Hasbro Games Reviews

Goes great with the Nerf gun I bought for my 4 year old. He loves the gun with the multiple shots. Great product.Get more detail about Hasbro Nerf Dart Tag Refill Pack: 30 Tagger Micro Darts.

Bought this game as a gift for a friends child - seemed to go over well!!Get more detail about Boggle Jr. Game.

I loved this game as a child and when I saw this edition I had to get it for my daughter. She loves to play, especially when she gets to bump someone back. And the case is sturdy and spill-proof, how could I ask for more?Get more detail about Hasbro Library Sorry Game.

Santa brought this game this Christmas for my almost-3-year-old. He loves this game. This is his favorite toy right now and he wants to play it morning and night. Our favorite time is just before bed, on the floor, a few rounds. He is thrilled with the treasure chest, loves opening the doors with the key, and loves putting the coins in the chest and also in the "sand dunes" as we call it. When it is time to open the treasure chest he gets so excited. This game is really helping him with his numbers mostly. He already knows his colors and all his alphabet. I was hoping this would help him with counting and number recognition. He's getting better each day. I highly recommend this for kids learning basic colors, basic letters, and basic numbers. We can't wait to move on to the more advanced cards, as we are just using the beginning version now. Get more detail about Cranium Cariboo Island.

I had another hand-held Yahtzee game (the one in black plastic) for well over ten years. I took it all over the world with me as it made a great diversion while flying. It was solid, dependable, the batteries lasted a great while, and a person could get hooked on playing it. (My personal best score was 807 in ten-plus years, although a friend I loaned it to for just 30 minutes managed to beat that score. Ugh.)

THIS version reviewed here is the newer "gold colored" version. It looks just as physically sturdy but there are two noticeable problems --

1) the gold color reflects light back into your eyes and creates a glare that makes it harder to see the game details against the yellow game field background. I had to take a black Sharpie and color the perimeter of the field to stabilize proper visibility comfort. Bad design choice on Milton Bradley's/Hasbro's part.

2) This version doesn't seem to be as resistant to impact as the older version. With the older version, your high score would remain in the game's memory until you either removed the battery or if the machine was impacted by a drop on the floor or other reasonably severe impact. This version is much more susceptible to memory loss/erasure. It doesn't take much of a bump at all for it to erase and re-set. You really have to handle it with kid gloves to prevent your high score from being erased because of a mechanical reset.

The black one was as sturdy as a house of bricks. This newer gold one is only as sturdy (relative to withstanding impact and not having a mechanical re-set) as a house of cards. Be careful. Or have a good personal memory for your high score, because it won't stay on the machine for long. (Edit -- I scored a 500 on this game on a plane one day, put it in my pocket for ten minutes, and when I pulled it back out the high score had reset to zero again. I never moved the whole time. THAT'S how relatively flimsy this item is. I practically had to drop or beat my earlier Yahtzee game to get it to reset. This one would probably reset in high wind)

Educational? YES. Because Yahtzee is basically a dice game of chance, the more you play it the more you learn about statistical probability, whether you're conscious of it or not.
Get more detail about Yahtzee Electronic Hand-held [Gold].

It sounds great for the size and cost. The coloured lights add a nice ambience. The game is a nice bonus but not why I bought this unit.Get more detail about Jive Pod (Pink).

This toy was not the lego set I expected. The parts were very tiny and not at all recognizable to easily put together. 4 adults had a very difficult time trying to put it together. Needless to say we were all disappointed.Get more detail about Star Wars Indoor Flying RC - REPUBLIC GUNSHIP.

I was very disappointed with the Super Scrabble. I had hoped to find a Deluxe version that I had several years but this was the closest I could find. The description states it can be rotated around which I thought would be like the old deluxe version on a lazy susan. Not so. We had to slide this around on little "ball baring" feet which wasn't very helpful. Also, we began a game and wanted to continue it later. I went to pick up the board and it came apart at the middle seem where it was assembled. The only part that was okay are the plastic separators to help keep the tiles organized on the board. This was a gift for an elderly parent and it was frustrating for me! I am returning it today.Get more detail about Super Scrabble Deluxe Edition.

I purchased this game set as a gift for my 12 year old son's birthday. I know he really enjoys playing it with his siblings and friends. The strategy required to play it makes it at least moderately educational. Be forewarned that many of the character pieces are small and somewhat brittle if your children sometimes pick up their toys like mine do! But, on the whole, a very worthwhile purchase.Get more detail about Heroscape Swarm of the Marro Game Set.

Game was great for a traveling 3 year old Candy Land addict. He actually will choose to play it at home as well. The little people have trouble sticking to the board but that is to be expected.Get more detail about Candy Land Fun On the Run Game.

a lot of fun to play with. you should get one .i like it so you should like it all so.Get more detail about Star Wars Clone Wars Clone Trooper Blaster.

My girlfriend and I recently purchased Jenga, Fact or Crap and this game. It is easily the funnest of the three. We bought it this past weekend and have played it five times already.

If you're 'old school' you can play this game same as the classic version, but I recommend playing with the special powers. It adds a new level of excitement -- knowing there is only one or two ways to beat certain characters.

The special character powers are easy to remember, and in case you forget they are written on the ends of both sides of the board.

Play it a couple of times and you'll start to develop your own strategies and even think them up when you go to bed -- eager to try them out on your rival.

hint: your mage can easily kill almost everything on the board - being such high power and using its power to reveal the other sides' characters. if you use him wisely, you're opponent won't know what hit him/her.Get more detail about Stratego.

Great game for girls and boys to play together. Great for counting, following directions and playing together. Highly recommend this classic game. I ended up purchasing two so another family and children can continue playing this game.Get more detail about Pretty Pretty Princess Dress-Up Board Game.

I got this game for my daughter for Christmas last year and it was a horrible waste of money. There are so many pieces to the board that it was almost impossible to put together. When we finally put it together it wouldn't stay together. We never got it to stay together long enough to play. After that we never bothered trying again and eventually threw it away. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!Get more detail about Lion King Adventure Game.

my step grandson is having a ball shooting at the target. hand and eye co-ordination learning experienceGet more detail about Nerf Tech Target - Yellow.

Clue has been a classic board game for over 50 years! Mr. Boddy has been murdered in his mansion, and you have to find out who did it, in which room, with what weapon! The suspects are Mrs. Peacock, Mrs. White, Professor Plum, Mr. Green, Colonel Mustard, and Miss Scarlet. Who did kill Mr. Boddy? If you want to find out who, I highly suggest the CLUE BOARD GAME!!!


p.s. I love the film version of Clue! Get more detail about Hasbro Games Clue.

I had the 1985 version of this game and it was fantastic, so I want to get one for my 4 year old. But is this price for real? [...] That doesn't seem right at all and I certainly won't buy it for that. Is this a mistake or something?Get more detail about Simon Trickster.

I ordered 3 of these games and they all came in Spanish version. You need to correct this issue. I am not the first this happens to on your website.Get more detail about Hasbro Operation.

After seeing how much fun my 4.5 year old son had playing this game at daycare, I figured Santa just had to bring it for Christmas. His 2.5 year old sister loves it too. Its not at all complicated to set up or show them what to do...the game does it for you. And now there is an "advanced" level" setting for when you get bored w/the initial setting.

I loved it so much I bought it for a nephew and now I'm back to buy it for another nephew!Get more detail about Cranium Hullabaloo.

While these are not durable toys, ours works very well. Even my husband was impressed with how well it flies. So far, only my husband has flown it, because our kids are too young. They love watching it fly around the living room. I was hesitant to purchase this, but I'm very impressed with this toy.Get more detail about Star Wars Indoor Flying RC - JEDI STARFIGHTER.

These are fun toys, but not the best of the bunch.

