Pull up a chair, get ready to laugh. Studio 5 name the 10 Best New Family Games of 2012.
Our tradition is 5 years running now, and Studio 5 viewers turn to this list for solid recommendations on games that are easy to learn, quick to play and appeal to the entire family.
#1: Tenzi, $14. www.tenzi.com
So simple it’s surprising. We played Tenzi in short bursts. The more new rules we made up, the more fun!
Buy online at www.tenzi.com or at these local retailers:
The Red Balloon
2033 E. 3300 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
Blickenstaffs Gateway UT
15 South Rio Grand St
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
The Tutoring Toy
1400 Foothill Dr., Suite 108
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Game Nights Games
2148 South 900 East, Suite 2
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Jolley’s Corner
1676 E 1300 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
The Red Balloon
778 E. 9400 S
Sandy UT, 84094
The Red Balloon
1940 N. Main St.
North Logan, UT 84341
#2: Shrimp Cocktail, $15
If you like Spot It, you’ll like Shrimp Cocktail. This is a matching game where the littlest kids just might haul in a bigger catch while “fishing” right alongside the adults.
Purchase online at http://store.blueorangegames.com/ or at these local retailers:
Game Night Games
2030 South 900 East
Salt Lake City
(801) 467-2400
Red Balloon -Salt Lake
2033 E. 3300 South St
Salt Lake City
(801) 274-7617
Red Balloon – Sandy
778 E. 9400 S.
Sandy, UT 84094
(801) 572-6692
Red Balloon – Logan
1940 N. Main Street
North Logan, UT 84341
(435) 213-9222
#3: Pic Wits! $24.95
This is Apples to Apples, but with pictures. And so much better! Why didn’t we think of that?
Order online only at www.mindware.com
#4: Pix Mix, $19.95
Throw this game in the party mix to slow things down. It’s genteel, and just the right kind of challenge. Cool concept with see-through cards.
Order online only at www.mindware.com
#5: Temple Run, $19.99
We were skeptical about this traditional “board” game based on an app. Really? Temple Run wins for having a timer that keeps you on your toes. Our teenagers liked this game.
Purchase at all mass market retailers, Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R US, or online at: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Temple-Run-Board-Game/21577891
#6: Fitz It, $9.99
The makers of this game call Fitz It a “porta-party.” And we thought so too. If you have bluffing, conniving, pushy and proud players, this game is a great time.
Purchase Fitz It online at www.gamewright.com or at these local retailers:
#7: Rhyme Out, $12.99.
www.educationalinsights.com
Rhyme Out is a blast of rhyme-time fun where an entire crowd can shout out their answers. But don’t expect to spend the night playing it. This is a quick gametime mood-maker.
Purchase online at www.educationalinsights.com
Find a local retailer here: http://www.educationalinsights.com/storelocator.do
#8: Fibber, $15.99
This game had the most polarizing appeal in our test. Our staff either loved it, or hated it. Bottom line, put this bluffing game on the kids table. Lovers of this game had 7-9 year old players.
Purchase at all mass market retailers, Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R US, or online at http://www.walmart.com/ip/Spin-Master-Games-Fibber-Game/21097296
#9: Distraction, $13.99
This game is truly different, and a fun game night pacer. Analytical numbers lovers will dig Distraction, and the right-brained numbers haters can still vie for a win.
Purchase online at http://www.thinkfun.com/distraction.
Find a local retailer here: http://www.thinkfun.com/wheretobuy
#10: Gobblet, $29.99
This is an old game that was new to us. This 2-player strategy game is like tic-tac-toe where you can gobble up your opponent. Very cool wooden playset!
Purchase online at http://store.blueorangegames.com/ or at these local retailers:
Game Night Games
2030 South 900 East
Salt Lake City
(801) 467-2400
Red Balloon -Salt Lake
2033 E. 3300 South St
Salt Lake City
(801) 274-7617
Red Balloon – Sandy
778 E. 9400 S.
Sandy, UT 84094
(801) 572-6692
Red Balloon – Logan
1940 N. Main Street
North Logan, UT 84341
(435) 213-9222
All Tucked In
115 South Main Street
Bountiful, UT
(801) 298-7262
Games Unplugged
3336 Northborough Drive
West Jordan, UT
(801) 706-7183
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