT Game Original Starter Pack, I couldn’t wait to dive in! I’m thrilled to see how much enjoyment the kids can have while sharpening their speed and precision!

Why I love ❤️ this toy:

(1) 1 Black Jack Dart + 6 Darts In Two Colours

This set includes 1 black Jack dart, 6 Tossit darts in two colors, and a carrying bag. The game is a fun mix of pétanque and darts, where players take turns tossing their darts to get as close as possible to the Jack (a special Tossit dart). Each team has 3 darts, and the goal is to reach 13 points. The team with the closest Tossit to the Jack wins the round and scores a point for every dart closer than the opponent’s closest. The winning team throws the Jack for the next round, keeping the action moving!

(2) Variety Of Ways To Play

The best part about these darts is the variety of ways to play! Tossit offers fun alternatives, and my kids have come up with their own wild ideas. I love how the game gets them off screens and into active play. You can try Battle mode, where players race to score 21 points with speed and accuracy, or Tic-Tac Dart, a colorful twist on classic tic-tac-toe. There’s also Stick & Reach mode, challenging kids to see how high they can stick darts to a wall, and Rainbow Ring mode for creative color and shape designs!

(3) 100% Food-Grade Silicone With Smart Design!

The Tossit darts are made from durable, 100% food-grade silicone with strong suction cups that stick to smooth surfaces. The design is optimized for aerodynamics and precision, making them easy to master and accurate on target. While we haven’t quite perfected our throwing skills yet, our family still has a blast tossing them around! Practice definitely helps, and the darts are dishwasher-safe, so they’re easy to clean and ready for the next round!

(4) Play Anywhere & On The Go

Play anywhere—just find a flat, non-porous surface like tiles, windows, tables, or even the fridge! The game is super portable with an included tote bag, making it easy to take on the go. With no setup required, you can start playing right away, whether indoors or outdoors.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://tossit.game/en-au/collections/all

Enjoy the video:

Speedomino, By Families Play Forever - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board Game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 6 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids and adults that enjoy speed & matching games

If you’re a fan of fast-paced matching games, then you must try Speedomino. Huge thanks to Families Play Forever for creating such a hit, and to Divisible by Zero for sending over a copy!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Match All 60 Tiles To Their Colour Bars

This game keeps everyone on their toes from start to finish! First, shuffle all 60 tiles face down, divide them evenly among the players, and you’re ready to go. The youngest player picks a starter tile and places it face-up in the centre of the playing field. Now, everyone races to match your tiles as quickly as possible to the colour bars on the tiles in the center. There are no turns here—everyone plays at once, so you’ll need to move fast to win! The result? A chaotic, high-energy race where the fastest and most frenzied player takes the victory.

(2) Trickier Than It Looks - Extra Rules To Keep It Challenging!

Speedomino may seem simple at first, but don’t be fooled—it’s trickier than it looks! Each black tile has up to 6 potential spots where color bars can appear, with the number of bars varying from 1 to 6. You must not match a colour bar to a “no-bar” (black) side only, and you can’t connect 2 dominoes on both their blank edges either. Once a domino is played, it’s locked in place—no moving it around. As the game progresses and more tiles fill the playing field, it gets increasingly difficult to find the right match, making the game even more intense and strategic.

(3) Endless Ways To Play - Check Out The Different Varieties!

Speedomino offers endless ways to mix up the action! You can match dominos on their long sides only, or short sides only. Add a twist by making a specific color a “prohibited” color, or challenge yourself to match only black-to-black spaces. For quick and intense fun, crown the winner as the first to get 3 tiles to touch. Want more variety? Go solo and create your own formation, or invent your own custom rules.

(4) Durable & Good Quality Tiles

The components may not be the flashiest, but they have a certain mature charm. The black tiles are thick and durable, giving off a satisfying “click-clack” sound when stacked. I love the Mahjong-style material, which adds a tactile, classic feel to the game. Plus, the components meet all safety standards, conforming to ASTM F963, so you can play with peace of mind.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/speedomino

https://www.cowtrees.au/games/474-speedomino.html

Enjoy the video!

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Monstrolicious, By Repos Production - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 8 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids that enjoy delicious, monster-themed games with a hint of strategy

Monstrolicious from Repos Production is a delightful mix of cute monsters and sweet treats, blending suspense, poker-style bluffing, and a large dash of honesty. Big thanks to VR Distribution for the copy!

