Parents at Play: Some things old, some new, some in between
We have been fortunate to review a LOT of games over the years. But we’re still constantly — and pleasantly — surprised at the constant flow of new products that make their way to store shelves — and living rooms — around the country. This week we take a look at some new twists on the classics:
THE FLOOR IS LAVA
Endless Games
Chances are, you’ve played a version of this game before — indoors or out — where you try to get from point A to point B without touching the floor.
The Floor is Lava uses two dozen colored rectangles, a deck of challenge cards and a spinner (kind of like the one in Twister) to direct players from one rectangle to the next. It’s a great game for the whole family — as long as they’re willing to do a lot of jumping, giggling, sweating and falling down.
For two to six players, ages 5 and older. Under $22. endlessgames.com
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DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS
Front Porch Classics
This is a clever, new twist on the classic theme of “be the first to discard all of your cards.”
Using a standard deck of playing cards, players take turn drawing and discarding. The custom dice, which are rolled at each turn, provide the game’s twists, allowing players to discard more cards or forcing them to hold, causing players to lose a turn, or letting them freeze their opponent — like a deer in the headlights — until he or she can roll back into the game.
For two or more players, ages 8 and older. Under $19. areyougame.com
SLEEPOVER PARTY GAME
Endless Games
Sleepovers typically don’t involve much sleeping, and this game is sure to keep everyone busy till breakfast.
The idea is simple, players spin the spinner, pull a card and complete one of more than 200 challenges, such as mirroring everything another player does, pretending to have a brain freeze, making silly noises, trying to lick your elbow and all sorts of other things that involve making a fool of yourself in front of your friends. Players collect points for completing the challenges.
For three or more players, ages 8 and older. About $20. endlessgames.com