Cons:

1. There are eight rotating barrels, and eight darts with the gun, so if you lose one, your down a barrel.
2. The cocking mechanism is on the top, and is often hard to reach quickly and comfortably
3. the butt stock is very uncomfortable against the shoulder, leaves my arm sore after a while
4. the fore-grip has no place to grip with your offhand, leaving your hand wandering aimlessly.
5. The glow in the dark dark darts.... don't... You have to apply cheap glow-stickers to the darts to make them really glow, otherwise the tiny tips are all that glows.
6. The gun is very weak, it only shoots about 7-10 feet effectively before your aiming at a full 45 degree angle just to arc your darts to the target.
7. the flash Function that "charges" the glowing darts requires two AA batteries and Only works about every fifth time you pull trigger (or about once every 20-30 seconds really... )
8. The gun itself does not emit any light except when the trigger is pulled and only if the internal capacitor is charged. The pictures have the thing looking like its lit up like a Christmas tree.

Pros:
1: It has the ability to fire VERY rapidly, given your ability to cock, aim and pull the trigger in rapid succession.. there is no mechanical limitation to to limit the speed at which it fires.
2: Though not accurate, the gun is extremely reliable and Consistent... which means if it shoots to the left once, it will likely do it the other 7 times you shoot it also, but it will shoot 8 times every time.


Overall very fun, but awfully dissapointing.

Get more detail about Hasbro Nerf N-Strike Firefly REV-8.

Oddities and Questions
When considering Risk Lord of the Rings game, one must examine the game on two levels: as a mass market game and where the game resides in the family of Risk games. There were some strange events that accompanied Risk LotR. First, there were two major releases: The Middle Earth Conquest game (aka The Two Towers game) following the second movie and the Trilogy edition following the third movie in the series. The Trilogy edition expanded the map by nearly 50% adding Mount Doom and other places so familiar. In addition to these two releases, the version published in Great Britain included a two player variant (The Siege of Minas Tirith) designed by Richard Borg (Battle Cry, Memoir 44) with an additional map. This variant has not appeared in any of the North American releases. Some of the editions of the game were supplied with a metal, gold colored ring for the turn marker and others simply received a counter. Finally, the suggested age for playing the game was listed as 9+; the youngest of any game in the Risk family (implying that the game was easier to learn and play than classic Risk)!

Some of these oddities are understandable and can generally be attributed to marketing decisions. Lowering the suggested age simply increased the potential market for those unaware of the actual complexity. The Two Towers edition, the first of the two releases, truncated the board as the license forbid revealing details of the yet-to-be-released third movie in the series. Hasbro/Parker Brothers was faced with delaying publication for another year (potentially losing sales) or releasing it with the hopped off board. To their credit, once the Trilogy edition was released Hasbro provided all those who contacted them with the new map, additional counters and cards at a minimal charge. Why the North American market was deprived of the Siege if Minas Tirith variant, I cannot explain.

Both games play the same so comments made concerning one edition will apply to both unless noted. The real difference between the two games is the expansion of the board in the Trilogy edition. There are no significant differences nor has the number of players increased with the expanded board. It remains 2 to 4 players or two teams.

Map
Both maps are, of course, of Middle Earth. The Two Towers map has 42 territories as in classic Risk. The Trilogy edition increases this to 64 territories. Unlike the original game, LotR Risk includes terrain that blocks movement. (This appears in Risk Godstorm also.) Various mountains and rivers segregate the territories rendering some significantly more valuable than others. Bridges over rivers provide the only means for crossing and the combination of mountains and rivers increases the strategic decisions required by the player. The bridges and the mountain passes can be a path to victory or result in a bottleneck that retards progress.

There is a series of mountain ranges that parades down the center of the board with only a few gaps between the East and West sides of the map. These areas are critical junctions in the Two Towers version and only slightly less significant in the Trilogy edition (there are alternatives in the Trilogy edition due to the additional territories). To cross from East to West (or the reverse) units must pass through Forodwaith, Moria, Carrock or the Gap of Rohan - there simply are no other routes (again, the Trilogy edition does include other methods). These are key points on the map and control over them can be critical.

Along the West side of the map are sea routes that allow for the rapid deployment of troops. There are three ports on the Two Towers map and five on the Trilogy edition map. Controlling the ports is strategically significant as they provide a threat to vast areas of the map. (This is somewhat reminiscent of Castle Risk only the implementation is superior.)

