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! 

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: 

• Match The Mermaids
• The Poetry Play Kit
• Little People, Big Dreams - Amazing Women: A Memory Game 
• Little People, Big Dreams: Who Am I
• Swan Lake Musical Puzzle 
• Find The Fairies 
• Cat Family Christmas - Lift The Flap Puzzle 
• The Nutcracker Musical Puzzle (The Story Orchestra)

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! 

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!