Cockroach Poker, By Drei Magier - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game/ Card game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:     8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Adults/ kids that enjoy poker-inspired games with hilarious artwork

Alright kids - lying is bad… unless you’re playing Cockroach Poker from Drei Magier .I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. The rules seemed too simple, but this delightfully devious little game completely exceeded my expectations and quickly earned a spot among our favourite quick-play staples. Huge thanks to Let's Play Games for sending over a copy!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Chaotic Bluffing Game With Ugly Critters & Lots Of Laughter

Cockroach Poker is bluffing distilled to its purest, most chaotic form. The game comes with 64 cards—8 each of 8 critters. On your turn, you pass a card face down to another player and declare what it is—truthfully or not. They can either call your bluff or believe you. If they’re right, you get the card face up in front of you (bad news); if they’re wrong, it’s theirs. The loser of the exchange starts the next round. Here’s the twist: instead of guessing, a player can secretly peek at the card and pass it along to someone else, continuing the bluff—or changing the tactic. The final player can’t pass and must decide. It’s a game of lies, laughter, and ugly critters, and it ends when one unlucky soul collects four of the same creature. That person loses, and everyone else gets to revel in their misfortune.

(2) Simple Game With Surprising Layer Of Strategy 

For such a simple game, the game hides a surprising layer of strategy and social nuance. As more cards hit the table, it gets easier to sniff out lies—players start revealing patterns, certain critters become scarce, and you can begin to piece together who’s desperate to offload what. The “one loser” element flips the usual competitive mindset. Temporary alliances form, often unspoken, as everyone quietly conspires to pass the pain elsewhere. 

(3) 8 Repulsive Critters With A Twisted Sense Of Humour

The game features 8 wonderfully repulsive critters—cockroaches, rats, spiders, bats, frogs, flies, stinkbugs, and scorpions—all illustrated with a twisted sense of humour. Every card oozes personality: even cards of the same creature have subtle differences in expression and pose, making each one feel unique.

(4) Compact & Portable

With just a single deck of cards in a small box, it’s the kind of game you can throw in your bag or even your coat pocket and be ready for instant fun wherever you go.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/cockroach-poker/ (Australia)

https://www.goodgames.com.au/products/cockroach-poker?variant=36688329506974 (Australia) 

https://www.m-g.com.au/product/cockroach-poker/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Zombie Kidz Evolution, By Scorpion Masque - REVIEW

Nature / Type:            Board game / Card game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Young board game lovers who enjoy cooperative games

Zombie Kidz Evolution from Scorpion Masque is the first legacy-style game we’ve ever seen made just for kids! As you team up to defend your school from goofy zombies, the game grows with you—unlocking wild new missions, secret surprises, and awesome upgrades. Big thanks to Let's Play Games for sending us this epic adventure in a box!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Cooperative Game - Defend Your School From Zombie Invasion! 

Kids work cooperatively defending your school from a chaotic zombie invasion! Start in the middle of the board, place zombies at the school’s doors, and keep a few in the “zombie reserve.” On your turn, roll the die to see where a new zombie sneaks in—unless you roll a blank (phew, no zombie this time!). Move to a new room or stay put, then blast away up to two zombies in your room and send them back to the reserve. But watch out—if three zombies pile into one room, it’s blocked! Team up with a buddy at an entryway, high-five (the best part!), and lock it down. Lock all four doors before the zombies run out, and you win!

(2) Stickers + Secret Envelopes

The BEST part? After each game, you get to stick a brain sticker on your progress chart in the rulebook. When you reach a special spot - open a secret envelope and discover something new. The game evolves as you play, adding fresh twists that make it more exciting each time. Soon, your heroes gain awesome powers, and even the zombies level up into Super Zombies! You also get to earn trophy sticker when you completed a special mission! 

(3) Double-Sided Game Board & Amazing Components

We love the components! The game comes with a double-sided board (the two-player side has secret shortcuts between rooms). The characters, cards, and manual all look great, and the real highlight? Those mystery envelopes! Kids go wild peeling them open to reveal the next big surprise. It’s like getting a present every time you level up! 

(4) Bright, Bold, Adorable Artwork

The art is bright, bold, and totally adorable! Each kid hero wields silly, kid-friendly zombie-fighting gear. It’s a clever twist on the classic zombie movie vibe, but made fun (not scary!) and perfect for a schoolyard setting. The standee characters are full of personality, with a nice mix of styles. It’s spooky-ish... but in the most giggle-worthy way!

