Aaaaagggghhhhh! I'VE SHRUNK!....Oh, I see....the game's just got bigger!! (Hasbro Giant Connect 4)

Member Name: pmcds

Product:	Hasbro Giant Connect 4
Date:	26/07/09 (42 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: TRaditional and classic game on a bigger scale

Disadvantages: Nothing new about it, costs a bomb

Connect 4 is a timeless yet simple game. The idea of having a grid with slots that you put discs in to make a line, is rather basic, but it is quite often the simplest things that are magic, and now there is a Giant version for you to play. The idea of the game is to make a row of four of your discs, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally. You and another person take it in turns to drop one of your coloured discs (red or yellow) in one of the vertical slots (as this is the only way of putting the discs into play). Your opponent must try and make their own line of 4, and both of you must try and prevent the other from succeeding, whilst keeping focused on your own line.

It's quite a strategic game, but takes no time at all, so the winning and losing doesn't seem to be quite as important as the taking part, if you see what I mean. And the beauty of thsi version is that it's just a whole load more fun to play with the Giant game. It doesn't change anything in terms of the actual game just makes it giant. The grid, on its legs, stands a just over 1 metre tall, and a bit more in length. The discs are 20 cm in diameter or thereabouts each.

Despite its size, it's no hassle to play it indoors or outdoors, as setting up and clearing away are very easy. You only have a grid and a bunch of discs to tidy away, and the playing of the game is confined to its particular size. You can even play it up against a wall if you like, saving even more space.

I suppose, really, it's a quirky money maker. There's nothing new about the game itself, it's just a whole lot bigger. It's the magic and the commercial appeal of having a traditional and classic game in giant format that makes it a popular thing. However, its price tag is likely to put people off. It wades in at around the £150 mark, depeneding on where you get it, and for me this would be a bit too steep.

However, one bonus of the giant version is that you can adapt your play to make it a bit more physical, should you so wish. I consider more a further incentive to try and win. Essentially, the way it works is that there is a tab on the bottom that you slide out of the way once the game is over to let the discs fall out. It's much more fun if the loser lies under the bottom so that all the discs fall on them. Great fun for a few turns, if you're thinking of something different to do with the game. The winner gets a bit of satisfaction from it, too, as they get to pull the lever that releases the discs! The game also comes with a stack to pile the discs on. I suppose you could also use the discs as mini-frisbees, although this is probably something I shouldn't advocate!!

All in all, it's a clever money spinner, but in all honesty, it's a lot of money for something that would just be a bit of a luxury game item, for a big kid or if you have the money to spare, which I know a lot of people just don't. £150 is way too much for me to be spending on a game, no matter how fun it is, and this in itself would stop me from buying it. However, gameplay is so much fun!

Summary: Giant version of a classic game