Silly Name, Fun Game (Chalenj!)

Member Name: Essexgirl2006

Product:	Chalenj!
Date:	09/03/09 (155 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good, all round family game

Disadvantages: Need space. possible loss of dignity

This is a family game for two to six players, aged 8 upwards, however I think it is equally enjoyable by groups of adults.

The game consists of a game board, six counters, a large dice, two plastic mats, a Chalenj ball and cardboard discs, a chalenj card glove, card trophy, 30 second egg timer and chalenj cards. To start you throw a disc at the target mat and the one closer to three (the centre) wins. This isn't that easy, but that maybe because I am rubbish at throwing! The winner gets control of the board and throws the dice. They could land on a Mystery challenge, a personal one, a physical one or a mental one. Personal ones can only be done by the person taking the card, but the other challenges can be 'bid' on.

Challenges could be:

Mental: How many words can you name beginning with the letter Z? or How many words can you rhyme with 'ear'?

Physical - How many left foot keepie ups can you do in a row with the chalenj ball? Or Standing on one leg, how many times can you spin completely around?

Mystery challenges: How many farming activities can you name and mime? Or How many times can you roll a three with the Chalenj die?

Personal challenges: Can you talk about you favourite TV show for the whole time, without pausing, repeating or digressing? Or With arms folded at all times can you keep a straight face for the whole time whilst other players tickle you?

Each lasts 30 seconds, with 200 cards with 4 challenges on there are lots of challenges you can do, and limited opportunity to get repeats.

When the player reads out their chalenj, each player then bids what they think they can do (minimum of one) and the then another player can chalenj them (by throwing down the otherwise pointless glove). That person then has 30 seconds to complete the chalenj. If they are successful they gain control of the board and throw the dice next. If they fail the challenger gets control. The game continues on in this vein until someone reaches the last three places on the board, and have to complete three personal challenges on their turn(s).

Whilst the some of the chalenjs may appear a bit silly, they are more often or not quite clever as most of the time you can't hum for 30 seconds without someone making you giggle. The physical one are usually the more interesting, but when on the spot in mental challenges you can go blank completely. Even though I normally play this game as a two player, it is still very funny (although my boyfriend's cats were somewhat unconvinced by all the crashing about).

The game for two took less than an hour although this varies depending on how may players are playing and their ages. I would say the lower end of the recommended age spectrum would be at a disadvantage on some challenges, but it would be up to the other players how much concession you may want to give them. If you are playing with adults this can be adapted as a drinking game also. You do need a bit of space with limited breakable items in reach as you may have to hop from one side of the room to the other or spin around and may have to cling onto something for balance (just me then?!), and also need to lay the mats out on the floor.
The game has an RRP of £25 but I have seen it as low as £9.99 on Amazon. Recommended for rainy day fun

Summary: Family Game