Review of Monster Dice game

Introduction

Once in awhile, I like to check out the odd and unusual. A new game called Monster Dice fits the bill on all accounts.

This dice game consists of eight sculpted die, a handful of player cards...and that's about all you need! They get the name 'monster' dice because each of the eight are variations on specific monsters - Frankenstein's Monster, a Vampire, a Yeti, a Mummy, etc.

The kickstarter campaign for these just started on Monday, October 3rd, and will run through the end of the month. Like all kickstarter campaigns, they have some unique goodies for certain levels of investment - check it out.

Packaging - ***
Nothing too unique here, but certainly sturdy.  The dice and cards come packed in a hard shell plastic box with rounded edges.  This is a great way to keep the contents safe, and view them at the same time. The box contains the dice and cards, as well as a brief instruction sheet. Don't pay too much attention to the instructions, as this is a game designed to take advantage of your kid's imagination. Rules? We don't need no stinkin' rules!

Sculpting - ****
As I mentioned earlier, the eight dice come sculpted as monsters. These are some really cute, creative interpretations of classic concepts, and the detail is pretty amazing. Remember, these are the size of dice, just like those you use for any other game, and yet they have complex designs and faces deeply etched in the surface. The are made from a solid plastic, but have a slightly soft, rubbery feel that gives them good bounce on hard surfaces.

If you're looking at the photo a couple shots above, you'll see the four blue characters. From left to right we have a ghost, the 'boogie man', a werewolf, and Frankenstein's Monster.  Just below there's a photo of the red set, including an 'alien', a mummy, a Yet, and a vampire.

On the majority of the dice, all four sides are sculpted. There's exposed brains on Frankie, or a scaly texture on the Mummy. The amount of detail is impressive, and I really like the designs.  They aren't simply copies of previous designs, but they incorporate key elements so when you realize what they are, it makes complete sense.

Paint - N/A
The dice are molded in red or blue plastic, and while it is a nice consistent color in either case, there's no actual applications. They do have a special glow in the dark set that is available through the Kickstarter campaign, and I have a shot of one of those below.

Game Play - ***
Standard documented game play is pretty straight forward. Each player gets four die. You place a candy card (shown below) on the table. Each of the players begins rolling their dice, and each die that lands heads up gets place on the card. First player to get all four on the card wins that hand and collects the card, and the first player to collect a set number of cards wins overall. That makes it a fast game, an energetic game, and something for even young ages.

You think that's too simplistic? Then consider card games like War, Spoons, or Slap - nothing complicated at all there, but they are quick and energetic, and I loved them as a kid. Kids like speed, and kids like repetition.

But that doesn't mean you only have one way to play with these. They have videos showing off various other ideas as well. Flipping and tossing the dice opens up all sorts of possibilities (marble or penny toss type games) and there's even a Jenga like concept. You can stack the dice up on a card, and see who can pull the card out from under the tallest stack, or you can stack the dice with a card (or multiple cards) layered within the stack. Can you tap them out without knocking over the stack?

And what about Yahtzee style games? Can you get four of a kind (all heads or butts up, for example) in three rolls? Go for various combinations, and make up your own rules!

Fun Factor - ***
A big selling point here: this is a non-digital opportunity to have fun with your kids. Perhaps more important, it's a way for kids to have fun with other kids, all without electronics. It's fast and dynamic, necessary components if it is going to successfully vie for their attention.

Value - **1/2
The pre-order for the standard version is $24, plus free shipping. That's a pretty average value on the current game market - I just bought Exploding Kittens a couple weeks ago, and that was $20 at Target, with just a handful of cards included. Regular readers know that a **1/2 is my average value rating, and won't effect my Overall score either up or down.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing.

Overall - ***1/2
The beauty here is that the simple design allows for your imagination to get involved. Let's be honest - you could get a pile of dice and a pack of cards and play the standard games listed here just fine. They don't require the intricately sculpted dice...but those dice are just so damn cool. I think the designs are terrific, and they do open up more avenues for play. Think about pitting characters against each other, or creating your own backstories for each one. Here's a chance for you and your kids to come together with the basic game, and to create other concepts and ideas with these building blocks of play.

Other parents are always commiserating with me on the lack of toys and games for their kids that aren't electronic and solitary. Here's an option that's fun, simple enough for even young children and active enough for older ones, and engages their imagination. It even travels well! Now all they need is expansion sets with other dice designs...maybe even something licensed?

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - ****
Paint - N/A
Game Play - ***
Fun Factor - ***
Value - **1/2
Overall - ***1/2

Where to Buy 
The Kickstarter campaign is currently underway where you can pre-order one or more sets (including the GITD set) all with free shipping.

Related Links -
You'll want to check out their website, as well as their facebook page.

You should also hit the Search Reviews page, in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.

Discussion:
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