Thursday, October 3, 2024

Acorn Soup - The Tasty Counting Game, By Peaceable Kingdom - REVIEW


Nature / Type:             Counting / matching game for toddlers 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    2 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Parents looking for good quality counting/ matching/ cooking game for their little ones. 

“Acorn Soup - The Tasty Counting Game” from Peaceable Kingdom is a delicious game that makes my heart sings! It’s an engaging game and pretend play-set - designed for toddlers, loved by all ages (including the grown-ups!). Thank you VR Distribution - I’m loving this beautiful toy! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Match / Count The Ingredients & Create Your Tasty Soup! 

Included within the round “soup-pot” container are 8 recipe cards, a wooden spoon, 24 wooden ingredients, instructions, and a parent guide. The rules are simple and pretty straightforward - perfect as a “first game” for 2 year-old: simply grab a recipe card, match the ingredients, pour them into the pot, and create a delightful soup for all to share! Just like the “Happy Marshmallow Game” that I previously reviewed, there are a few other suggested ways to play with the included components: sort the ingredients according to types (eg “fruits”, or “things that are green”), create a new soup recipe, sing-it out etc.

(2) Amazing Soup Selections (Including Good Luck Soup!)

I LOVE the soup selections; from refreshing “Summer Soup” with burst of blueberries flavour, “Fall Soup” with a peppery hint of red radishes, “Garden Soup” with white puffball of dandelions, and many more scrumptious choices! My personal favourite is the “Good Luck Soup” - an interesting delicacy made of three-leaf clovers, sweet purple flowers, and a stem of herb. Each recipe is different and brightly illustrated with an adorable name. 

(3) Early Childhood Skills

There are numerous early childhood skills that can be taught with these charming components: counting (from 1 to 3 ingredients), matching (identify the right ingredients), language, fine-motor skills (put “ingredient” on spoon and drop it into the “pot”), following directions, imaginative play, creativity (create a soup and give it a lovely name!). 

(4) Great Quality Components & Storage Container Doubles As Soup Pot 

The components and quality of the game is stunning! I love the storage container that doubles as a soup pot, the vibrant wooden ingredients with pictures on both sides, a realistic-looking and sturdy wooden spoon for mixing and stirring (in perfect size for little hands). The handy parent guide about kid development stage with useful play ideas is a great addition to the set. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gameology.com.au/products/acorn-soup (Australia) 

https://www.gamesworldsa.com.au/products/acorn-soup (Australia) 


Enjoy the video! 

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Little People, Big Dreams - Amazing Women: A Memory Game, By Kaddo - REVIEW


Nature / Type:             Memory games

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Fans of "Little People, Big Dreams' series / and those who enjoy memory games 

Hand up 🙋‍♀️ if you’re a BIG FAN of the bestselling “Little People, Big Dreams” series. We love reading these uplifting, inspirational stories of incredible people discovering their dreams. If you enjoy these fantastic stories, then you must check out this “Little People, Big Dreams - Amazing Women: A Memory Game” from Kaddo game (an imprint of Quarto Group ). 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Memory Game Featuring 20 Amazing Women

The set includes 40 cards - featuring 20 amazing women from a wide range of industries and fields. The rule is similar to the classic memory game; Arrange the cards face down, flip two card over - if you find a pair, keep the cards. If you don’t, turn them face down again. This is a really cute game to learn about inspiring female role models throughout history. We get to pair up cards featuring Ada Lovelace - the world’s first computer programmer, Nobel Peace Prize legend like Malala Yousafzai, and many more iconic women in the world. 

(2) Non-Identical Images - A Fun Challenge For The Kids!

One unique feature of the cards: the images of the pair are not identical. Instead, each character is made up of two different portraits - a younger self (the “little people”) and the adult form of the same person. The names of the persons (printed in cursive font - which unfortunately, made it a little challenging to read for younger kids) and the job titles are shown on the cards. Younger kids might find this memory game “not as straightforward” compared to the “classic”, although they can cross-check the pairs by matching the background colour of two cards.

(3) Compact Booklet With Interesting Summary

I love the compact booklet that gives us a quick summary of the 20 wonderful women featured in this game. I’m loving the diverse and interesting selections included - from activist Gloria Steinem, tennis player Billie Jean King, Frankenstein’s author Mary Shelley, outstanding scientist Rosalind Franklin, and our beloved “Lady of the Lamp” Florence Nightingale. I’m loving the empowering stories and the simple yet impactful messages! 

