2008 Best Children’s Game

The Judging Panel for the Best Children’s Game congratulates the designers of the following games, which have been shortlisted for the Best Children’s Game Award.

The award was won by Quoridor Kid.

Quoridor Kid

Players attempt to be the first to move their mouse to the other side of a 7×7 grid, whilst also spending turns building a maze on the grid to hinder their opponent (and help themself). It can be played by either 2 or 4 players. The components are great, and the mouse/maze theme provides a fun game for all ages (5 and up) with the quick play time allowing the development of strategy and counter-strategies.

Bingory

A variation on the Memory Pairs game, but now you’re searching for the 4 pairs that are listed on your own bingo-style board. Great components, it takes up to 4 players and works well with 3-5 year olds.

The Black Pirate

Players use a bellows to puff their ships along, seeking to be first to island coves where treasure lies. The game play is good fun and children love being able to collect gold and board other ships. Like many dexterity games, this one takes a little skill, but it’s able to played by 5 and ups with a little practice, and the components are gorgeous. It takes up to 4 players.

Codebreaker

A variation on the Memory Pairs game, with the twist being that each turn one tile is revealed (as normal) but the other tile is seen in secret, whereupon you can write a clue on the back to aid your memory. These codes need to be obscure otherwise other players will easily work out what you’ve seen and take advantage. (The generation gap can actually aid obscurity here.) This game will appeal to older children who enjoy reading and mysteries. It takes up to 4 players.

Cogno: Alien Adventure

A science trivia roll-and-move game. The trivia comes in multiple choice or True/False questions, so children always have a shot at getting it right, but the questions are relatively easy for learned adults. It’s aimed at older children who can read well and have a strong science interest (due to the rich educational element). It takes up to 4 players.

Froggy Boogie

A memory game that doesn’t involve finding pairs but remembering, for each of 9 frogs, which of their ‘pop-outable’ eyes will allow your frog to jump to the next lily pad in the race around the pond … and which will stop your turn. Dice determine which coloured frog you investigate each time. Great components, great theme. It works really well for younger ones (ages 3-5), but older children can join in and enjoy it. It plays with up to 6 players, but is best with 2 or 3 so that turns come around fast.

Gumball Rally

A race game where you’re playing cards from your hand to zoom to the lead just before the checkpoint and winner cards are revealed. On other turns, hazards will be revealed which will send cars to the back of the line. The game play allows for some planning and decision making to occur, whilst still allowing for enough luck to help players of different ages and ability experience a challenging game. It’s playable with 3 or 4 players but is best with 5 to 8, and can be played from age 5 and up.