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/

https://www.goodgames.com.au/products/zombie-kidz-evolution?variant=36679210860702 (Australia) 

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/zombie-kidz-evolution-board-game/p/9900717726 (Australia)

Enjoy the video! 

Crok Crok Crok, By Bioviva - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game  

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Young kids that love speed games 

“Crok Crok Crok”- a game that blends quick thinking with memory skills—perfect for curious little minds! Created by Bioviva, it’s a delightful way to introduce kids to the eating habits of their favorite animals (and human!). Big thanks to Divisible by Zero for sending us a copy! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) A Fast-Paced Game - Collect 5 Food Tokens To Win

This game turns mealtime into playtime! Five friendly animals—and one hilariously hungry little boy—gather around the table, where a colorful spread of apple, egg, carrot, banana, and snow peas awaits. Roll the die to see who’s up: if it’s the monkey, grab that banana fast! The rabbit munches on peas and carrots, the worm wriggles toward apples, and the donkey enjoys both apples and carrots. The pig is a bit pickier—no bananas for him—but he’ll eat just about everything else. And the boy? He’s a total foodie—he’ll eat it all! Players race to grab the correct foods based on each character’s diet. Collect all five food tokens to win! It’s fast-paced game that usually ends in giggles… or dramatic groan of a sore loser!

(2) Delightful Food Theme With Chunky Food Pieces 

I love the delightful food theme and the irresistible, chunky wooden food pieces—perfect for little hands to grab! Inside the box, you’ll find 6 charming wooden food toys, 30 colorful food tokens, a sturdy wooden die, a clever foldable guide card, and game rules. The guide card stands up on the table like a mini menu, making it super simple for kids to see who eats what at a glance. Everything feels high-quality and built to last, a truly tactile treat.

(3) Simple Game With A Sneaky Challenge

Don’t be fooled by its simple look—this game packs a sneaky challenge! Kids might just outmatch the grown-ups with lightning-fast grabs. Watch out for the human—he eats everything, so speed is key if you want to win in a single turn! Want the snow pea token? You’ve got to grab both peas at once! But choose carefully—grab the wrong food, and you’ll have to give a token back.

(4) Eco-Friendly Game Proudly Made In France

Best of all, it’s made by Bioviva—a trusted name for eco-friendly fun. Proudly made in France, their games use recycled materials, sustainable wood, plant-based inks, and minimal packaging. It’s a game you can feel great about, inside and out!

#gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/products/bioviva-the-nature-game-copy (Australia) 

Check out more games from Bioviva: 

• Mission Jungle, By Bioviva 
• Bioviva - The Game, By Bioviva
• Operation Survival, By Bioviva

Enjoy the video! 

Dragomino, By Blue Orange- REVIEW

Nature / Type:            Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:    5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Young kids who enjoy matching / dominoes-type games + cute dragons

Dragomino by Blue Orange is a cute, kid-friendly twist on the award-winning Kingdomino. It keeps all the fun of the original, with rules simplified just right for little gamers. We first tried it four years ago—and we love it even more now! Thank you VR Distribution for providing a copy. 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Match Landscapes + "Crack Open" A Dragon Egg

Dragomino is easy to learn—even preschoolers can pick it up in minutes! Each turn, you pick a tile to grow your island and try to match the landscapes. Match them right, and you get to crack open a dragon egg! Will it be an adorable baby dragon or just an empty shell? The player who finds the most baby dragons wins! And if you find a shell, you get the Mommy Dragon token, which lets you go first next round—and scores you a bonus point at the end! No tricky math here—just count your dragons (plus one if you’ve got Mommy Dragon) to see who wins!

(2) Sneaky Strategy & Maths Lessons - Hiding In The Fun

There’s sneaky strategy hiding in all the fun! Kids quickly start noticing patterns—like how some landscapes seem to hatch more baby dragons than others. Every terrain has exactly 7 baby dragons, but the number of egg tokens (which include both dragons and empty shells) changes based on how common that terrain is on the dominoes. So terrains like forests have more egg tokens overall, but your chances of finding a dragon is lower. Rarer terrains, like the red volcanoes, have fewer total eggs, so the odds of scoring a dragon are higher! It’s a perfect little lesson in probability, cleverly disguised as dragon hunting. Kids soon started making strategic decisions, and even tracking which dragons have already been found to help decide what to pick next.