(4) Sturdy Game Box & Great Quality Cards 

I also love the sturdy game box, and the great quality cards with solid thickness. The artwork is charming and delightful, making this an appealing game for kids and adults. 

# gifted in exchange for review 


Where to buy this: 

QBD Books (Australia) 

Harry Hartog (Australia) 


Enjoy the video!

Monday, September 9, 2024

Sky Tower, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW



Nature / Type:             Wooden puzzle 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Collectors of wooden puzzles & brainteasers 

There is some mystical charm about wooden puzzles - the lovingly crafted handmade quality, the beautiful natural timber material, and the wisdom behind each logical challenge presented. Today, let’s take a look at this captivating 3D puzzle - “Sky Tower” from Funyards Australia (thank you for providing). 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Packing Puzzle That Rises Upwards 

This is a packing puzzle that rises vertically upwards. It is said to be designed by W. L. Van der Poel, a Dutch computer scientist (be prepared to be amazed by the precision and ingenuity of the design!). It reminds me of a Japanese wooden pagoda with a touch of modernity, with classic multi-storey architectural charm completed with a curved roof at the top that accentuates the symmetrical balance of the completed structure. Once you remove the separable pieces bit by bit, you will discover 10 individual parts (plus a rooftop piece/ lid) of multiple unique geometric shapes, each piece composed of 1 to 6 number of cubes. The challenge is to re-arrange the puzzle pieces so that the 50 cubes would fit nicely in a columns of 5 in 10 levels, held securely within a wooden base with 4 vertical poles. It’s like a game of Tetris, but in 3D form. Sharp observation and immaculate pre-planning skills play a big part - but in case you are stuck, there is an illustrated solution provided to unlock the secrets. 

(2) Gorgeous Sky Tower Structure

This Sky Tower puzzle is stunningly tall (around 25.5 cm) and attention-grabbing. I am enchanted by the beautiful shades of the natural wooden pieces - a mix of dark timber, a few with hint of maroon touch, and some of a slightly lighter range. I love the gorgeous structure. This is more than just a challenging brainteaser - it also makes an exciting display piece at home. 

(3) Handcrafted by Local Artisans in Thailand

Like many other Funyards Australia wooden products - this brainteaser set is lovingly-handmade by local artisans in Thailand. It is built for long-lasting play, durable and solid, and precisely crafted. Go ahead and check out more about Funyards Australia - a family-owned business focuses on selling award-winning quality products, with a strong emphasis on STEM and wooden educational products.


# gifted in exchange for review 


Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia


Enjoy the video!

Got It Learning (Set 3), By Got It Learning - REVIEW


Nature / Type:             Learning cards 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Parents / teachers looking for effective reading/ words-learning resources 

I love discovering simple and effective reading resources. We are so grateful to receive a pack of Got It Learning (Set 3) cards for review recently. Designed by an experienced specialist teacher, this is an amazing set of cards that takes phonics learning and words-decoding to a whole new exciting level! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) 40 Word Cards Covering 5 Different Sounds 

Included in this set are 5 instruction cards, 5 picture prompt cards, 8 “Got it!” cards, and 40 word cards. Got It Learning has 5 packs of cards in different levels - each pack includes 40 word cards covering 5 different sounds. Set 1 covers basic CVC/ one syllable words, Set 2 focuses on th/ck/sh/ch/ng. Set 3 focuses on the slightly more challenging ai/ee/igh/oa/oo sounds, Set 4 and 5 focus on oo/ar/or/ur/ow and oi/ear/air/ure/er respectively. There is an online Assessment Sheet on the website with guided words for each level that helps parents to find the correct starting pack for the kids. I love the easy-to-read font, and the plain white / uncluttered background of the cards. The focus sound of the word (eg “oo” for the word “too”) is printed in blue at 4 corners of the card and within the word - which is a fantastic way to draw the kids’ attention to the focus sound. 

(2) 5 Smartly-Designed Picture Prompt Cards 

The 5 picture prompt cards are excellently designed and really help the kids to match and enunciate the words. Similar to the word cards, the focus sound is printed in blue at 4 corners of the card and within the word. Each of the words for the 5 focus sounds (bee, moon, rain, light, boat) is accompanied by an illustration. When the kids pick up a new word (eg “pain”), they can refer to the relevant prompt card (“rain”) to get a clue of the sound. 

