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! 

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! 

Story Time Backgammon, By Thinking Cup Learning - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:            Backgammon learning set

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Young kids that enjoy stories + learning a new game  

I never really understood how the game of Backgammon works - having grew up learning the game entirely through words of mouth and “make-up rules”. I’m super grateful to VR Distribution for providing a copy of this “Story Time Backgammon” by Thinking Cup Learning for review. I’m thoroughly impressed and I can’t wait to share more about it with you today! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Learn Classic Backgammon Game Through A Story 

“Story Time Backgammon” adopts the same story-telling approach from its previous successful “Story Time Chess” project - it uses adorable illustrations, cheeky storyline, and wacky characters to introduce a tactical and kind-of sophisticated (grown-ups’) game to kids! We read about the tale of a swashbuckling pirate Peglegra the Bold who couldn’t wait to explore the legendary Diamond of Icelandic, and a Viking Chieftain who (having had enough of frozen potato diet) desperately wanted to explore to legendary Land of Fruitlandia. We read about high sea adventure of pirate ships and Viking boats, ship-bumping to the “sandbar”, a wooden gate that would only open when a whole fleet (15 ships) has arrived, a “Great Vortex” that changes the direction of the ships, and the rule of “bearing off” through the use of magical dice and power of Wind and Wave. Seriously, I never knew that the game of Backgammon can be THAT interesting. 

(2) 27 Mini Games To Practise Your New Moves 

I love the 27 witty mini games that help kids to practise the moves in an interactive and visual way. We started with the simple “reading the dice” game, “getting around the board”, “Rolling with 2 Dice, to the more complicated rules of “Rolling Doubles”, “Rolling Back into the Race” (after being bumped off to the middle sandbar), and “Bearing Off” (after assembling a whole fleet at “home board”). 

(3) Large & Double-Sided Game Board 

The game board is LARGE and double-sided - a colourful “story-side”and a more “serious” classic board on the reverse. I love the clever cutouts that can transform “boring” discs into exciting fleet of ships, the kids love shaking the Custom Dice Cups (that also can serve as storage containers), and everyone loves the sparkly “Wixi” dice (to help kids with the counting when they roll doubles). 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/story-time-backgammon/p/9900033963 (Australia) 

https://shop.goodgames.com.au/products/story-time-backgammon?variant=43348722581662 (Australia) 

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/story-time-chess/ (Australia) 

Check out also my other review on Story Time Chess (By Thinking Cup Learning). 

Enjoy the video! 

Kraken Attack, by LOKI - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Family board game  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids who love board games - especially one with COOL pirate theme & strategy elements

Oh the JOY whenever we discovered a fabulous board game that makes us want to do a celebratory dance! Kraken Attack by LOKI checks ✅ all the boxes of what our family loves! Thank you VR Distribution - another amazing recommendation!

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Board Game With A BIG Mission - Defend Your Ship Against Kraken Attack! 

I love a game with “important” mission that makes us feel like we’re part of a BIG adventure. Our crew of little buccaneers work together to defend their ship against the tentacles and Kraken monster! First, position the pirates at 4 quadrants of the ship, each guarded by two ship’s rails. Throughout the game, players roll the dice and watch the 8 tentacle figures moved closer to the ship, ready to tear away the wall and slam a hole to the ship. But fear NOT, our pirates are all gear-up for a battle; On each turn, players choose one of two face-up cards that allows them to launch a mixture of attacks (saber, pistol, cannon, wild) or repair a hole. “Funny face” on a card angers the Kraken and causes the aggressive creature to move closer towards the ship, until it eventually unleashes its full wrath and makes its way to the ship board. This will bring the dice total to six! The game ends when the ship suffers damage of 4 holes, or when players manage to place 3 attack tokens on the Kraken figurine. 

(2) Cooperative Game With A Mix Of Skills & Chance 

I love that this is a cooperative game that excites both kids and adults. There is a good mixture of luck (eg if you roll a dice with “eye” icon, every tentacles of matching colour move forward) AND strategy (players to decide which mode of attack to use and in what sequence). We love the “special abilities” of each pirate - for example, Samuel can ignore the unlucky “Eye” icon on the dice, Billy can fire a Cannon and push back all tentacles in Cannon zone on the same side of board etc. We also love elevating the challenge with “Whirlpool” tokens that can send the Tentacles and Kraken quicker to the ship. 

(3) Awesome Components, COOL Artwork, & Amazing Storage Box 

The components and the storage box are awesome! The tentacles are whimsical, the Kraken is pure glorious, the ship’s rails are sturdy and fun, the wooden pirate tokens are adorable. I love the quality and the engaging artworks! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.kidstuff.com.au/products/loki-kraken-attack

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/kraken-attack/

Check out more reviews on LOKI games here: 

• Detective Charlie, By LOKI 
• Carla Caramel, By LOKI 

Enjoy the video! 