(3) Delightful Artwork & Sturdy Quality Tiles

The artwork and quality are delightful! The tiles are made of sturdy, thick cardboard, and oh those baby dragons! - each have their own unique poses, expressions, and little personalities. It’s the kind of whimsical detail that sparks imagination and keeps everyone giggling.

(4) Great Packaging With Custom Slots For Each Components

The packaging is top-notch! Everything has its own perfect place—tiles, eggs, tokens—all neatly stored in custom slots designed for each piece. Even the different types of egg tokens have their own special compartments, which makes packing up just so satisfying! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/blue-orange-games-dragomino-kids-children-interactive-fun-play-tile-game-5y-/p/9900557297 (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Sunny Side Up, By Danspil - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Young kids / parents looking for first educational game for their younger kids 

Some games sneak up on you—you don’t expect much at first, but the moment you start playing, you’re completely hooked! Sunny Side Up by Danspil may be made for ages 3 and up, but this game is surprisingly engaging, and we couldn’t stop laughing while playing! Huge thanks to Divisible by Zero for this delightful surprise!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) An Adorable Game - Roll The Die, Match Egg Cup, Fry An Egg!

Sunny Side Up is a simple yet adorable game for 2 to 4 players, designed for small kids - but trust me, even grown-ups won’t want to stop playing! The goal? Be the first to “fry” all your eggs and clear your basket. Roll the die, place eggs in the matching egg cups (unless someone else got there first—uh-oh, back to your basket it goes!), and if you’re lucky enough to roll a 6, you get to fry an egg with a super satisfying thump! Sounds easy, right? It is! But somehow, this game is ridiculously addictive—I can’t figure out why, and honestly, I don’t care. It’s just that fun!

(2) Nice Touch of Strategy

Think this is just a mindless roll-and-go game? Think again! Sunny Side Up sneaks in a touch of strategy. If you successfully place an egg in an empty cup or fry one in the pan, you get to roll again (as an option) —but here’s the catch. The more eggs already sitting in the cups, the riskier it gets! One unlucky roll could send extra eggs straight back to your basket. But if the board is looking empty? Well, maybe it’s worth taking a gamble! A little risk, a little reward!

(3) Two Dice - Classic Pips & Actual Numbers

The set comes with two dice—one with classic pips and one with actual numbers (1 to 6)—making it a perfect way for little ones to practice counting, matching, and recognizing numerals. 

(4) Bright, Colourful, Brilliantly Thought-Out (Genius Fry-An-Egg Hole!)

I’m in love with the game’s design—bright, colorful, and brilliantly thought out! Each basket and cup has a little concave space to keep the eggs from rolling away (no messy chaos here!). The eggs themselves look just like the real thing, with one rounded end and one pointed end. And let’s talk about the best part—the genius fry-an-egg hole in the pan! Dropping an egg in and hearing that satisfying plonk never gets old. And those exasperated hens laying comically oversized eggs shown on the box cover —absolutely adorable!

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.cowtrees.au/games/844-sunny-side-up.html (Australia) 

Dragonfly Toys (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

MAPOMINOES - Asia & Australia, by WildCard Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type:            Board game / Card game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️     

Recommended age:    8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Geography enthusiast / gamers with a love for travel 

MAPOMINOES is an innovative game that offers a unique way to explore the world from the comfort of home. Whether you’re a geography enthusiast or someone with a love for travel, this portable game will captivate your imagination. Check out MAPOMINOES - Asia & Australia by WildCard Games (kindly provided by Divisible by Zero) 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) A "Dominoes" Game - Connect Country Cards & Transit Cards

The game includes 51 country cards and 14 transit cards. Players are dealt country cards (minus one starting card) and two transit cards, and must place countries adjacent to ones they border in real life. Each country is represented by a card, and the card lists the countries that border it. For example, Laos’ card lists its bordering countries, such as Cambodia and Thailand, which can be placed next to it. If you get stuck, transit cards can represent countries or bodies of water, like oceans. For instance, you can use a transit card to link Australia to the Indian Ocean. The game plays like dominoes, where you connect countries to build a continental map. No prior geography knowledge is needed—everything you need is on the cards!

(2) Strategy! Strategy! Strategy!

This is a game of strategy! Block opponents by holding onto “high-value” cards like China (country with the most countries at borders), or try to get rid of cards with few borders (eg Brunei or Qatar). Use transit cards wisely to connect your remaining cards, and aim for ‘double connections’ (play a card that connects two or more cards on table) to earn extra turns. With limited space on the table, planning around the edges gives a strategic advantage. Every game is unique due to the different border connections, ensuring replayability. Plus, there’s option of sand-timer to add an extra level of urgency!

(3) Learn Country's Name / Flag / Capital / Population & More!

Each card features the country’s name, flag, capital, area, population, a map, and its neighboring countries. The cards are visually clear and easy to read. Plus, the rules include a reference map, helping you see the bigger picture and learn as you play.

(4) Expandable With Other Continental Versions

Mapominoes can expand to include other continental versions, letting you connect the whole world. The consistent art style ensures compatibility between versions.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.mindgamesgeelong.com.au/purchase-games-online/games/travel/display/8680-mapominoes-asia-and-australia (Australia) 

https://www.cowtrees.au/educational-toys/489-mapominoes-asia-australasia.html (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Everdell, By Starling Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Older kids and adults who enjoy strategy / worker placement games 

Everdell is a captivating worker placement game from Starling Games , and after testing the junior version, My Lil’ Everdell, we couldn’t wait to check out this more intricate original. The experience? Absolutely thrilling! A massive thank you to Let's Play Games for sharing this game with us!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Collect Resources + Play Cards To Win Victory Points

In Everdell, players build a vibrant village by gathering resources and playing cards over four seasons. Starting with two workers, you’ll use them to collect resources or play cards from your hand or the central board. Each card adds new abilities or victory points. The challenge lies in strategically managing your limited workers, competing for the best resource spots, and deciding when to transition to the next season. Whether it’s chasing event cards, weighing short-term / long-term gains, or maximizing every resource, the tactical decisions make every turn thrilling. At the end of the game, tally up your points from your tableau, events, and coins—may the best village win!

(2) Endless Replayability With Ever-Changing Setup

Everdell offers endless replayability with its ever-changing setup. Each game feels fresh thanks to a few key variables: a random set of Forest cards that shifts resource strategies, Special Event cards that introduce unique challenges based on specific criteria, and a deck of 128 Critter and Construction cards, each with unique powers. The real excitement comes from pairing Construction cards with Critters, which lets you play certain cards for free, adding an element of luck and tension to each decision.

(3) Visually Stunning Tabletop Set-Up

The 3D, vertically set-up tree is a visual masterpiece. While some online reviews mention its non-functional aspects, for our family, it truly brings the game to life, adding a magical, storybook dimension to the experience. I also love the stunning foldable game board—its design perfectly captures the enchanting world of Everdell, making every playthrough feel like stepping into a fairytale.

(4) Unique Resources & Whimsical Artwork

The resources—twigs, resin, pebbles, and berries—are distinct in shape, size, and material, adding a tactile richness to the game. The artwork captures the whimsical world of anthropomorphic creatures building a city.

P/S: Resource crates are not included in this set

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/my-lil-everdell-standard-edition-board-game

https://www.hobbyco.com.au/products/everdell-2

Enjoy the video! 

Monkey Palace, By Lego & Asmodee - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     10 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Lego lovers & anyone who enjoys strategy games with stunning set-up! 

Lego and Asmodee have teamed up to bring something groundbreaking to the table – Monkey Palace! This is a brilliant fusion of strategy, fun, and the iconic creativity of LEGO pieces. Seriously, how cool is this! Big thanks to VR Distribution for sending over a copy. 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Collaborate To Build - With REAL LEGO Bricks!

Monkey Palace is a one-of-a-kind placement game where players collaborate to build, but with a competitive edge! The goal is to rack up the most banana points by constructing a staircase that earns Monkey Credits through monkey, trophy, and bonus cards. On your turn, you’ll build an ascending staircase using blocks, columns, and arches, topping it off with a decoration like bamboo leaves or a golden block. The more height you build (earn bonus points for columns with 5 or more blocks) and the more arches you use, the more credits you earn (which you can then spend on cards for additional building blocks -  both one-time and recurring). The set includes 80 arches, 80 1×1 bricks, 16 1×3 columns, 32 bamboo leaves in 2 colors, 16 1×1 round bricks, a monkey, butterfly, frog, 4 corner bricks, a baseplate, 84 cards, 4 player boards, and 2 double-sided ground maps. The player with the most banana points at the end of the game wins!

