Bananagrams Countaloupe: Slice and Dice STEM Game for Kids Age 7+

Summary: Word-a-Melon is a game for 2-4 players, ages 6+, and a game typically lasts about 20 minutes. It is brought to you by the same company that published Bananagrams.For those that like Bananagrams and Scrabble, this game is sure to be a hit.The game begins by turning the sixty "seeds" letters facedown and thoroughly shuffling them. Then, select 56 of them to put onto the seed spaces on the board. (This means that four letters will not be used, and these are a secret throughout the game.)Each turn, the active player rolls the watermelon dice and turns over the number of seeds/letters shown on the dice to be face-up, letter side showing.If the active player can make a word or words, he or she does that and then collects those seeds as score. There is a one to one relationship between the length of the word you make the seeds you score. S-A-D scores three seeds, and S-C-A-N scores four seeds.The next player clockwise takes his or her turn, and the game continues until everyone agrees that no more words can be made.The person with the most seeds/letters/tiles wins.The game does not specify the types of words that can be made, but we adopted Scrabble rules that included no proper nouns, no contractions, no foreign words.The game includes "fruitful tips" for making the game easier, like selecting the J, Q, X, and Z tiles to be the unused ones. The game also suggests two variants, Letter-Up and Word-A-Yellin.We used Letter-Up where the turned up letters stay face-up. (In the base game, you flip the unused letters back over, adding a significant memory aspect to it.)The other variant, Word-A-Yellin, is a free for all version where the first person to yell out a legitimate word gets to claim the tiles and score the points.On to the Dr Games’ Criteria …GO/NO GO Criterion• Complexity: (GO) It is a simple game. You flip tiles and make words.• Balanced: (GO ) The mechanics are completely balanced, but the game heavily favors those with large vocabularies who can think on their feet. We just used the Letter-Up version and let everyone take their turn. This worked best in a mixed group as people could plan words before their turn started.• Chance (GO) The game has elements of chance. The dice roll and character tile turn-overs are random, but it is largely a game of word building skill. For groups with large variations in vocabulary there will tend to be large variations in score too.• Clarity: (GO) The game is relatively simple; so, the rules do not need to be exhaustive.• Reasonable Time: (GO) You will be able to play an entire game in 15-20 minutes.Bonus Criteria• Social: The game is neither social, nor anti-social, but it is head-on-head competitive.• Unique/Interesting Mechanics: It nice variation on Bananagrams that is a little more accessible for the younger players.• Informed: You can definitely increase your vocabulary and ability to quickly find words.• Rewards Throughout: Yes. Every time you score a seed, it is yours forever.This is a good introduction to word games for the younger players.

We recently purchased Cobra Paw for our family game night, and it has been an absolute blast! Right from the start, my kids were drawn to the unique, eye-catching design of the game pieces. The ninja-cat theme is adorable and really sets the stage for some fun, competitive play.One of the best things about Cobra Paw is how easy it is to learn. The rules are straightforward and simple enough that my kids (8 and 10) could easily grasp the concept without feeling overwhelmed. It was a matter of minutes before we were all diving in, laughing and trying to snatch up the matching tiles.The game's pace is fast and exhilarating, making it perfect for keeping the attention of kids (and adults!). We found ourselves completely absorbed, and the laughter was non-stop. Whether it was the excitement of a close match or the hilarious moments when we fumbled our grabs, there was never a dull moment.Cobra Paw is more than just fun; it's also great for developing quick reflexes and sharp observation skills in a light-hearted setting. The competitive element is balanced nicely with the playful theme, so it never gets too serious, which is perfect for a family setting.Durability-wise, the game is well-made. The tiles are sturdy, and the symbols are clear and vivid. It feels like it will withstand many game nights to come.In summary, Cobra Paw has become a family favorite in our household. It's the perfect blend of fun, learning, and competitive spirit that brings us all together. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an easy-to-learn, hilariously fun game to play with kids. Five stars for sure! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I cannot say enough good things about Bananagrams Inc's Cobra Paw game! This game is an absolute blast to play and deserves a solid five-star rating. I bought it for family game nights as some of the attendees have shorter attention spans and/or don't enjoy games, but EVERYBODY loves this one.First of all, Cobra Paw is incredibly easy to learn, making it perfect for players of all ages (though younger players might struggle with the fast reflexes needed to play). The rules are straightforward, and you can jump right into the action within minutes of opening the box.What truly sets Cobra Paw apart from other games is the lightning-fast gameplay that demands super quick reflexes. The intense, hands-on gameplay can get surprisingly competitive and even a bit violent in a playful way as players strive to snatch up the patterned tiles. There's definitely been a few finger injuries and broken nails, but it's a hilarious and adrenaline-pumping experience that keeps everyone engaged from start to finish.If you've enjoyed games like Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Cobra Paw is right up your alley. It's a quick, reflex-driven game that guarantees endless fun and laughter. Whether you're playing with family or friends, Cobra Paw is a must-have addition to your game night collection. Don't miss out on this gem!

Fun game. Play it on down time at work and with the family.

No strategy, but a lot of fun for everyone; highly recommended.

Fun game that's easy to learn. It gets too repetitive for me, but I'm probably a sore loser. I've seen the game in a local gift store for nearly $10 more.Play with up to 4 players, preferably at a small table for the best access to the game pieces (not meant for a large dining room table)

I’ll just say that when the kids pack for trips, this is a must have travel game.

Easy to play and fast to learn. Fast game and so so fun

It's entertaining and easy to learn.

Rápido y fácil de entender. Menos de un minuto para comprender las reglas y comenzar a jugar

A great game makes you very competitive. Quick, easy and so much fun. Makes a man want to win the grand children. Great size box for travel. Well worth the money. Good quality

Va muy bien para jugar en la terraza, en el jardín o encualquier sitio al aire libre, si se levanta brisa, no hay problema como con los juegos que tienen cartas o piezas de cartón. Pueden jugar tanto adultos como niños. Es un juego vistoso y entretenido. Te quedas con ganas de jugar más partidas. Reglas muy simples. En inglés, pero son 5 líneas, se pueden traducir con el traductor de google sin problema

Este juego es muy divertido, esta hecho de material muy resistente.En cuanto a la compra fue excelente y llego antes del tiempo indicado.