Located in various territories are Strongholds (in gold) and Sites of Power (in black). The Strongholds aid in defense increasing the defender's die roll by +1. Each Stronghold is worth 2 victory points at the end of the game. The Sites of Power allow Leaders to draw adventure cards and complete missions which score points when completed.

Finally there is a dashed line that wanders down the center of the board ending in the Dead Marshes on the Two Towers map and on Mount Doom in the Trilogy edition. This is a built-in timer forcing the game to a conclusion. The `ring' represents the Fellowship and begins this journey in the Shire on both boards. Each player turn the Fellowship (ring counter) moves one territory closer to Mount Doom (or the Dead Marshes). Note: this is one space for each player; it is not one space every time all of the players have completed their moves so the game moves at a fairly quick pace. There is a minor randomizer built in to the board. Certain spaces have a die pictured. When the Fellowship reaches one of these territories, they must remain in place until they roll greater than a three. This serves to prevent the game end from becoming predictable. Warning: because the `timer' is somewhat randomized, players may not receive an equal number of turns. Of course tracking the number of remaining turns is critical and requires players to time their attacks.

I have no opinion as to whether the map is an accurate depiction of Middle Earth. (That is for Tolkien fans to judge.) As a game map it is interesting and presents challenges and isn't that what it should be?

Bits
There are two types of units in the game: armies and leaders. Hasbro provides little miniatures rather than the typical generic blocks or stars found in so many games today. It does not affect game play but does add to the theme of the game. The `Forces of Good' have three types of miniatures: Elvin Archers (1 unit), Riders of Rohan (3 units) and Eagles (5 units). The Forces of Evil are depicted as: Orcs (1 unit), Dark Riders (3 units) and Cave Trolls (5 units). The different units provide no special benefits, they are simply for `banking' purposes. This system has become standard in Risk games.

The Leader units are represented by shields and serve two purposes. Leaders are the only units that can acquire Adventure cards and are required to complete missions. If a Leader is involved in a battle, whether as attacker or a defender, a +1 is added to the highest die roll.

Combat/Reinforcements
Battles in LotR are resolved as in classic Risk style including earning territory cards. The reinforcement schedule is a restricted table unlike that of the classic game. Sets of cards have fixed values. The schedule is as follows: 3 Archers/Orcs = 4 armies, 3 Riders = 6 armies, 3 Eagles/Cave Trolls = 8 armies and one of each type produces 10 armies. The game includes a version of continental bonuses for controlling specific areas of the map that range from 2 units to 7 units. Unlike the classic game, LotR is played for points and battles serve to increase point totals not to simply eliminate other players.

Cards
Beginning with Risk 2210 and continuing through Godstorm and Clone Wars, cards have become an integral ingredient in Risk games. For some purists the cards are anathema however, I found them to substantially increase the decisions, strategy and pleasure in the game. Unfortunately, the cards in Lord of the Rings Risk simply miss the mark. Had the cards been tailored along the lines of the other versions, this could have been a first class addition to the Risk family. Had the cards been battle oriented, LotR could have dominated War of the Ring. As it stands, LotR will always be something less than it could have been.

In addition to the standard territory cards there is a second deck known as Adventure cards. The Adventure cards appear in three flavors: mission cards, event cards and power cards. These are the cards that I believe are weak.

Mission Cards - Each card specifies a certain Site of Power. When a leader reaches the appropriate Site, the card is revealed. An example of a typical mission is: Easterling Encampment: if completed by the `Evil' player or team, he receives 2 armies and 1 victory point; if completed by the `Good' player (or team) he receives 6 armies and 2 victory points. Of course the values on the cards vary.

Event Cards - These must be played immediately when drawn. The Event cards randomly provide additional armies and leaders or may even remove armies. These are unconnected to any situation on the map; these only occur when drawn. There are no victory points awarded on Event cards.

