Looking back at my history as a reviewer, I realized I’ve only written about games I enjoyed (generally, these are 3 out of 5 stars or better). However, I can’t really blame myself for not wanting to dedicate large chunks of my writing time on a game that simply wasn’t much fun to play. Instead, I’ve decided to do a periodic round-up of the games I didn’t like and write smaller, capsule-sized reviews of each of them, so here goes!
Trivial Pursuit “Totally 80s Edition”
Players: 2-4
Publisher: Hasbro
MSRP: $29.99
I enjoy Trivial Pursuit, but this game is seriously mis-marketed. Everything about the “Totally 80s Edition” leads you to believe it is the perfect game for people who grew up in the 80s, from the 20-somethings playing on the box, to the use of childhood staples such as Care Bears and Trapper Keepers as player pieces. The problem is, unless you were already in your 20s during the 80s, you will have no clue how to answer most of the questions in this game! Each round quickly turns into a crap shoot, with the winner being the player who most often gets lobbed softball questions.
Rating:
Jenga: Donkey Kong Collector’s Edition
Players: 2-4
Publisher: USAopoly
MSRP: $24.99
Pure and simple, this game is a trap. It looks beautiful, and is a fantastic visual implementation of a very original idea. This package still gets a 2.0 because it is a fun set for games of original Jenga, but the new rules for Donkey Kong Edition are boring, and the game suffers from quality issues. In the new rules, the object of the game is to advance your Mario character to the top of the tower. The character markers have pegs on the back that are able to stick into the short sides of the Jenga blocks in order to track their climb.
Players begin their turn by flicking a spinner. Depending on where it lands, they will have to remove a certain number of Jenga pieces. This takes a skill game and infuses a hefty dose of luck, but to make matters worse, The peg-and-hole mechanic for holding your character onto the mountain is flawed. On certain blocks, the hole is just not large enough cleanly fit a Mario peg inside, causing games to end early when a player inevitably knocks over the tower trying to insert their character. It’s the equivalent of watching a professional sport where every game is decided by a late referee call. You are left feeling cheated and unfulfilled.
Rating:
I own Totally 80′s Trivial Pursuit….and have the exact same complaint! It’s so hard! I thought the 90′s edition would be easier….and, sadly, even that one is too hard for me.
Why didn’t they make those mario’s magnetic? its the obvious solution. Anything to save a buck.