It's Raining Cats & Dogs - A New TOS Review!!

I always love playing family games, but it always seems difficult to find ones that work for the WHOLE family.  But this next review was a game and you will be happy to know that it can work for your whole family without much trouble.

The Product:
Flea Circus is one of the family games by R&R Games and it is the game our family was given to review.  The premise of the games is that each participant is trying to attract the dogs and cats (game pieces) to their show (one of the Flea cards) in order to be the big winner at the end.  You can also steal your neighbor's audience or have your own stolen from the Animal Catcher.

Even though this games is for 6 and up, we were able to play (with some help) with our 2.5 yo - he collected the audience (the dogs and cats) when it was our turn.  You do need at least 2 players and can have up to 6.  The game pieces, which are the dogs and cats, are made of very firm plastic so they will definitely take some wear and tear.   You get 20 white cats and 20 blue dogs, along with 55 playing cards at a reasonable price of $15.95.

Our Experience:
The first day this game arrived the girls could not wait until we were able to play.  We had to plan it in our day so that they could calm down. ;)  So we cleared off the little train table and set it up for us all to play.  I went ahead and read the rules for myself and then dad and I described each card so they would know what they looked like and what action they needed to take when they had a particular card.  Here's the table after we got it all set.

The first player is the youngest and then you go around clockwise.  Audrie was happy about that because that meant she was able to go first.  With a little help along the way making sure the girls played their cards properly, we had a grand time.  There was laughter and fun and even a little bit of strategy on their part.  They played it so well, that Audrie won AND Arianna came in second.  Here you can see the happiness on her face from winning.

We've played several other times since this first time and it is still a joy to play.  The girls haven't ventured to play just with each other yet, but I'm sure that will happen soon enough.  One of the funny things is how much the kids like the little animal game pieces.  Audrie likes to collect the cats.  Seanan likes to line them all up as we get them and then he knocks them over.  Arianna seems to be the first one truly grasping the strategy behind "stealing" others audiences.

My Thoughts:
One of the great things about this game is the time necessary.  It is very short to play.  We've been able to play an entire game in about 10-15 minutes.  Since the game is over when you are out of dogs and cats the more people playing the faster the game will go.

I also love the pieces.  They are sturdy enough for toddlers to handle and play with without them breaking yet big enough that they aren't really a choking hazard.  The game cards are not flimsy.  Instead they are a little thicker and have a glossy covering which helps protect them.  And the entire game is able to be kept in a small 4x7x3 inch box which is both portable and easy to store.

Flea Circus is one of seven 'family games' that they have, not to mention their party games, kids games, and strategy games.  And if you think this game is one that would make your family game times even more enjoyable,  R&R Games is allowing me to pass on a coupon code to all of my readers.  If you go to their site you can enter the code CREW20 to receive 20% off any purchase from their website until the end of the year (expires 12/21/11)

Make sure you check out what my Crew members thought about this game and another game called Pig Pile.  I'd love to hear about your experiences with Flea Circus or any other game you might decide to purchase.

*** I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse 2011-2012 Crew and receive free products and services in exchange for a thorough and honest review. Though I am compensated with free products, I am not compensated in the form of money for any of my reviews. My reviews will always reflect my honest opinions, findings, beliefs and experiences with the products and services that I receive.***