Power Cards - These cards affect battles. Some provide additional troops, reinforcements, circumvent the value of Strongholds, etc. The core of the problem I have with LotR is these particular cards. The Power cards represent about 40% of the deck and a bit over one-third of these cards do nothing more than slow down the Fellowship! (Note: if you believe that you are winning there is absolutely no reason for slowing the Fellowship; if you are not winning, then something more powerful, more valuable would have been appreciated.) The remaining cards may not enhance your abilities depending on your position. Where some have argued that the cards in Godstorm are too powerful - these are typically so weak as to be nearly useless.

In addition to this inherent weakness in the cards, LotR is won by points. Points are awarded for controlling territories, areas (continents), Strongholds and the points accumulated on cards. As playing a Power cards awards some victory points, the player must often decide between playing a Power card for the victory points but suffering the repercussions or foregoing the victory points. With the right combination of cards Risk Lord of the Ring could have been the definitive wargame on the subject matter.

Conclusion
When I began I stated that the game must be evaluated on two levels: the mass market and it's relation to other Risk games.

For the mass market consumer it is an excellent introduction to the world of Risk and is certainly more accessible than War of the Ring or some of the miniature systems. The game has a familiar theme, plays in a reasonable amount of time and is won or lost on points so players that are somewhat adverse to combat can follow other paths to obtain points.

For the occasional Risk player the game is a great addition. It is a different, interesting and improved map over the classic game and there is greater variety in the strategic possibilities. However the Risk aficionado or the player looking for a light war game maybe a bit disappointed. Allow me to make this clear - this is not a bad game, it is a good game; it simply is not what it could have been. It is inevitable that this game will be compared this War of the Ring. I enjoy everything in Risk LotR more than War of the Ring with the exception of the cards. Unfortunately, the card play in War of the Ring is significantly superior. I own both games and enjoy both. Had LotR been just a smidgen better, I would not own War of the Ring.

Finally, the game is great for team play or even as a two-player event. There are two generally accepted methods for playing, one that requires a `house rule'. As the rules are presented, unless playing teams, players are on their own as in classic Risk. This allows a `Good' or `Evil' player to attack one of his own. This works fine as a Risk game but depreciates the theme. To retain the proper theme we usually prohibit players from attacking those of their own kind. (One Evil army cannot attack the other, etc.) This has resulted in some very interesting situations and increases the complexity of the decisions confronting the players. Either method results in a fun experience.

The game was designed by Stephen Baker who designed or was part of the design team for Battle Masters, Hero Quest, Heroscape, Space Crusade and Axis & Allies Pacific. He has been credited with being an expert on miniatures.Get more detail about Risk: Lord of the Rings Edition.

As a Clue professional from my childhood, this game is nothing like the "original." It shouldn't be as it is tailored for kids, so in that regard, it is fine. I found the directions and play of the game confusing, but after a few games with my kids we all got the hang of it. Get more detail about CLUE JR. Game.

My son definitely was very happy with this toy. A cool decent size toy for kids to play and add with their toys.Get more detail about Hasbro Transformers Cyber Stompin' Bumblebee Action Figure.

This series of games reproduces classics and puts them in a nice looking, durable wooden box. Finally, an end to the constantly crushed cardboard boxes with split corners that spill their contents. The game looks great inside and out - the board folds compactly and unfolds flat. The tokens are wooden, the weapons are metal (except the plastic rope) and everthing fits together in the box as is supposed to. The illustraions of the rooms, weapons, and suspects are retro looking drawings. In fact the only thing about this game I don't like is that Miss Scarlett is not the sultry Asian babe that I remember from my version as a kid and instead is a cute blond nice girl.

This is the first game of this series I have purchased, and I'm definitely adding the rest to my wish list. I love how the games all have a uniform box size - storage and display is great. I do wish the lid of the box latched a bit more securely - it will slide out of the groves fairly easily.Get more detail about Library Clue Game Set.

Well made, very sturdy. Boys love it. Some of the settings are too difficult for this age, but they will grow into it. It has four different games and they can play two now, two for later. They won't get bored.Get more detail about Whac a Mole Tower.