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) Tile-Placement Game With Selection Of Tempting Desserts

This is a tile-placement game where players strategize and place monsters in front of the most tempting desserts. The game includes two sets of 13 tiles (12 Monsters with value from 1 to 12 + 1 Trap card each), and a board with 10 dessert spaces that award different points. Players take turns drawing tiles and placing them on their side of the board, trying to outwit opponents by either claiming desserts or forcing them to reveal and compare tile values. The strongest monster claims the dessert, and the game ends when all tiles are played. The highest-scoring monster family wins the game.

(2) Special Spaces With Advantages & Bonus Points

Special spaces like Lollipop, Donuts, and the Chocolate Fountain offer advantages like breaking ties, flipping opponent’s tiles, or gaining bonus points. The strategy comes in deciding where to place high-value tiles, whether to maximize points or control key dessert spaces, all while trying to deduce your opponent’s moves.

(3) Faced-Down Playing Tiles - A Deduction Game

One of the standout features is the unique mechanic of playing tiles face down. Cards are only revealed when they clash with an opponent’s tile. When this happens, the defender’s card is revealed, and the attacker announces (honestly) whether their tile is higher or lower—without showing their own card. This adds a layer of deduction, as players must use visible cards and the outcomes of previous battles to infer what their opponent might have left, creating a tense and strategic guessing game. Use the “Trap” card wisely—it’s the perfect opportunity to discard your opponent’s monster and savor the sweet taste of revenge!

(4) High Quality Components & Whimsical Artwork

The game features high-quality components, including a durable tri-fold board. The whimsical monsters are charming and perfectly complement the dessert-themed artwork that instantly captivates kids with tempting treats like Croquembouche profiterole tower! The set also includes a cookie recipe, adding a sweet touch to the package.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/repos-production-monstrolicious-kids-family-tabletop-strategy-card-game-7y-/p/9900297422 (Australia)

https://www.gameology.com.au/products/monstrolicious (Australia)

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/monstrolicious-card-game (Australia)

Enjoy the video!

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Dream Big BINGO!, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 4 year-old ++

Who would love this: Young kids who enjoy simple games AND learning about inspirational characters

“Dream Big BINGO!” from Kaddo (imprint of Quarto Group) is the official bingo game from the bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series. This easy-to-play game offers fun and entertainment while providing an opportunity to learn about some of the most influential figures in history. Thank you Quarto Group for providing a copy!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Classic Bingo Game With "Little People, BIG DREAMS" Twist

This game puts a unique twist on classic bingo game. Choose a BINGO board with an inspiring individual, and race to collect the qualities and experiences they needed to achieve their dreams. The game comes with six double-sided bingo cards, 30 chips (representing skills, qualities, and experiences), 54 tokens, a cotton bag, and a booklet. Players take turns drawing chips from the bag, reading out the quality, and marking it on their card if it matches. The first player to complete their card by marking all 9 qualities and shouting “bingo” wins!

(2) Historical Figures + 9 Key Skills/ Qualities/ Experiences For Matching

Each side of the BINGO board introduces a historical figure and highlights 9 key skills, qualities, and experiences that shaped their journey. For example, Vincent van Gogh’s board includes items like “getting creative,” “being patient,” and “running low on money,” while Bruce Lee’s board features “performing,” “staying true to yourself,” and “challenging ideas about race”.

(3) Booklet Featuring 12 Real-Life Stories

This set includes a booklet featuring 12 real-life stories, each with a short biography and beautifully illustrated pages. The booklet highlights inspiring figures - Bruce Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Emmeline Pankhurst, Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Jane Austen, Mahatma Gandhi, Malala Yousafzai, Marie Curie, Mozart, Pelé, and Van Gogh—offering a diverse selection of influential personalities from fields like sports, music, literature, and science. Learn about the incredible achievements of Helen Keller, the first deafblind person to earn a degree, and Mozart, who began playing the keyboard at just three years old. The booklet also includes easy-to-follow instructions for the game.

(4) Cloth Bag + Cardboard Components

I love that it comes with a little cloth bag to keep all the chips safe and organized. The cardboard components are thick and durable, and the sturdy box ensures everything stays secure.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Booktopia (Australia)

QBD Books (Australia)

Check out more reviews of Kaddo's products here:

Enjoy the video!