Treasure Island, By SmartGames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Matching game with a (literal) twist 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Collectors of SmartGames, and anyone who love a brain challenge with a theme! 

There are GREAT reasons why treasure-hunting is such a popular theme amongst kids (and adventure-craving adults); think about unknown awaits, thrilling scenes, and the danger we may face! Thank you Leisure Learning for providing this fantastic “Treasure Island” from SmartGames for a review! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Clever Game With Shape-Shifting Puzzle Pieces

We have tried many “matching puzzles” before, but SmartGames always pushes a little boundary and gives its games an unexpected, ingenious touch. “Treasure Island” is a matching puzzle with a (literal) “twist”. In this game, you would find a hexagonal game board, 5 puzzle pieces, and a booklet with 80 challenges and solutions. The goal is simple: choose a challenge, and match the puzzle pieces to the “treasure island map” with 4 terrains / colours. The most unique part of this game? The 4 shape-shifting, twistable puzzle pieces - each can be transformed into 4 different arrangements! I LOVE that this game requires us to keep our brain and hands busy at the same time. This is a puzzle of non-stop twisting, rotating, setting-up, matching, and re-testing, repeatedly! 

(2) 80 Puzzle Challenges In Different Difficulty Levels 

The 80 challenges are categorised in different levels and arranged in progressive difficulties- from starter, junior, expert, master, to wizard. The easier beginner puzzles have more obvious clues, with all the terrains clearly identified on the challenge map. The harder challenges show fewer hints and have more white (blank) hexagonal spaces. There is only one solution for each challenge. 

(3) Puzzle With A Story: Adventurer & Ancient Temple Theme! 

As usual, SmartGames is awesome when it comes to incorporating stories into its puzzles. This is a game about fearless adventurers, embarking on sea journey, in search of a long-forgotten ancient temple on forsaken island. The components are sturdy, the shifting mechanism is cleverly-done, and I love the clean division of colours symbolising 4 terrains (hills, rocks, forest, and water). I particularly love the temple that was designed to resemble a Mayan temple, but in a hexagonal shape to match the overall feel of the game. The white sailing ship (whilst not having a real function) is a nice touch that completes the story. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Check out my other reviews of similar SmartGames products: 

• Walls & Warriors, By SmartGames 
• Grizzly Gears, By SmartGames  
• Horse Academy, By SmartGames 
• Jack and the Beanstalk - Deluxe, by SmartGames 
• Pirates Crossfire, By SmartGames 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/treasure-island

Enjoy the video! 

DIY Pirate Ship, By Calebou - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          3D puzzle / model made of thick quality paper    

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Art & Craft/ 3D models hobbyists  

 “So….. what’s next?” - that’s the sort of questions the kids love asking (even after a flurry of non-stop, exhausting activity) - 😳 Those are the time when I’m grateful to have little creative things like this “DIY Pirate Ship” 3D puzzle craft kit from Calebou in the house as a quick and relaxed “time-filler” activity (seriously, kids and their limitless energy 🤦🏻‍♀️). 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Super Easy-To-Build Model - This is probably one of the easiest 3D model we had ever built. In fact, it was so simple there isn’t even a step-by-step guide that goes with it. What’s included is a single illustration of the pirate ship model with labels of number showing the puzzle parts. There are a total of 21 individual pieces, each separately numbered, printed on quality thick paper padded with foam core. The whole process involved “popping out” the independent pieces, bending and shaping, fitting and slotting, to form a cool-looking pirate ship! I worked together with my six-year-old, and it took us around 10 minutes to complete the model. Everything was relatively straightforward. Granted, some of the parts (like the masts) were slightly twisted when we were trying to push them into the slots, and this is probably not the most “durable” model (which is quite inevitable given the soft material type), but overall, the parts were well-fitted. I love that no scissors or tools were needed for this craft, which makes it really child-friendly and easy to manage. 

(2) Beautiful Design - The end result is small in size but meticulous in details. From the bowsprit extension at the bow, Jolly Roger flag, masts and sails, quarterdeck at the stern, potholes and so on. It is a lovely decorative item that stands well, visually attractive, and looks amazingly cool! 

(3) Light Weight Paper Product - I also love that it is a paper product, light weight, and came in an unassuming flat pack. There isn’t much information online about the manufacturer, save that it is a business in China specialising in paper products (mainly 3D puzzles), and the products have passed international standards such as EN71 and ASTM. 

Overall, this is a cute little thing that makes me smile! 

Where to buy this: 

http://www.calebou.com/ (Website) 

Enjoy the video! 

Pirate Adventure Wooden Puzzle, By Melissa & Doug - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Wooden puzzle with an adventurous pirate theme  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Puzzle-loving kids, especially fans of pirates and sea dragons! 

