Give it a Spin! (Uno Spin)

Member Name: louanna8

Product:	Uno Spin
Date:	01/08/09 (66 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots of fun

Disadvantages: None

I recieved UNO Spin as a leaving present from the little boy who I've been looking after here in France. Giving an 18 year old a board game is not as random as it seems as EVEYONE who has ever visited this house has played the original version and he loves to play every single day (thus so do I.) I was thrilled with my present and had it open and ready to play within seconds. I would just like to mention that in France it's called UNO whizz so if I refer to it as that you know what I mean. Other than the name everything else is identical.

~The Rules~
I'll describe the basic rules of UNO first and then explain how UNO Spin is different to prevent any confusion.
The aim of UNO is to be the first player to get rid of your cards.
The deck of cards is split into 4 colours (red,blue,yellow and green) which contain the numbers 1-9.
Each player starts with 7 cards and starting with the youngest first you put down a card that either matches the colour or number of the card turned over. If you cannot play you take a card from the pile of undealt cards. Sounds simple doesn't it...however, there are special cards that require a different method of play;
Draw 2- If this card is played you must take an extra two cards. N.B. Playing this will make you unpopular.
Miss a go- Pretty obviously you miss your turn.
Reverse-The direction of play is reversed i.e. clockwise to anti-clockwise etc
Wild- You name the colour you want play to continue with.
Wild Draw 4-Not only do you get to choose the colour but the next play has to draw 4 cards. N.B Playing this will make you VERY unpopular!

The final rule is that you must shout "UNO" when you have only one card in your hand. If you happen to forget you are subject to the penalty of drawing 2 cards.

Now onto how UNO Spin differs from the original game. Firstly the game is played on a circular board which can be spun. The piles of unused cards and those that have been played are in the middle of the board. Around the edge are 9 pictures denoting actions you must take. You spin the wheel when the player before you plays a spin card. This is like a normal number card but the number is clearly highlighted and is only in effect on numbers 1-5. The 9 actions are;
UNO Spin- The first player to shout "UNO Spin" gets to put a card down.
Discard all colour- You discard all your cards of the same colour.
Draw Blue- Draw a card until you take a blue.
Draw Red- Draw a card until you take a red.
War- Players show each other their highest card at the same time. Winner gets to put it down.
Discard number- Discard all cards of the same number.
Show hand- All other players show their hand to you.
Trade hands- Everyone swaps(in direction of play)
Almost UNO- Discard all you cards except for 2.

The winner is again the first to get rid of their hand.

~Entertainment value~
I find UNO Spin to be a great game to play and adults love it as much as children. The added factor of the spin board gives interest to the game and generally makes each game go on for a longer period. Also, children playing do not get board easily whilst playing I can play for several rounds at a time without them getting fidgety. People get very competitive over the game, myself included, and sometimes it feels more like the atmosphere of a poker game for hard cash than something children are supposed to play.
Obviously you can also play the original game of UNO by putting the spin board to one side which is useful for people who have never played before.

~Quality~
The game is of a very high quality. Starting with the board, it is well made and attractive to look at. Lots of bright colours are used, particularly UNO's signature red, making it very appealing to children. The board is made of plastic rather than wood so although not great for the environment will hopefully last a long time. It's spins easily and makes a satisfying Wheel of Fortune type clicking noise as it goes round.

~Ease of use~
The packaging says the game is suitable for 7+ only but I played it with a five year old who picked up the rules very quickly. Therefore I'd say the age is more of a guideline and shouldn't put you off playing it with younger children(supervised obviously.) As there are twice as many rules as normal UNO it can be difficult to remember them all to start with. That is why the little rule cards explaining the meaning of each picture on the spin board are so helpful. In all, I'd say this is an easy game to use but a little practice is required to understand all rules.

~Price & Availability~
As mine was bought for a present I am unsure of it's cost (it's rude to ask you know!) I've looked online and though it is currently not available in many outlets the average price seems to be around £15. I think that this is great value for a game that can be played again and again without growing tiresome. However, the availabilty is not great and I'm having trouble finding anywhere that currently has it in stock. Perhaps, a local toyshop would be a better bet though the price will probably be closer to £20 in these.

In conclusion I think that this is a super game that I am as happy to recieve, and play, as a young child would be. It is just complicated enough to be interesting without having to constantly re-read the rules. Parent's will enjoy playing it with their children or even friends after a bit of an alcohol fuelled evening. I would definitely recommend this game as there really are so few that are not just suitable but fun for all the family!

Summary: Great game!