(2) Strategy, Strategy, Strategy

I’m in love with the strategic depth! There’s so much to consider: which cards to buy for the best mix of arches and blocks, whilst ensuring you earn enough banana points to win. Don’t forget the trophy cards for extra points and the mischievous critters that can disrupt your opponents—like the monkey that sits on top of a golden decoration block, the butterfly that hovers at the highest decoration block, and the frog that gives you a free column piece in exchange for -3 points.

(3) Replayability & Variety

I love the game’s replayability and variety. With four different game maps featuring unique layouts and ground types, each structure looks different every time. The shuffled cards each round provide new building pieces, keeping the gameplay dynamic and fresh. 

(4) Fun & Playful Style With Hint Of Humour

The game’s aesthetic is charming and playful, with LEGO’s signature humor and style shining through. The monkeys add a fun, goofy touch.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/lego-monkey-palace/

https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/toys-and-collectibles/308122-lego-monkey-palace-board-game

https://www.zingpopculture.com.au/product/card-board-games/308122-lego-monkey-palace-board-game

Enjoy the video! 

Deep River, By Laboludic - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     10 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Older kids/ adults who enjoy strategy games

French publisher Laboludic continues to impress with its knack for crafting unique themes, stunning artwork, and endless fun. Today, let’s talk about Deep River—a special thanks to Divisible by Zero for generously providing a copy!

why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) "Tug-Of-War" Strategy Game With A Bear

Deep River is a strategy game brimming with delightful depth. My kid calls it the ‘tug-of-war game with a bear.’ Guide your salmon or eel across the river while luring the Hungry Bear into your opponent’s territory to win! Start by randomly placing the river tiles, then take turns moving your fish by strategically choosing action tokens and applying river tile effects—all while the bear is tugged in two directions. Each time your fish reaches the opposite shore, the bear inches closer to your rival’s nest. The game ends when the bear reaches a nest or when two action tiles land in the salmon’s camp. A fast-paced, tactical 2-player experience, Deep River keeps you on the edge of your seat! 

(2) Fresh New Round Each Time With Reshuffled Tiles & Tokens

I love how each round feels fresh, thanks to the reshuffling of tiles and tokens! The random placement of river tiles changes the board and strategy, while action tiles - flipped each time they’re activated - add more layers to the game. River tiles have unique effects—some require two fish to activate, others let you flip a chosen action tile, move the bear, or give your fish extra movement. There’s also a special rule where you can ‘occupy’ your opponent’s fish token, taking control of it—just watch out for tiles that can reverse the position! Though the rules seem simple, the combinations quickly become mind-boggling. 

(3) Unique Artwork & Original Theme

Deep River features unique artwork that instantly grabs your attention. The salmon and eel theme is refreshingly original, and it fits perfectly with the tug-of-war mechanic. The concept of salmon and eels struggling to survive is thoughtfully executed and adds a compelling layer to the game.

(4) Wooden Bear & Quality Components

I love the beautifully crafted wooden bear figurine, which perfectly symbolizes the looming danger. Deep River comes in a compact box but packs high-quality components—the tokens and tiles are thick, durable, and built to last.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.cowtrees.au/games/841-deep-river.html

Check out more reviews on Laboludic games: 

• Kamakai, By Laboludic
• Lucky Jack, By Laboludic 
• Golden Creek, By Laboludic 
• Micronimo, By Laboludic 
• Spy Kid, By Laboludic 
• Kezao, By Laboludic 
• Coco Candy, By Laboludic

Enjoy the video! 

Dodo, By Thames & Kosmos - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game for kids  

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   

Recommended age:    6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Young board gamers who love speed + memory games

This is a delightful game where players team up to build bridges to save a dodo egg. With clock ticking and zero down-time, the game keeps everyone on their toes. Check out Dodo from Thames & Kosmos (thanks to VR Distribution for providing a copy!)

