CONNECT 4 - SIMPLE BUT GENIUS!! (Hasbro Connect 4)

Member Name: LAURALILIA

Product:	Hasbro Connect 4
Date:	06/01/09 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: QUICK TO SET UP AND QUICK TO PUT AWAY

Disadvantages: ONLY FOR TWO PLAYERS

CONNECT 4

Sometimes the simplest of games give the most pleasure and after playing Connect 4 with my children today I thought that I would review it.

THE GAME ITSELF

The game is made up of red and yellow counters and a simple blue plastic grid. The game is for two players and each player chooses one of the colours. The object of the game is to then slot the counters in the grid (it houses 42 counters as a maximum) at the top (taking turns) and the first player to get four counters in a straight line wins. The line can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, but the row must be uninterrupted. Of course, whilst you are trying to get your four in a row, you are at the same time trying to block your opponent from achieving the same thing.

What I like most about the game is that very young children can master it (I would say age 4 upwards) yet it has enough interest for adults too. I also like the fact that generally it involves a bit of skill. It isn't about throwing a dice and the outcome being left to chance, you have to think your way through it, without it being as intense as chess or draughts.

They say small things amuse small minds - well I get a great deal of satisfaction setting a trap and watching the opponent hovering their fingers over the appropriate column. I hold my breath....and bang, they drop the counter into the trap and immediately recognise what they have done!!! GAME OVER!!! Sad I know, I mustn't get out much!

The beauty of this game is that adults aren't infallible and a slip of concentration can mean that a five year old is crowned champion!!

***PROS***

It is a very quick game to both set up and to master even for the youngest child. It offers great fun for children and adults alike, and is a reasonably inexpensive game in return for the years of fun it offers. It also develops mathematical and tactical skills in young children.

***CONS***

I still have my game from when I was a kid and I have to say the build quality was much sturdier back then. My children have the updated version and it is a lot flimsier.
Also only two players can participate. We get around this by holding tournaments to find the grand champion.

***AVAILABLITY***

The game is available for around £10 although they can sometimes be cheaper and are often included in 3 for 2 offers at Toys R Us. There are also used versions available on Ebay. There are also travel versions and my daughter has a hand held electronic version that she can play alone. The box states 6 plus, however my children began playing this aged 4 and began to play with skill at around age 7.

***SUMMARY***

For adults, this is a great game for days when you just can't be bothered. It is simple to set up and a game that doesn't take too long (usually) so your children appreciate that you have played with them - but it doesn't take all day (like some other board games I could mention!).

The game must have merit, as during wet playtimes at the school where I work, the class of eight year olds line up to play connect 4, with it taking precedence over all the other board games. I think therefore, that a classroom of primary children can't be wrong!!

PS You know your skill is increasing when you both fill the grid and reach a stalemate!

Summary: FAMMILY GAME OFFERING HOURS OF ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE!