I´m going to start with the obvious really, Connect 4 is a 3-D real life version of Noughts and Crosses but using red and blue counters and having the need to connect four colours of the same type raher than three.

The game itself is available in all good toystores and can be found in Tesco and Asda, we bought the game for our nieces in Asda for 8 British Pounds.

The game has been a family favourite for generations, partially because it eschews the need for complicated instructions, it is a really easy and addictive game and does bring out the competitive elements in us all.

The Box we have is two kids playing the game, setting up the game is reasonably easy as the board has pieces that easily connect together to create the stand up board. You have a decent number of counters for each player and then off you go, try to connect 4.

Whilst I like the game a lot and feel it is diverting and easily as addictive as computer games, I do find it difficult sometimes playing the game as I do have a tendancy to smash counters into the board or pull the trap door before my opponent can connect 4, this is unsporting and I accept against the general rules of the game. I wish I could be more sporting but the game is furiously simple and yet some people are great at it and i´m not!!!

The concept is to connect 4, diagonally, horizontally or vertically, it can become a game of tactics as your opponent blocks your attempts and you block theires but generally a game should last less than 5 minutes and in my house end in insults, slammed pieces and a general tendancy to stomp off.

However I have to say its an awesome game for all ages and well worth checking out and purchasing as it´ll last through childhood for the whole of your life which isn´t bad for under a tenner!!!!