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! 

Kamakai, By Laboludic - REVIEW

Nature / Type:            Card game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:    4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Young kids who enjoy simple & fun games (especially one with colourful marine animals)  

Finding the right strategy game for preschoolers can be challenging. It needs to be simple enough for young children to navigate while also incorporating enough decision-making elements to give them a sense of control over the outcomes. Enter “Kamakai” by Laboludic , a delightful marine life card game featuring an adorable yet fearsome tiger shark.

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Vibrant Ocean-Theme Game With Simple Rules 

Kamakai is a vibrant ocean-themed game that’s all about strategy and fun! The game includes 52 cards featuring marine animals—fish, turtles, crabs, and seahorses—in five colors, along with five Kamakai tiger shark tokens. To set up, each player grabs a Kamakai token and places it in front of them. On each turn, player takes a card from either the draw or discard pile, placing them (in a row) next to their shark tile. Next, player rolls the die: If you land on a colour that matches one of your animal cards, you must discard one; rolling a shark means you discard the card next to your token; and rolling seaweed keeps your creatures safe for the round. If you draw a “half-seaweed” card that pairs with another, your animals are protected, and you can skip rolling. The first player to collect at least one of each sea creature wins!

(2) A Game With Fun Strategic Twists

Sounds simple? Not quite. Kamakai offers a range of strategic twists that keep players on their toes. Each round, you can rearrange your sea creatures and decide which card to place next to the tiger shark token, allowing you to protect your valuable cards from being discarded. Gray animals and half-seaweed cards are rarer and more challenging to get rid of, so it’s essential to keep them away from the shark! Additionally, players face the choice of drawing from the pile (for a chance at better cards) or taking from the discard pile for more certainty. This blend of “small” decision-making and tactical planning makes the game engaging and thought-provoking for kids aged 4 to 5.

(3) Minimalist Artwork & Sturdy Compact Box

I love the minimalist and elegant artwork, featuring clear illustrations against a clean white background. The sturdy square box adds to its charm. This compact game is a travel-friendly game for your next family vacation! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.cowtrees.au/games/840-kamakai.html (Australia) 

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

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

Check out more reviews on Laboludic games: 

• 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! 

Lucky Jack, By Laboludic - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Card game  

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Anyone who enjoys quick, family card games with good mix of luck and strategy 

Laboludic is renowned for their distinctive and whimsical artistic style. Introducing our family’s latest LOVE: - “Lucky Jack” - kindly gifted by the fantastic Divisible by Zero. 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Card Game With Good Mix Of Chance + Skill 

I love a card game that seamlessly combines chance and skill. This set includes 84 cards - 12 of each 7 symbols. The objective of the game is to be the first to discard your cards by laying down 3 (or 4) cards that each display the same symbol. Each symbol has a different point value, as detailed in the hierarchy table. First, deal 7 cards to each player. Turn over the top-card from the stock (which represents the first discard). Each player now takes turn to discard a card from their hands. A player can discard a card with the same symbol (or a higher-value symbol) than that shown on the top discard. A player can also discard a lower-value card and takes 2 cards from the stock to add to their hands. Alternatively a player can choose not to discard any cards and instead draw an additional card. They can then either immediately discard this new card—risking it being claimed by another player—or add it to their hand. The turn ends when a player hits a “jackpot” with 3 (or 4) remaining cards showing a set of identical symbols. 

(2) A Risk-Taking Game

The game is played over 3 to 5 rounds (with accumulated score). I love the subtle hint of strategy and risk-taking elements; Will you go for the highest value symbol and risk someone else ending the game before you complete your set? Should you finish with 3 cards, or wait and gamble for a higher-scoring set of four? The choice is yours, and the tension is high!

(3) Casino Vibe With Classic Slot Machine Symbols 

I love the thrilling casino vibe of the design, featuring classic slot machine symbols like bells, cherries, and sevens. It captures that exhilarating feel but reimagined as a kid-friendly card game, bursting with Laboludic’s signature vibrancy and fun! 

(4) Compact & Lightweight - A Travel-Friendly Game 

This game is compact and lightweight, making it a perfect travel companion. The instructions are available in multiple languages—German, French, English, Spanish, and Dutch. With no reading required, it’s truly a universal game that everyone can enjoy.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy it: 

https://www.cowtrees.au/games/825-lucky-jack.html (Australia) 

Check out more reviews on Laboludic games: 

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

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: 

• Micronimo, By Laboludic 
• Spy Kid, By Laboludic 
• Kezao, By Laboludic 
• Coco Candy, By Laboludic 

Enjoy the video! 