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Stunning Tabletop Setup - With Cliff Edges & Spiralling Bridges

The stunning vertically-oriented tabletop setup took my breath away! The mountain, with its steep, treacherous cliff edges and protruding outcrops, forms the perfect backdrop for the spiralling bridges. At the top, the dramatic peak showcases a cute dodo standing proudly. The best part? When you’re ready to roll the egg down, simply tip the dodo forward to watch it gaze down the mountain, sending the egg tumbling out of its nest. It’s comical with a playful tension! 

(2) Flurry Of Action- Be Quick To Save The Falling Dodo Egg!

I love how the adorable theme fits perfectly with the gameplay. Kids work together to quickly build bridges and save the falling dodo egg. The process is a flurry of action: roll the die, flip the tokens, gather the right materials, match icons, and complete the bridge sections before the egg tumbles off the mountain. Once all the bridges are built, you bring the boat over, moor it on the dock, and catch the egg with it! It’s simple enough for kids to understand, with clear, colorful resources and well-labeled components. A game full of frantic fun, it encourages teamwork, speed, and memory!

(3) Wobbly Egg With Unpredictable Movements

The wobbly egg is the star of the game, with its unpredictable, threatening movements that keep you on edge. Sometimes it rolls along merrily, other times it slows to a crawl, making it hard to predict when disaster will strike. The frantic real-time bridge-building adds a hilarious rush, when you scrambling to stay ahead of the egg whilst trying to remember the location of your tokens. The egg’s weight tilts the boat comically as you try to catch it, turning the final win into a moment of laughter!

(4) Adjustable Difficulty Levels

I love the adjustable difficulty modes! In easy mode, you can skip the skull spaces for faster play. The Expert mode adds more memory challenges, cranking up the stress as you race to complete the six bridges, each getting progressively harder with more spaces to fill!

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Big W (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

no.minoes, By Tranquil Learning Collective - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Maths learning resources 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Parents looking for creative maths / multiplication learning resources

I love when educational resources blend fun and learning seamlessly. We recently tried out the no.minoes from Tranquil Learning Collective, and I’m truly impressed. These dominoes are some of the most beautifully crafted resources I’ve ever seen. They make learning feel less like a task and more like a visual delight!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Multiplication Game With 28 Laser-Cut Dominoes 

This set includes 28 laser-cut dominoes that will really put your multiplication skills to the test! Each rectangular tile follows the classic domino format, with a line dividing it into two squares. One side features a multiplication equation or question, while the other offers a visual representation of the problem — large circles or groups, each containing equal number of smaller dots to illustrate the concept of multiplication. The challenge is to match the end of one domino to the corresponding equation or visual on another. It’s a clever, hands-on way to reinforce multiplication! My 5-year-old quickly understood the logic (counting the larger groups and smaller dots, then linking them to the equation) and had a blast matching up the tiles.

(2) Self-Checking Feature - Form A Circular Chain When Paired Correctly

What I love about these tiles is the self-checking feature: when paired correctly, the dominoes form a continuous circular chain, connecting the last tile back to the first. It’s such a satisfying and intuitive way to ensure accuracy. I also appreciate how versatile these tiles are for reinforcing key math concepts. By physically manipulating the dominoes, kids get to engage with the material in a hands-on way. Whether played as a group game, a competitive challenge between pairs, or independently as a timed speed challenge, these tiles offer endless opportunities for learning and fun!

(3) Designed in Australia - High Quality & Vibrant Colours

I’m captivated by the vibrant colours and the tactile, slightly raised surface of each tile. The edges, numbers, and visual groups are clear and semi-translucent, creating a stunning effect when the tiles catch the sunlight. Designed and crafted in Australia, these dominoes are solid, high-quality, and built to last through countless play sessions. The tiles come in a beautiful cardboard gift box, making storage both practical and elegant

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://tranquillearningcollective.com.au/shop/no-minoes/

Enjoy the video! 