(3) Play & Learn Through Games 

Of course, these are not just your ordinary “flash cards” - “Got It Learning” encourages kids to play and learn through fun and interactive way! The set includes 5 suggested ways to play: Word Race (discard cards by reading the words correctly), Word Sets (collect 3 word sets), and 3 sound-matching games in slightly different rules (Word Pairs, Word Match, Word Switch). Each game can be played as a reading version or reading + spelling version. 

# gifted in exchange for review 


Where to buy this: 

https://gotitlearning.co.uk/shop/ (Website) 


Enjoy the video! 

Friday, September 6, 2024

Little People, Big Dreams: Who Am I, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Anyone who enjoys "Guess Who" games / "Little People, Big Dreams" book series 

We love “Little People, Big Dreams” - they are a series of uplifting, inspirational stories of incredible people that we look up to. Guess what? We now have a game version of it! We were thrilled to receive “Little People, Big Dreams: Who Am I” - Kaddo game from Quarto Group , and I can’t wait to tell you more! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) "Guess Who" Game - Ask Meaningful Questions That Truly Matter! 

This is a classic “Guess Who?” game featuring people with great accomplishments. The usual rules apply: One player chooses a character card. The other player ask a list of yes / no questions to eliminate guesses. One MAJOR difference: instead of asking question about physical descriptors of the characters (eg “does that person wear glasses”), we ask meaningful questions that truly matter - “Did you try to change unfair laws”, “did you challenge the ideas about race”, “Did you help improve people’s health?”. I love the great set of question prompts provided in the booklet and printed on the shields / dividers. My personal favourite question prompt is “were you arrested or imprisoned?”. The kids were confused - “Are they baddies? Why were they arrested? - and thus, triggering such interesting discussion about corrupted system and unfair laws! 

(2) Handy Question Prompts With Symbols For Quick Reference

Each of the question prompts (printed on the booklet and dividers) is represented by a symbol at the side. For example, the question “Did you invent or discover something” is represented by a lightbulb, and “Did you write a book” is represented by a book icon. The related symbols appear at the bottom of each characters on the game boards (for example, under the picture of Florence Nightingale, you will find 5 symbols (book, globe, cross, lightbulb, graduation cap). Once we get the yes/ no answer, player can quickly match up the symbols, and determine the character cards to cover using the counter cards. 

(3) Booklet With Interesting Biography Summary Of 24 Characters

I love the booklet that give us quick summary of each of the 24 characters’ biography. I also really LOVE the wide representation of characters from various industries - from record breaking tennis player Billie Jean King, anti-slavery activist Harriet Tubman, pioneering microbiologist Louis Pasteur, and many more! 

# gifted in exchange for review 


Where to buy this: 

QBD Books (Australia)

Booktopia (Australia) 


Check out more reviews of games from Kaddo: 


Enjoy the video! 

Golden Creek, By Laboludic - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Board-gamers who enjoy games with pirate-themed/ secret "bidding" mechanism 

Golden Creek is likely the most complex Laboludic game I’ve tested so far. It’s a game that demands crafty planning, quick intuition, and a knack for mind-reading (or guessing) your opponents’ moves. I’m impressed! Thank you, Divisible by Zero —we’re loving it!

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Plunder The Most Treasure To Win In This Secret "Bidding" Game 

This is a secret “bidding” game where players must keenly observe and anticipate each other’s moves. Each player takes on the role of a pirate and is given 6 Ship cards. During each round, a random treasure token—worth 1, 2, 3, or 8 points for a pair of half jewels—is placed on each of the 3 islands, alternating between face-up and face-down positions. Players secretly choose a card and reveal it simultaneously to decide whether to “plunder” or “attack” an island. If two or more players choose the same card, the effects cancel out, and none of those players receive any treasure. An “Attack” card trumps a “Plunder” card, but an “Attack” without a corresponding “Plunder” results in no treasure for the “Attack” player. The game continues until the treasure tokens are depleted. Player with the highest total wealth at the end is the winner.

