Good visual skills are key in this strategy game. After the cubes are randomly placed in the base, players take turns pulling out those with at least two sides showing, with the goal of collecting the most matching pieces. As the players pull, the stacks can slide, freeing up or blocking other cubes. 2 to 4 players. Ages 8 and up, $23.99, gamewright.com
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Players get 30 seconds to draw a picture and have the others guess what it is. The catch? At least one plastic noodle has to be included in the doodle. The game spinner adds other challenges, such as drawing with your nondominant hand. 3 to 6 players. Ages 8 and up, $24.99, peaceablekingdom.com
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
With a little luck from the dice -- and some savvy strategy -- you'll emerge victorious in this magical world. Players move their dragons around the board, amassing rubies from the central volcano. The eruptions (when you lift a piece, the rubies and carbon chunks spill across the board) were a tester highlight. 2 to 4 players. Ages 5 and up, $39.99, habausa.com
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
While families were initially drawn to this entry for its cheeky name, its quick, strategic game play was what kept them enthralled. Players move their flocks across the board in an attempt to claim the most pasture -- and block their opponents from doing the same. 2 to 4 players. Ages 7 and up, $24.99, store.blueorangegames.com
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
In this creative challenge based on Hervé Tullet's best-selling book, players take turns placing red, yellow, or blue circles atop empty spots on cards to create color sequences. While obvious options abound (such as setting a red circle inside a matching shape), testers loved creating unique patterns to fill and win the cards. 2 to 6 players. Ages 3 and up, $19.99, chroniclebooks.com
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Its simplicity and lots of bouncing balls made this carnival-inspired entry a winner with our testers. Players bounce Ping Pong-like balls off the table and into the tray, aiming to match the pattern on a specific card. Whoever wins three rounds claims victory. 2 to 4 players. Ages 7 and up, $17.99, walmart.com
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Contenders race to the top of the tower, playing cards and facing perils that can send them back to the base: having an opponent land on the same ledge (bye-bye!) or getting hit with a rampage card, which knocks off everyone on the way up. 2 to 4 players. Ages 8 and up, $29.95, mindware.com
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Testers loved the beautiful graphic design of this new take on the classic memory game. Players flip the 36 heavy-duty cards, seeking pairs of road signs, scooters, fire trucks, and the like. Bonus: It comes in a sturdy storage box. 2 or more players. Ages 3 and up, $14.99, chroniclebooks.com
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
The cats in this sweet pet adoption-themed game need various items before they can go home with you. To collect what they require, players draw and trade cards "go fish" style: "Do you have any cans of food?" Play is done when all the pets are adopted. (Prefer pooches? Diggity Dogs is also available.) 2 to 4 players. Ages 5 and up, $14.99, educationalinsights.com
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
After a quick shake of the Robot Randomizer, players scan the board of 120 robot heads, racing to be the first to spot an exact matchup (say, a green head, red nose, yellow eyes, and purple smile). 2 to 4 players. Ages 4 and up, $19.99, educationalinsights.com
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