Treasure hunting, peg leg and eye patch, true dangers and non-stop thrills. A pirate adventure never goes out of style and will continue to fascinate generations to come! We found this Melissa & Doug in our local toy library. The kids instantly fall in love with this precious little gem. Today I’m going to share about this beautiful piece of art. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Exciting Pirates Theme - We love the adventurous and colourful pirates scene with hints of humour and child-like cuteness. This is a 48 pieces puzzle, not overly difficult but challenging enough to keep the six-year-old highly interested and engaged. We love admiring the completed artwork jam-packed with thrilling actions and bursting with vibrant of colours! Daring captain wielding his cutlass sword, fearlessly bracing the strong waves amidst the sea of octopus tentacles, grey shark and gigantic sea dragon! A Jolly Roger symbol with skull and crossbones, parrot with eye patch and nautical spy glass stationing at the crow’s nest, a black cannon, marine rope ladder, barrels with sneaky spying eye, wooden peg leg, classic vessel and golden masts. We love the fun details! 

(2) Wooden Puzzle - I love that this is a “crafted by hand” wooden puzzle, using non toxic coating and meeting US toy safety standard. The pieces are light weight and easy to fit in. 

(3) Puzzle Tray/ Base - The sturdy wooden puzzle base is a big plus. It keeps all the pieces in one place, easy to be stored away in a tray, and also looks great for display. 

If I could change a few things, I wish that the puzzle image could have been printed as a separate poster that can be placed beside for reference during the assembling process. Instead, the image is found at the reverse side of the puzzle frame, which makes it a bit more challenging for kids, without having the help of reference image when playing. Also, the paper image has started to peel off from the edges of the puzzle pieces, which is really quite a shame given how much the kids love this exciting pirate puzzle. 

Overall, this is a good product, but could be better. 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.melissaanddoug.com/ (Website) 

Enjoy the video! 

Pirates Crossfire, by SmartGames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Pirate-Theme Brainteaser / Logic Game 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Brainteaser/ puzzle-lovers + SmartGames collectors 

Skull and crossbones, peg legs and iron hook, fiddles and pirate ditties. I’m BIG FAN of SmartGames , especially those ingenious creations that incorporate exciting themes and elements into brain-stimulating logical puzzles! Leisure Learning sent over this “Pirates Crossfire” for review, and my-oh-my, I really can’t express enough how clever this game is and how impressed we are! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Pirate Theme - SmartGames, you have done it again! A Pirate scene is adventurous, thrilling, full of dramatic twists and unpredictable storyline! The player is to place the puzzle pieces at the correct position and orientation to fulfil certain conditions set up in the challenges. What makes it so unique and fascinating is that we get to “immerse” ourselves in the action of a battle or peace-keeping; sometimes, we got so engrossed in the navigation of sea vessels, we forgot that this is a brain teaser that requires serious thinking! 

(2) 80 Challenges, 4 Playing Modes - The game has 4 playing modes, 80 challenges, and multiple levels of difficulties. The navy and pirate ships can “attack” each other horizontally or vertically, with the cannons installed at both sides (left and right) of the vessels, at any distance. They can’t attack from the front, back or diagonally. The aim is to arrange the pieces to produce 4 different outcomes depending on the playing mode: peace (nobody loses), pirates win, navy ships win, or total war (nobody wins). Each of the puzzle pieces are slightly different. Hints are provided in the easier challenges, but fewer clues are given when the difficulty level increases. There are rock pieces that are used to define a challenge, alter the usable space, and function as an obstacle to “block out” an attack.

(3) Awesome Game Components - The components of SmartGames are as usual, SUPER impressive! The board is an ocean of blue waves, the white-sail vessels symbolise the navy ship, and black “Jolly Roger” flags represent the pirate ships. The components are well-made and set the backdrop of an action-packed scene! 

(4) Box with Inserts - I love the very organised cardboard insert that keeps everything neatly in place and fancifully upside-down. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/pirates-crossfire

Enjoy the video! 

Catch The Treasure, by Ludattica

Nature/ Type:         Board Game 

Rating:                   ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   

Recommended age: 4-year-old and above

Who would love this: Pirates lovers who love matching objects in speed 

Ludattica Catch the Treasure - Attention Game. Ah, another perfect preschool game that I wouldn’t mind playing over and over again. Identifying, searching, matching and grabbing. The instruction is really simple, and it doesn’t take much brain power for an adult to play this game (perfect unwinding game after a long-day!). The kids love it because it’s easy, and it’s all about pirate 🏴‍☠️(jewellery, telescope, treasure, pirate hat, anchor, parrot, crown, goblet, and bomb 💣. What’s not to like). 

So why I love ❤️ the game? 

(1) Easy Game: Because it’s easy for an adult to play with the kids without exhausting ourselves too much. 

(2) Nice Treasure Box Package: The packaging is creative (a pirate “treasure chest” with 50 game tokens and instruction sheet within). 

(3) Concentration Training: Matching object is also an enjoyable playtime activity for a preschooler, training their skills of concentration and speed in a fun way. 

(4) Pirate Theme: This is one fun game for any tiny pirate lovers!