Oceania Animals Series 1 - Kookaburra, By Let’s Play Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Wooden jigsaw puzzle

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 14 year-old ++

Who would love this: Older kids/ adults who enjoy unique, challenging, non-traditional puzzles

Let's Play Games brings a fresh twist to the world of puzzles with their stunning collection. Their Oceania Animals Series 1 showcases four beautifully crafted puzzles inspired by Australia’s native creatures. Today, let’s talk about Kookaburra - a charming masterpiece that’s as fun to assemble as it is to admire!

Why I love ❤️ this puzzle:

(1) 219 Wooden Jigsaw Pieces

This Kookaburra puzzle is made up of 219 pieces, each contributing to the final image of this iconic Aussie bird. What makes it stand out is the lack of a traditional frame, which adds extra challenge as you can’t rely on edge pieces to start. Without the usual edge pieces to guide us, we would need to rely on our limited spatial skills and intuition right from the start - which was a truly humbling experience!

(2) Uniquely Shaped, Non-Traditional Pieces With Wildlife Surprises

The real magic lies in the puzzle pieces themselves. Each one is uniquely shaped, with twisting forms that break away from the standard tabs and blanks of mass-market puzzles. As we worked through the puzzle, we encountered series of delightful Australian wildlife surprises. Look closely and you’ll spot a spider, emu, wild dog, lizard, galah, an outline of the Australian map, and MORE - all cleverly integrated into the design. We had a blast assembling the puzzle whilst discovering the hidden shapes and marvelling at the thoughtfulness behind each piece.

(3) Artistic & Intricate Motifs

The bird is made-up of and divided into multiple artistically-done sections, each featuring intricate motifs inspired by Australian Indigenous culture. Wavy lines and circular patterns, reminiscent of traditional Aboriginal art, are woven throughout the design, adding a rich layer of cultural inspiration to the puzzle.

(4) High-Quality, Laser-Cut pieces

The puzzle is made from high-quality, laser-cut wooden pieces that are chunky and precisely crafted. The vibrant colors and bright artwork make it visually striking. The pieces fit together smoothly and slide seamlessly into place. The puzzle comes in a compact wooden box, making it a convenient and sturdy package. The craftsmanship and attention to detail makes this puzzle an engaging experience, offering both a challenging build and a beautiful finished piece to display.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Dymocks (Australia)

Games World (Australia)

Gameology (Australia)

Mind Games (Australia)

Enjoy the video!

Friday, January 17, 2025

Ah-Harr!, by Wildcard Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Memory Game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 7 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids & adults that enjoy memory games/ pirate-themed

I’ve always found memory games challenging, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that both of my kids genuinely enjoy this genre. Recently, we tried out ‘Ah-Harr!’ by Wildcard Games, and I must say, don’t be fooled by its charming packaging—it’s more difficult than it appears! Thanks Divisible by Zero for providing a copy.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Match 3 Cards In 3 Different Ways

This memory game offers a bold and challenging twist. It includes 64 Treasure Island cards and a black pirate captain’s eye patch adorned with Jolly Roger skull. Unlike traditional memory games that require matching pairs of identical items or images, ‘Ah-Harr!’ allows players to match cards in 3 different ways: by color, number, or object. To play, you lay out 16 cards face down in a 4x4 grid. Players take turns flipping over cards to find sets of three that share a common characteristic. For example, you can match 3 cards that are all yellow, or 3 cards that each features a total of three objects. The player who collects the most Jewels from their cards wins the game. We love this fresh take on a classic memory game!

(2) Cards With Special Powers - Spicing-Up The Game!

To add on the excitement, some cards come with special powers. If you collect a set that includes one or more Parrot cards, you can use them to steal Jewels of the same color from another player. Collecting a Skull & Crossbones card grants you the cool Eye Patch, elevating you to the status of Pirate Captain and protecting your cards from being swiped by the mischievous Parrots. Additionally, if you flip over a ‘Map’ as your third card, you earn the chance to turn over an extra card. These special abilities truly enhance the gameplay!

(3) 5 Optional Alternative Ways To Play

The rules include 5 optional alternative ways to play, allowing you to modify the game for either a more intense or easier experience. For instance, you can choose to award an extra point for each non-Jewel card, grant the Captain additional Jewel cards, or adjust the difficulty by changing the size of the grid layout.