The Magic Labyrinth, By Drei Magier - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Kids who love maze/ labyrinth + memory games 

The Magic Labyrinth by Drei Magier brilliantly brings the concept of a tabletop maze to life, creating a truly immersive experience without relying on video-game graphics or elaborate features. My kids and I were immediately hooked, playing round after round! Thank you Let's Play Games for a copy! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Maze With Invisible Walls - A Super Cool Memory Game

You play as young wizards navigating an invisible maze to collect magical tokens—first to 5 wins! The game cleverly teaches cause and effect, as kids learn from trial and error while avoiding obstacles. The setup is simple yet brilliant: players arrange wooden barriers under the board, spin it to scramble the maze’s orientation, and place magnetized wizards on each corner with a metal ball attached underside. As you move, hitting an invisible wall sends the ball rolling back, forcing you to remember which paths to avoid next turn. We laughed when we advanced, only to groan in delight when hearing the characteristic plunk of the falling ball!

(2) Easy To Adjust Levels Of Difficulty + Lucky Elements For Unpredictability

After each round, simply lift the board, rearrange the hidden walls, and start fresh with a new challenge! I love how the difficulty can be adjusted by removing wall pieces, offering a perfect balance for players of all ages. The walls fit snugly into their grid slots, making setup a breeze. What’s even more fun is the lucky element introduced when you draw a token from the bag—if it lands on your pawn’s space, you grab it instantly. If it’s close by, you’ll likely snatch it up before anyone else can!

(3) Clever Design - Easy To Retrieve Dislodged Ball & Restart A Turn

When the metal ball hits a wall, it’s smoothly dislodged and rolls effortlessly to one of the table’s corners—such a clever design that makes it easy to retrieve and quickly restart your turn! The four wizard pawns are vibrant, oversized, and delightfully chunky, making them extra fun for kids to move around. I also love that the bottoms are lined with velvety felt, allowing them to glide smoothly across the board.

(4) Awesome Components - Large Maze Surface & Great Quality

I love the large maze surface and the sturdy wooden die. The cardboard pieces and boards are high quality and well-punched. Plus, the black pouch to store everything is a nice touch. Overall, the components are fantastic!

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://shop.goodgames.com.au/products/the-magic-labyrinth-drei-magier?variant=36686365130910 (Australia) 

https://www.presentsofmind.com.au/game/the-magic-labyrinth-2/ (Australia) 

https://www.gameology.com.au/products/the-magic-labyrinth (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

My Lil’ Everdell, By Starling Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Younger kids who love try out the thrill of strategy games! 

Everdell is a delightful worker placement game by Starling Games - but, it’s also a little too complex for the kids. That’s where My Lil’ Everdell comes in—designed to capture the heartwarming cuteness of Everdell, but with just the right amount of depth for young players. A big thank you to Let's Play Games for providing this gem!

Why I love ❤️ it 

(1) Gather Resources + Play/ Purchase Cards Strategically

The game is played over 4 rounds, with each round consisting of 3 turns per player. On each turn, players place a friend on one of 3 worker placement spots: large spots granting 1 resource (open to any number of friends), lucrative dice spots (first-come, first-serve), and red card spots that build into their personal tableau. After placing a friend, players can optionally purchase a card from the Meadow, which can be green (round start effects), tan (one-time bonuses), red (new worker placement), blue (triggered effects), or purple (end-game bonuses). Cards cost 1-5 resources like berries, sticks, and resin. Players can also complete parades to earn victory points, with the first player to finish a parade getting 6 points, the second 5, and so on. After four rounds, players tally points from cards and parade tokens, with the highest scorer winning.

(2) Simple Decision-Making Opportunities - Perfect For Younger Kids

The game offers plenty of opportunities for decision-making, encouraging kids to weigh their options carefully. Should we buy a card that costs fewer resources but is less impactful, or save up for a more powerful card later? The tactical choices keep the game engaging without overwhelming them, and the shifting dice each round add an extra layer of strategy.

(3) Solo Mode/ Expansion Pack/ Alternative Rules - Variations To Suit All Ages

The “Captain” and “Fort“ rules give younger players a helpful boost at the start by providing extra resources and bonus cards. There’s also a solo mode for solo play and a ”Kindergarten“ promo expansion that can be used with the original Everdell game. These additions make the game adaptable for different age groups and playstyles. 

(4) Beautifully Illustrated Cards & Clever Resource Crates

The cards are beautifully illustrated with simple icons. I love the included resource crates, which add a tactile element to the game. The components are well-made, and the rulebook is easy to follow.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gameology.com.au/products/my-lil-everdell-standard-edition (Australia)

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/my-lil-everdell-standard-edition-board-game (Australia) 

Enjoy the video!