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 

• Spy Kid, By Laboludic 
• Kezao, By Laboludic 
• Coco Candy, By 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 

• Spy Kid, By Laboludic 
• Kezao, By Laboludic 

Enjoy the video! 

Spy Kid, By Laboludic - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Observation game for kids 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids that enjoy speed/ memory/ observation games

I am hopeless with observation games. This is the game genre where the kids can easily compete on equal footing with the grown-ups (or even, outperform us with ease and in style). We tested out “Spy Kid” by Laboludic recently, and sure enough, both our kids excel in this game and beat the two adults mercilessly on each round! Thank you Divisible by Zero for providing a copy for review! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Spot The Difference Game With 50 Double-Sided Cards 

The set comes with 50 double-sided cards. Each side of the card contains 5 random objects, with 4 out of the 5 images being the same on both sides of a card. To set up, place all 50 cards in a deck at the centre of the playing area. All players have 5 seconds to simultaneously observe the pictures on one side of the card. Now, turn the card over and spot the difference! The first player who shouts out the new image on the reverse side, wins the card. The game continues until a player wins their first 5 cards. This is a speed game that is head-spinning, not as easy it seems, and is awesome to train up visual memory and reaction. We had a fantastic time playing with this game - frantically pointing, screaming out words, and cracking out brains to identify the minor (and not very obvious) difference! This is a game that would guarantee loads of laughter and excitement. 

(2) Adorable Graphics With Hint Of Retro-Ness 

I am in love with the adorable and endearing graphics with a hint of retro-ness. According to the rules booklet, this game is inspired by the “Kim’s Game” as described by Rudyard Kipling in his novel Kim. In the story set in India, Kim is a sharp and crafty street orphan, training up to become a spy for the King of England. To practice his memory skills, Kim studies groups of precious gems and makes a list of the items based on memory. I love the European feel of the illustrations - from snowman with yellow scarf, blue police vehicle, trees from autumn season, iconic red telephone booth, spy kid with magnifying glass, portmanteau bag with travelling stickers, to yellow cab and more. 

(3) Compact Game With Elegant Design 

I love how compact this game is and the sturdy, elegant cardboard box. This is an an ideal travel game for family vacation! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/spy-kid (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Kezao, By Laboludic - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Colourful card game  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:  6 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids and adults - anyone who loves a quick & simple game with gorgeous artworks! 

I love games with playful graphics and a hint of aesthetic touch. Recently, Divisible by Zero sent me Kezao from Laboludic - and I’m SO IN LOVE with it! This is a game that goes beyond and transcends all ages; everyone in the family enjoys this game - both kids and adults! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Quick, Easy & FUN Game - This is a simple game with easy rules. To start the game, distribute 7 cards to each player; pick two of the four dice, roll them, and race to find the card that depicts the colours combination indicated by the dice (for example, “with blue, but without yellow”). The first player to get rid of all their cards wins. This is an awesome game for colour recognition, brush up observation skills, and improve reaction time and reflexes. This game is “fast and furious” - dice are launched and thrown around, players frantically search their cards at the same time, and everyone plays simultaneously, with NO downtime. 

(2) Different Ways To Play - I love that there are a few different “dice combinations” depending on which 2 dice we are using. We can choose two “colour dice” that would indicate the two colours that must be present in a picture; we can pick two dice with “crossed out colour” which shows the two prohibited colours; or we can use a colour dice and a “crossed out colour” dice. We also tested out using 4 dice at the same time (which was challenging but fun), and created a “slow and relax” variant to make it easier for our 4 year-old. 

(3) The Gorgeous Artworks!!! - My favourite part? The quirky and artistic artworks by the French designer Aurelien Jeanney ! They are modern, vibrant, elegant, complete with clean lines and non-overlapping colours. It was a real joy admiring the wonderful wealth of illustrations on these 60 cards. The pictures range from the simple and straightforward (eg. green apples and yellow background), the slightly more complicated types (3-tiered birthday cake in no fewer than 4 colours and a bright red background), and the complex and exciting kinds (eg. colourful parrot / joker card). 

(4) Awesome Travel Game - The cards are thick and are of good quality. I love how compact and portable the game is, which makes Kezao an ideal travel game! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://sistersensory.com.au/product/kezao/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video!