Christmas is traditionally a time for jolly family gatherings, so we decided to put the latest games on test to find the best for a spot of good-natured fun!
Harry Potter: Scene It? The Complete Cinematic Journey, Paramount, £29.99
This interactive DVD game is a great crowd-pleaser for staunch Potter fans. Simple to set up and with rules that are easy to understand, the game board can be unfolded for a longer game lasting around 45 minutes or kept in a circle for a shorter session. A minimum of two players are required, aged 13 and upwards, but with only four ‘movers’ it’s worth gathering your friends and family into teams. Film knowledge is tested with clips and stills from all eight of the blockbuster movies, as well as written questions on the accompanying game cards. You can also act, draw or describe clues to win points, and collect Charms and Spells cards to help you win. This game was great fun to play and is certain to be a hit with the family this Christmas. Fun factor rating: 9/10 We loved: Being able to relive those famous boy wizard moments with spellbinding film clips. Downside: This game is tailored to dedicated Harry Potter fans – if you’ve only seen a couple of the films, you’ll soon be lost!
Editor’s
Each game was tested on the following:
Clarity of instructions ❏ Ease of set-up ❏
The ‘fun factor’ ❏ Suitability for the whole family ❏
5 Second Rule, University Games, £19.99
Very easy to set up, understand and play. The game board, cards and spiral timer were of good quality, and both children and adults understood the concept quickly. Players have five seconds to name three things demanded by the card they are allocated – harder than you think! It’s suitable for three to eight players, aged eight upwards, and each game can last about half an hour or longer if more people play. Overall the game concept was excellent but the quality of the questions varied from too easy to too hard – frustrating and unfair if younger players are asked hard questions such as ‘Name three teams who have won the FA Cup’, and an adult is asked to name three things beginning with the letter T! The consensus was it would be fairer played either by adults or by children, as a mixed group didn’t work well unless you took out all unsuitable cards before the game started. Fun factor rating: 7/10 We loved: The brilliantly simple concept. Downside: Dealing with frustrated youngsters!