Simple, Easy Fun (Build a Beetle)

Member Name: DavyMichelle

Product:	Build a Beetle
Date:	27/10/09 (42 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy, Straightforward, Based on Luck, Well Made

Disadvantages: Beetle Parts Could be Different Colours

Build a Beetle is a brilliant boad game for families with young kids. I bet it's especially useful for families with more than one under five, thanks to how simple it is to learn to play. It's made by Chad Valley, and is available from Argos for only £5.99. I think that's a bargain buy for keeping the kids happy on a Sunday afternoon, and it would be a great idea for Christmas too.

The aim of the game is simply to be the one to build a beetle first. You get four beetle bodies included in the box, along with a plastic tray full of beetle parts and a dice. Each player rolls the dice in turn, and as soon as they role a number one they can start to build their beetle. There's then a clear instruction leaflet showing you which numbers you have to role to choose which beetle parts next. A number two gets you a head, a three gets you a feeler, a four gets an eye, five gets a nose and six gets a leg. You don't have to role any of these in turn aside from that very first number one to get a body.

There are no extra rules and there are no game tactics involved here either. It's all about the luck of the dice, meaning every family member stands an equal chance of winning. I like this from the point of view of being able to play in a competitive spirit, instead of us adults having to try to deliberately play badly whilst making the kids think we're really trying hard to win!

The plastic beetle pieces included are all sturdy and good quality. There are four different coloured beetles included, and the parts are mostly made of bright yellow. I like it when toys make use of bright colours like this as it helps to catch and hold the attention of little ones. I think it would be easier if the body parts were different colours though, rather than all being yellow as it can be hard to tell a leg from a feeler when they're all heaped in a pile.

Despite that little gripe, you really can't find much to grumble about for £6. This is well designed, good fun and very easy for younsters to play. I highly recommend it to everyone with a child aged four to seven years, and I'm sure slightly older children won't mind playing along with younger siblings as well.

Summary: Highly Recommended