(2) Exciting Twists - A Light-Hearted "Mind Game"

I love a twist to the traditional “bidding” mechanism! For instance, when two cards are “cancelled-out”, the players get a “compensation” - they get to advance their markers on the Character card, gaining special abilities for the next round. These abilities might include peeking at a face-down token, drawing an extra treasure token from the pile, or playing two Ship cards in one turn. Alternatively, players can choose not to use the power and instead earn bonus points at the end. The mixed face-up and face-down token placements introduce a constant element of surprise. This game presents a light-hearted “mind game” where players must decide whether to compete for the highest rewards or opt for seemingly less attractive options, all while considering their opponents’ potential strategies.

(3) Gender-Neutral / Cool Pirate Theme

I love the cool pirate theme. The gender-neutral artwork is super badass and eye-catching. This game really stands out and adds a unique and inclusive touch to the overall design. 


# gifted in exchange for review 


Check out more exciting reviews of Laboludic games: 


Enjoy the video! 

Stone Soup, By Peaceable Kingdom - REVIEW


Nature / Type:             Board Game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Kids who love memory/ matching / cooperative games 



Remember the heartwarming story that teaches us the value of sharing - how a little scrap and garnish can make a huge difference and create a pot of nourishing soup for all to share? We’re so glad that we now have a board game inspired by this beautiful story - check out Stone Soup from Peaceable Kingdom (thank you VR Distribution for providing a copy!). 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Match Ingredients To Cook-Up Pot Of Delicious Soup 

In this game, players work as a team to cook up a pot of delicious soup with matching ingredients. To set up, place all ingredient/ magic stone/ fire-out cards face-down on the game board. Like a usual matching game, each player flips 2 cards over. When 2 ingredient cards match, place them into the “pot”. If they don’t match, flip them both over. However, there’s a twist: if a fire-out card is flipped, it will be placed on the fire area of the board. If all 10 fire-out cards are placed on fire spaces, then the game is over (BUT - there is a special “magic stone” card we can use once to flip a fire-out card face down). If the players can match up all 12 ingredients before the fire goes out, we win together! 

(2) Cooperative Game For 2-6 Players 

I LOVE the cooperative nature of this game (which goes into the very heart of the Stone Soup story!). The kids discussed, spoke-up, yelled-out, pointed frantically, and worked collaboratively as a TEAM throughout the play. The game can be played by 2 to 6 players. This is a great game to develop memory and social skills! 

(3) A Game With A Meaningful Theme 

Each ingredient card has clear, easily distinguishable illustrations on it, together with the printed name of the ingredient. I love the great variety of ingredients included (Tomato, Carrot, Onion, Potato, Peas, Pasta, Celery, Mushrooms, Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Salt & Pepper). There is also a double-sided sheet with “A Tale Of Stone Soup” - the classic folk story that brought so much joy to people around the globe for generations. This is an excellent game to improve reading skill for our little people! 

(4) Environmental-Friendly Game Components 

 The game components are made with ecologically responsible FSC-certified paper and printed with soy-based ink. The rules are printed on the inside cover of the box lid. 

Love it! 


# gifted in exchange for review 


Enjoy the video! 

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

3Up 3Down, By ok2win - REVIEW


Nature / Type:            Card game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️      

Recommended age:    7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Kids/ adults that enjoy quick number games with a hint of strategy  

 “3Up 3Down” from ok2win is that sort of game where you can sit back, relax, whilst satisfying that inner competitiveness for a fun match. It’s fast-paced, family-friendly, and can be enjoyed by all ages. Thank you Divisible by Zero for providing a copy! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Card Game With Good Mix Of Luck + Strategy 

We love card games with a good mix of luck and strategy. The set comes with 84 cards and an instruction sheet. To set up, shuffle the deck and deal 3 cards face-down to each player. Next, deal a further 6 cards, where the player will now select 3 to be placed face-up, and take the remaining 3 cards in hands. On a turn, each player will play a card which is either equal or in greater value than the topmost card (player can play more than a card of a same value). Player must always fill their hands to have at least 3 cards at all times. If you cannot beat the topmost number, you must pick up all the cards underneath it (the “discard pile”) and add them to your hands, unless you play a “Clear” card (which has the power to get rid of the entire discard pile and remove it from the game). When your hand is empty, you can begin to play on the 3 face-up cards, and lastly, the 3 face-down cards in front of you. Be the first to get rid of all cards to win! 