(4) Pirate-Themed Artwork & Eye Patch For A Fun Touch

I love the charming pirate-themed artwork, and the eye patch adds a fun touch that always brings a smile. This compact game is travel-friendly, making it perfect for on-the-go play.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.cowtrees.au/educational-toys/484-ah-harr.html

Enjoy the video!

Kids Express, By Ludonaute - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game for kids

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 5 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids that love actions / dexterity games with hint of strategy

Who can resist a game where you flick bandits away and rescue treasures during a Wild West train raid? Check out ‘Kids Express’ from Ludonaute —huge thanks to VR Distribution for providing this fun experience!

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) Rescue The Luggage Before Bandits Steal them All!

To set up the game, position the locomotive and train cars on the table, placing a stack of luggage tokens on each railcar and the stagecoach. The last car serves as the bandits’ hideout, where you’ll set up their 4 standees. Each player selects a character and places their standee in the stagecoach. On their turn, players can either move their kid standee to a location on the train or attempt to shoot the bandits with a slingshot. In either case, they can rescue a piece of luggage before the bandits can steal it. Each luggage token features a symbol on the back that may trigger bandit movement and looting, adding to the suspense! The game ends when one pile of luggage tokens is depleted, and players compare their rescued tokens against the bandits’ haul. If the kids save more luggage than the bandits steal, they win! We’re thrilled by this mission-focused, cooperative adventure against the bandits!

(2) Shoot The Bandits DOWN With Slingshots

The standout feature of the game is, undoubtedly, the shooting action! Players place the slingshot token on the horse and flick it at one of the bandits on train, eliciting roars of laughter each time we knock out the villains and send them back to their lair! The distance board can be adjusted horizontally or vertically, allowing players to customize the challenge to their liking. The flicking mechanism adds a tactile element that keeps children engaged.

(3) Strategy & Decision-Making For Young Kids

In addition to the dexterity challenge, there are subtle elements of strategy and decision-making tailored for younger players. Our young adventurers must use their collective judgment to determine where and when to move, and decide the best angle for their shot!

(4) Vibrant 3D Cardboard Train And Other Cool Components

The tabletop components are impressive! The setup features a vibrant, colorful 3D cardboard train with a locomotive and 3 cars, along with a stagecoach and a horse. This game is visually appealing and perfect for enjoyable family time!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Big W (Australia)

Vault Games (Australia)

Toys & Tales (Australia)

Enjoy the video!

Saturday, December 28, 2024

Match The Mermaids, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Memory game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 4 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids who love Mermaids / memory & matching games

“Match The Mermaids” by Kaddo (an imprint of Quarto ) is a refreshing take on mermaid-themed games that stands out from the typical Western fairy-tale narratives. Instead of the usual enchanting princesses, this game features mystical, sometimes dangerous mermaids who are masters of camouflage. I’m loving the unique perspective it brings!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) 40 Cards Featuring 20 Pairs Of Mermaids From Around The World

The set includes 40 cards featuring 20 pairs of mermaids. The gameplay follows the classic memory game format: arrange the cards face down and flip over two at a time. If you find a matching pair, you keep them; if not, return them face down, but remember their locations for your next turn. A unique aspect of these cards is that the images in each pair aren’t identical. For instance, the “Yemoja” pair shows a female mermaid adorned with beautiful cowrie shell accessories swimming alongside bottlenose dolphins, while the second card features a Yemoja merboy. The cards showcase a global representation of mermaids, including the Spiny Sea Dragon from the tropical Atlantic, Nehwas from the cold-water kelp forests of North America, and Jiaoren from the China Sea.

(2) Illustrated Booklet With Fascinating Facts- Habitats / Regions / Features / Habits

I love the illustrated booklet - featuring mermaids that differ significantly from typical Disney versions. This handy guide offers fascinating facts about each species, covering their habitats, regions, features, and habits. We learned about Fiji Mer - whose greenish mottled skin helps it blend in with the underwater roots of mangroves, and the Malabar Mer - an Indian Ocean merfolk with dark backs and pale bellies. There are also the Reef Angels with stinging tentacles for protection against predators, and Mami Wata that play with deathly forest cobras. The pictures are breathtaking, and the mermaid facts are utterly intriguing!

