Hula Hippos (aka Maus nach Haus)

Twenty-four small wood chips in the shape of hippos (or, previously, mice) and a polished wooden ring... that's it. That's all that you find in a box of Hula Hippos (the name of the reprint by Gamewright, previously released by Haba as Maus nach Haus, or Mouse in the House). OK, there are rules in there, too, but that hardly counts.

And yet, Heinz Meister (he's my hero!) milks more fun out of those simple game components than many games whose boxes are stuffed full of boards and bits.

One player spins the wooden ring, then all the players simultaneously flick their hippos into the center of the table, trying to get their pieces trapped in or under the ring when it falls. All trapped pieces are removed from the game and then you go again. When you run out of hippos, you win.

This is yet another flicking game that works with kids, because:

• It's pretty random where the ring hits, so kids don't get frustrated when they miss.

• There's a lot of suspense as the ring falls -- and then the requisite celebrating and/or "whining" depending on the results. Hula Hippos produces plenty of emotion but none of it lasts because you have another chance 30 seconds later.

• Each hippo is only flicked one time, so there's no "positioning" involved.

Hula Hippos also works well with adults. it's a great filler while you're waiting for someone else to join in a game, or to bring out with non-gaming adults at a party.

My three-year-old is able to play (not well) but he can participate. I'd say that the "ages 5 and up" recommendation is about right for decent play. The game does scale well -- it works with 2 to 4 players, though it's best with a full complement at the table.

Hula Hippos is for 2 to 4 players, ages 5 and up. It was designed by Heinz Meister and published by Gamewright / Haba.