(2) Sufficient "Clear" Cards To Avoid Too Many Frustrating Penalties 

Just like UNO, no one loves the penalty of picking up the discard pile! But luckily, there are sufficient “Clear” cards around to avoid that nasty pickle. The discard pile can also be cleared away when a same number is played 3 times consecutively (whether by one player or more). 

(3) "Suspense" Till The End 

The “3 Up” and “3 Down” setting is the feature that really sets this game apart from most other card-shedding games. I love the suspense and “calculative” tactics involved that keep all players guessing (and peeking) till the end. I love the strategy behind selecting a good set of “Up” cards (cards with higher value, “clear” power, or repeated numbers are some great choices), mixing with the randomness of the “Down” cards for some final surprise. 

(4) Travel-Friendly & Compact Game 

The game is compact and travel-friendly. The cards are thick, and come in three bright and vivid colours. I love the basic and uncluttered design of the cards. This is a lovely family game! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/3-up-3-down

Enjoy the video! 

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Fire Noodle Eating Champs, By ToToTam - REVIEW


Nature / Type:             Dice game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Fast dice game with hint of skill element  

I’m NOT a big fan of dice games - they’re too “random”, too “luck-based”, too unpredictable. BUT - “Fire Noodle Eating Champs” is a rare “dice game” that does it RIGHT. It gives a wacky delicious twist, with hint of skill and speed elements that makes the game so delightful and enjoyable! Thank you ToToTam for providing this - we’re loving it! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Competitive Dice Game With Zero Down-Time 

Inspired by the video game created by Wombok Games , Fire Noodle Eating Champs is intense, competitive, with zero down-time. Included in it are 8 dice, 28 “noodle cards”, a trophy card, and a rule sheet. Each contestant starts with 4 topping dice and 4 noodle cards (for beginners, start with 2 x Fire Level 1, and 1 each of Fire Level 2 and 3). On the count of 3, players simultaneously flip over a noodle card, roll the dice (repetitively), and place matching dice to fill up the topping spaces on card. Once all topping spaces on a card are covered - “eat it” and move on to the next card. Sounds simple? Here’s the twist. If you roll a “Spicy” face, that die is put aside and cannot be rolled again unless you “reset” the process to roll 4 dice again (including those “matching dice” that are covering the topping spaces). The first player who finished up 4 “bowls” of spicy noodles and grabbed the Trophy card - wins the game! I love the intensity, instant actions, and the “honesty” element that makes this game so genuinely fun (we have to trust all players not to cheat). 

(2) Spicy Noodles Theme - YUM! 

Oh, and who can resist that heart-pounding excitement of spicy noodles. I love the “oriental” noodle theme - from spring onion garnish, kimchi for a kick of tanginess, marinated eggs, mushrooms, and fiery red chilli. The artwork is simple and adorable. 

(3) Adjustable Difficulty Levels For All Ages 

I love the adjustable levels - each Fire Level represents the number of ingredients (eg a card of Fire Level 4 would have 4 toppings on it). We can adjust the difficulty levels based on skill level / age of players. This is a fantastic family game! 

(4) Sturdy Tin Metal Box 

I love the sturdy and compact tin metal box. Each set has 8 dice for a 2-player challenge, with expandable potential (combining 2 or more sets) for more players. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://shop.goodgames.com.au/products/fire-noodle-eating-champs?variant=43957540487326 (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Jump Jump Joey, By Peaceable Kingdom - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:             Games for toddlers          

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️     

Recommended age:    2 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids that love ACTIONS / parents looking for cute games that focus on gross-motor skills 

What a CUTE game this is! This game is specially-designed for toddlers of around 2 year-old and above. I’m super stoked to be sent a copy of “Jump Jump Joey” by Peaceable Kingdom for review (thank you VR Distribution for providing a copy!) 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Cute Kangaroo Apron + A Lots Of Hopping!  

In this set, you get a cute, wearable kangaroo apron (with a pouch), 12 kangaroo pads, a parent guide, and instructions. To set up, spread the kangaroo pads face-down around a room. Each player jumps to 3 different pads whilst saying “Jump Jump Joey”. Next, turn over the last (third) pad that a player is standing near to. If you see a “Joey” (baby kangaroo), place it in Mama Kangaroo’s pouch (there are 3 Joey cards for you to spot). If you do not land near a Joey, then imitate the action as labeled on the pad. The rest of the 9 pads are essentially “action” cards - each has an action stated with an illustration of a kangaroo performing it (“Wiggle”, “Spin”, and more). Keep hopping and jumping around the room until the players located all 3 Joeys - and then, everyone wins together, as a team! Seriously, how CUTE is this game! 