(3) Beautiful Packaging With Tips To Engage With Nature

I love the “Spotting the Clues” section in the booklet which encourages kids to engage with nature. It offers tips like searching for pebbles washed ashore that have merfolk runes inscribed on them and listening for the mournful sound of a mermaid “singing”. The packaging box is beautifully designed, featuring stunning artwork and sturdy construction.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://playdreamers.com.au/products/match-the-mermaids-memory-game (Australia)

https://littlegeneralkids.com.au/products/match-the-mermaids-a-memory-game?_pos=1&_sid=eb4863f10&_ss=r (Australia)

Check out more reviews of Kaddo's products here:

Enjoy the video!

Snack Monster, By Exploding Kittens - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game/ party game for kids

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 4 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids that enjoy quick, silly games (plus a little chaos)

“Snack Monster” from Exploding Kittens is a delightfully chaotic and silly game that’s perfect for young kids. It’s a fast-paced and simply “snack-tacular”! A big thank you to VR Distribution for providing this game.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Interactive & Light-Hearted Game - Perfect For Family Game Nights

This is a light-hearted and quirky game perfect for family game nights. Spin the monster spinner, collect snack tokens, do some silly acting, and simply have fun! The set-up is quick, and the straightforward rules are ideal for kids aged 4 and up. I LOVE how interactive this game is - Players might be asked to take 1 or 2 snacks from the middle pile, choose another player to do the same, draw an action card, or ask a player to act out a card! The winner is the first to collect 8 or more snacks, adding a competitive edge to the fun!”

(2) Act It Out! - Enjoy The Silly & Hilarious Process

The GREATEST aspect of this game - it’s about enjoying the silly process over winning, despite the minor competitive elements! The selection of action cards is deliciously engaging and the kids were exploding with laughter throughout - from pretending that the snack make you sleepy, eating like a cat, eating with only your pinkies, eating like a piggy and even a monster! The acting segments are the highlight and favourite section of this game for my kids! The artwork on the cards is hilariously absurd, providing plenty of chuckles along the way.

(3) Sturdy, Eye-Catching Spinner + 2 Separate Rules For Adults & Kids

I love how large and eye-catching the spinner is. It’s a unique, sturdy component, and the concept of using your finger to press down and stop it adds a fresh twist. Multiple players can stop the spinner simultaneously, but if you prefer a more structured approach, I guess it’s alright to modify the rules for a turn-taking format (like what we did). True to the Exploding Kittens style, the rules include detailed instructions for adults as well as a concise version for reading aloud to the kids.

(4) Use the 30 Token Snacks / OR Replace With Real Snacks For Chaotic Fun!

The game comes with 30 token snacks, (including pretzels, gummy bears, orange slices, jelly beans - YUM!). However, feel free to replace them with real snacks for some truly chaotic and messy fun! We haven’t tried this yet, but I can imagine it would be a massive hit at any kids’ party.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/snack-monster/ (Australia)

https://www.gameology.com.au/products/snack-monster-by-exploding-kittens (Australia)

https://www.hobbyco.com.au/products/snack-monster (Australia)

https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/1075845587/exploding-kittens-llc-snack-monster-card-game (Australia)

Check out more reviews on Exploding Kittens games here:

Enjoy the video!

Stello, By Mobi - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Tabletop game / family game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 5 year-old

Who would love this: Kids/ adults that enjoy fun, quick matching games

Stello from Mobi is a captivating game that stands out with its vibrant colors and intuitive rules, easily learned in just a few minutes. Thank you Divisible by Zero for providing this!

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) 48 Hexagonal Tiles In 3-Section Geometric Design

The set includes 48 hexagonal tiles, each deceptively designed to look like a 3D cube in 2D form. The gameplay is reminiscent of dominoes, but instead of pips, the tiles are in 3-section geometric design in varying colour combinations. Players begin by dividing the tiles equally, then take turns connecting them by matching the colors. The first player to use all their tiles wins! If no player can do so, a scoring system is used to determine the highest scorer, with penalties for each leftover tile (for example, you will have 3 points deducted if you hold a 3-colours tile, and 1 point deducted if you are unable to connect a uni-colour tile). I love how straightforward the gameplay is, with no complex rules to memorize. Best of all, the completed board of tiles creates a stunning visual masterpiece!

