Stealing Sweets Can Be Fun! (Jumbo Nibble Nibble)

Member Name: cmh4135

Product:	Jumbo Nibble Nibble
Date:	04/04/09 (141 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A simple game that's built to last

Disadvantages: Younger children might be scared

Board games are fast becoming a hit in our house and the quest for games that are both fun and simple enough for a toddler seems never-ending. So many of the games on the market seem to rely heavily on complicated rules and procedures which mean that they are unsuitable for younger players who just want to roll a dice and move a counter.

Nibble Nibble caught my attention in ToysRUs as it was heavily discounted in the sale. The game is themed around the tale of Hansel and Gretel and, at first, this caused me to dismiss the game as I have very strong feelings that the tale is one which is NOT suitable for young children. However, on reading the back of the box my opinion altered slightly and I saw no real reason why the game would be unsuitable (there would be no need to explain the parents abandoning the children).

The game is very simple, the basic idea being that you have to collect sweets from the house of the witch and the first to collect four different ones is the winner. The sweets that need to be collected are stuck on the outside of a house and if you are unlucky then when you go to remove them you might disturb the witch in her house and you'll be made to put your booty back.

The house requires 4 AA batteries which are not included and you'll need a screwdriver (and some patience) in order to fit them.

Players move around the board in traditional style, rolling a dice and moving a corresponding number of spaces. If the space you are due to land on is occupied then you move one more space. This is the only play instruction that we have ignored as I find it more important that my son count the spaces correctly. The space you land on will dictate whether you remove a sweet (either specific or free choice) or get to take a sweet from someone else. It is very simple and my son at 2 ½ has no difficulty with the concept.

There are two levels of play which can be selected with a switch on the house. The difference between the levels relates to the sensitivity of the game - with the harder game more pieces will activate the witch.

When the witch emerges from the house she does so slowly and with a gentle cackle. Having tested this before playing with my son I concluded that it shouldn't be scary. Reality though was different. My son declared that he "wasn't sure" and then that he was scared of the witch. He concluded that the game must be switched off and played without sound or movement! The game still works this way but becomes a game of pure chance - who can land on the required squares first! However, it still seems to be enjoyable this way.

The pieces that activate the witch appear to change each game and this provides an element of surprise. If there's something that stops the game being suitable for young children it is the fact that some of the pieces can be quite hard to pull off although, with practice, it seems to become easier.

The construction of the toy is good and, despite the force required to remove the pieces, they seem well constructed and feel like they will last. Battery life seems to be good too (which is particularly welcome due to the awkwardness of the battery cover!)

If there's a complaint about the game it is that it is overly packaged in box which is probably about 1/3 too large. That's about it though.

If you need a simple game that's fun to play then this is worth a go. Bear in mind that younger children might be slightly scared by the witch although I would imagine most would find it funny. As with all games it depends on the child (my sister used to play "Operation" switched off because she was scared of the buzz!).

Marketed as suitable for children from 4 years up with a game (2 to 4 players) taking around 15 minutes this is a quick game that could provide much fun and laughter.

Summary: Which Sweet Witch?