(2) March, Dance, Wiggle, Spin, & More

I have not seen (or reviewed) many games that focus entirely on gross motor skills. I absolutely LOVE the great selection of “action” cards - the kids are asked to “March”, “Shake A Leg”, “Dance”, “Touch Toes”, “Look Surprised”, “Say ‘Where’s My Joey”, and more. I love that the actions cover a whole range of defined and “free-style” movements - including physical, expression, and verbal movements! I think this will be an excellent first game for our little buddies who enjoy moving, laughing, and having fun. 

(3) More Than One Way To Play 

There is more than one way to play with this set! There are other variations suggested, and feel free to come up with creative ideas to use the amazing contents! What about inventing more kangaroo pads with challenging movements for the older kids? Or play a hide-and-seek game, or treasure hunt where the found objects can be stored in the pouch? The game can be played in a group or solo with a kid. It has great potentials for developing essential skills like listening, following directions, building vocabulary, and more! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Big W (Australia) 

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/jump-jump-joey/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

    Sunday, August 4, 2024

    Micronimo, By Laboludic - REVIEW


    Nature / Type:            Board game/ card game  

    Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   

    Recommended age:    6 year-old ++ 

    Who would love this:  Kids/ adults that love strategy card games with unique theme 

    Micronimo from Laboludic is a unique insects-inspired, richly illustrated, and eye-catching card game that would guarantee captured the hearts of many big fans of miniature creatures/ insects. Thank you Divisible by Zero - this is another awesome game that we truly enjoy! 

    Why I love ❤️ this game: 

    (1) Strategise & Plan - Catch & Pair The Insects To Win

    This game includes 90 cards and 1 rule booklet. The aim is to earn the most points by “catching” and collecting insects in pairs of identical cards whilst observing certain conditions to maximise scores. First, select an objective card out of 8 (each card has certain “conditions” that, if met, can either earn a player extra points or get their points deducted). Deal 2 insect cards to each player. On each turn, place face-up in the centre of table (“trap area”) as many pairs of cards as the number of players, plus one additional pair (eg in a 2-player game, we will place 3 pairs of cards). Each player takes turn to select a visible pair of cards to add to their hands. Next, strategise and decide how you want to arrange your cards into “pairs” of identical insect, and place them in columns according to insect-types. The game ends when the draw pile of insect cards is empty. Points are then calculated to determine the winner. 

    (2) 8 Objective Cards for A Variety Of Conditions & Challenges 

    I love that the 8 objective cards feature a variety of conditions, making each game a fresh challenge in itself. For example, there is a card that will award a player additional 2 points when at least one pair of each accessories are collected (as shown on the insect cards). There is another card which will take away 2 points from a player with the most beetles in collection. I love the replayability and strategy element. We can also increase the complexity by using 2 objective cards. 

    (3) Unique Insects Theme & Appealing Artwork 

    I love the unique insects theme (featuring 5 insect types: Bee, Ant, Butterfly, Beetle, and Dragonfly). The set also includes 9 Joker Cards (that can represent any of the 5 insects). Some of the insect cards also features an accessory (handheld magnifying glass, butterfly net, or tweezers). I love the colourful and appealing artwork. This is a delightful strategy game for kids and adults. 

    # gifted in exchange for review 

    Where to buy this: 

    https://www.childplay.com.au/products/laboludic-micronimo-card-game (Australia) 

    Mind Games - Geelong (Australia) 


    Check out more reviews of card games from Laboludic 

    Enjoy the video! 

    Coco Candy, By Laboludic - REVIEW


    Nature/ Type:             Board game/ card game         

    Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

    Recommended age:    5 year-old ++ 

    Who would love this: Kids that love speed games (plus candies!) 

    We love bringing Coco Candy from Laboludic around with us - it’s a travel-friendly, compact game that’s sweetly irresistible and tastily fun!  Thank you Divisible by Zero for providing a copy! 