(2) Five Different Ways To Play

There are 5 different ways to play with these tiles! “Jumbo” Stello (The standard game where tiles are evenly distributed), “Nutso” (a fast-paced variant where players race to place their tiles simultaneously), “Lotto” (Players take turns drawing random tiles from a pouch), “Mello” (a cooperative game), and “Turbo” (Each player builds their own personal Stello board separately). I love the variety of these gameplay options, which cater to all ages, personalities, and preferences!

(3) Special Yellow Tiles With Special Powers

The set includes 4 special yellow tiles to enhance the gameplay! These tiles can function as “block tiles” (no additional tiles can be connected to them once placed) or as “wild tiles” (which can be played as any color at any time). Players can also choose whether to distribute the yellow tiles evenly or leave it to chance, adding an exciting strategic element to the game.

(4) Durable Tiles & Travel-Friendly Drawstring Bag

We love the “hard porcelain” feel of the tiles—they’re thick, durable, and produce “click-clack” sound when stacked together. The set also comes with a travel-friendly drawstring bag and a sturdy cardboard box, making it perfect for on-the-go play.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/stello (Australia)

https://starfishstore.com.au/products/mobi-stello-colour-matching-game (Australia)

https://www.cowtrees.au/educational-toys/528-stello.html (Australia)

Check out more reviews on Mobi Games:

Enjoy the video!

Saturday, December 14, 2024

SpaceShipped, by Button Shy / Even Toys And Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Card game/ strategy board game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 8 year-old ++

Who would love this: Adults/ older kids that enjoy solo strategy games

SpaceShipped is a solo game where you become a space merchant. You journey between planets, face hazards, while trying to trade wisely. Thank you Even Toys And Games for sending over another fantastic Button Shy title!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) 18 Cards Solo Game - Secure 2 Xeno Crystals To Win

This is a solo game with just 18 cards. Your goal is to acquire 2 Xeno crystals before your enemy does. You begin with a starter ship, basic shielding, a rookie crew, and 3 mega credits. Each turn is set-up with colony row of 3 cards, options for 3 upgrades, and a row of trade goods. You’ll face an orbital encounter and a planetside encounter, which can have various beneficial or harmful effects. After these encounters, you’ll head to the market to buy or sell goods, with prices fluctuating each turn. The aim is to reach the 20 mega credits needed for Xeno crystal. If you don’t secure them before they leave the market, you might risk losing the Crystal to your enemy! You lose if your enemy collects 2 Xeno crystals first or if your ship sustains too much damage.

(2) Great Blend Of Luck & Strategy

I love the blend of luck and strategy. Every turn presents meaningful decisions. The card-shifting mechanism allows you to track market fluctuations and stockpile resources for future profits. However, an orbital event can unexpectedly shuffle everything and disrupt your plans. You’ll face tough choices: Do you take damage or lose money? Is it worth spending on repairs while risking a marauder? Should you invest in upgrades like bigger cargo or stronger shields? Each decision adds depth, making every game feel fresh and engaging.

(3) 4 Expansions Included For More Unexpected Twists

This version includes all 4 expansions—Lockdown, Debts and Damage, Out of Route, and The Dynasty Seal. Each expansion introduces a new enemy and 5 multi-purpose cards. These additions bring riskier effects, unexpected twists, and new abilities, challenging players to adapt their strategies to face fresh obstacles.

(4) Eye-Catching Artwork & Amazing Design

I love how Button Shy fits so many elements into just 18 cards. The orbital and planetside events are well-written, capturing a captivating sci-fi atmosphere. The artwork and design are clever, eye-catching, and intuitive, enhancing the overall experience.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.aussiehobbies.com.au/products/spaceshipped-board-game?_pos=1&_psq=spaceshipped&_ss=e&_v=1.0

https://shop.goodgames.com.au/products/spaceshipped?variant=44076953108638

https://morethanmeeples.com.au/product/spaceshipped-card-game/

https://www.m-g.com.au/product/spaceshipped/

https://www.gamesworldbrisbane.com.au/space-shipped

https://vaultgames.com.au/products/spaceshipped

https://www.terrificscientific.com.au/products/sprawlopolis-copy-1?_pos=1&_psq=spaceshipped&_ss=e&_v=1.0

https://www.littlelostbookshop.com.au/products/613072996265-space-shipped?_pos=15&_sid=54e23177d&_ss=r

https://www.gameology.com.au/products/spaceshipped

https://www.thegamesshop.com.au/estore/style/613072996265.aspx