    Why I love ❤️ this game: 

    (1) A Deliciously Enticing Observation + Speed Game 

    The enticing game box contains 54 double-sided, richly illustrated cards. One side of the cards features 8 sweet treats on white background, and the reverse side presents a “challenge” with conditions to fulfil. Using a “traffic light” red and green system, you will see images of 1 to 2 treats in a green frame (the “must have”) and 1 treat in a red frame (the “must not have”). To set up, spread all the cards with the 8 sweet treat images face-up on the table. Now, turn over a random card to its challenge side and observe the conditions. For example, it might show a banana and pink candy in green zone, and a strawberry in red zone - players then race to locate a card that satisfies both conditions (i.e a card that has both banana and pink candy BUT without a strawberry). The first player who spotted the right card wins the Challenge Card. The next round starts immediately by a player flipping over another random card. The BEST thing about this game: its rules are almost self-explanatory and super easy to explain (within seconds, literally), and everyone “gets it” quickly and can join the play at any stage, regardless of age. 

    (2) Adorable Candy Theme With Sweet Selections 

    We LOVE the adorable candy theme! Apart from the healthy fruit selections, there is also a red candy dispenser, lollipop, two-tier cake with candles, ginger bread man, chocolate donut with rainbow sprinkles, ice cream and cone with a cherry on top, and many more heart-melting treats!

    (3) A No-Dull-Time Game For All Ages & Skills 

    I love that the challenges suit all ages and skills, with no dull time. Some of the challenge cards present one sweet treat on each green and red zone, and some are slightly tougher with two treats in one zone. We can also add on the intensity by imposing penalty (return a won card) when a player made a mistake (eg pointing to a wrong card)! This is a great game to improve reflexes, observation, and concentration - all in the midst of laughter and non-stop giggles! 

    # gifted in exchange for review 

    Where to buy this: 

    https://kinderplay.com.au/products/coco-candy-game (Australia) 

    https://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/products/coco-candy-game-by-laboludic (Australia) 


    Check out more reviews of card games from Laboludic 


    Enjoy the video! 


    Monday, July 29, 2024

    iL Concerto, By Londji - REVIEW


    Nature / Type:             Board game 

    Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

    Recommended age:    7 year-old ++ 

    Who would love this:  This is a creative board game / memory game perfect for any music lovers! 

    Londji iL Concerto is a rare find - It’s a unique memory game that heroes the world of music. If you have a little aspiring musician in your home, this game is a must-have! Thank you Antipoda Co for providing a copy. 

    Why I love ❤️ it: 

    (1) Challenging Memory Game - Play With 36 OR 24 Cards 

    The set includes 36 playing cards (25 instruments, 7 jokers, 4 action cards), 20 ensemble cards with music bands and its allocated points, 4 “silence” tokens, and 24 coordinating tokens. First, we place all 36 playing cards face-down in grid form. Each player selects an ensemble card. Player takes turn to flip over a playing card; if it’s an instrument card that matches the ensemble card, they continue to flip over another card until a mistake is made, OR until a player has found all the relevant instrument cards (and when that happens, the player can keep the card for final scoring!). The game ends when all players have collectively completed 10 ensemble cards. The player with the most points is the winner. This game is no easy feat and really pushes your memory skill to the max (imagine having to memorise the position of all 7 instrument cards in Septet band with no mistake!).There is also an easier play variant with just 24 cards if you want to start “easy”. 

    (2) Interesting Music Theme With Wide Variety Of Instruments / Bands 

    I LOVE the variety of instruments and music genres featured: from classic String Quartet (cello, viola, 2 x violins), playful Brass Quintet (tuba, 2X trumpet, trombone, horn), and iconic Raggae band (e-guitar, e-bass, trumpet, congo, drums). I love the “hint cards” that help us identify a music instrument and its “joker” group - eg piano in the “keyboard” group, oboe within the “woodwind” group. 

    (3) Joker Cards + Action Cards 

    Apart from the joker cards that can represent an instrument within the same “family”, there are also action cards for special advantage: “Spy” to take a peek of any face-down card, “Coordinates” to mark a card of interest, “Silence” to freeze a card, and “One More” for a second chance! 

    (4) Eco-Friendly + Made In Barcelona  

    This game is made of recycled cardboard and paper, packaged in a sturdy cardboard box. It is manufactured and designed in Barcelona, and conforms to international safety standards including EN71. 

    # gifted in exchange for review 

    Where to buy this: 

    Antipoda Co 

    Check out my reviews on other Londji games: 

    Enjoy the video!