R&R Games, the publisher of Time's Up and Smarty Party, featured two new party games at the 2009 American International Toy Fair in New York City, along with two new versions of Time's Up and a strategy game. (Click on the photographs to see larger versions.)
1. Pants on Fire
Photo © Erik Arneson
For 3 or more players, ages 10 and up. Designed by Stephen Glenn.
In this story-telling game, three cards are flipped over and players write down a story about each of the three topics which are revealed (e.g. "A Bad Date" or "Your First Job"). As the answers are revealed, you bet on whether you think each story is true or false. Players are free to write truthful answers, or to make up stories.
In this story-telling game, three cards are flipped over and players write down a story about each of the three topics which are revealed (e.g. "A Bad Date" or "Your First Job"). As the answers are revealed, you bet on whether you think each story is true or false. Players are free to write truthful answers, or to make up stories.
2. Pressure Point
Photo © Erik Arneson
For 3 to 8 players, ages 10 and up. Designed by Brad Fuller.
In this timer-based game, one player tries to give answers that fit a particular category as quickly as possible. The other players bet on the number of correct answers they think the player will give. Frank DiLorenzo, president of R&R Games, said in a press release, "Pressure Point is really simple to play, but tough to master. ... When the pressure's on and the clock is counting down, do you get tongue-tied or keep cool as a cucumber? With constantly changing categories, it's tricky to know when to bet big and when to hold back."
In this timer-based game, one player tries to give answers that fit a particular category as quickly as possible. The other players bet on the number of correct answers they think the player will give. Frank DiLorenzo, president of R&R Games, said in a press release, "Pressure Point is really simple to play, but tough to master. ... When the pressure's on and the clock is counting down, do you get tongue-tied or keep cool as a cucumber? With constantly changing categories, it's tricky to know when to bet big and when to hold back."
3. Masters of Venice
Photo © Erik Arneson
For 2 to 5 players, ages 10 and up. Designed by Frank DiLorenzo. Scheduled to be available in April 2009.
In this strategy game, players are merchants in 15th century Italy trying to earn money by trading in spices, silks, gems, iron and grain. Players also own shares in the various shops, and each round they choose characters (each with a special power) such as the thief, harbormaster, and gondolier. There is a simultaneous movement aspect to the game when players choose which areas of the board to activate. DiLorenzo said the game takes about 30 minutes per player, and it does work well with two players. He described it as "a bit less complex" than Puerto Rico.
In this strategy game, players are merchants in 15th century Italy trying to earn money by trading in spices, silks, gems, iron and grain. Players also own shares in the various shops, and each round they choose characters (each with a special power) such as the thief, harbormaster, and gondolier. There is a simultaneous movement aspect to the game when players choose which areas of the board to activate. DiLorenzo said the game takes about 30 minutes per player, and it does work well with two players. He described it as "a bit less complex" than Puerto Rico.
4. Time's Up: Title Recall
Image courtesy of R&R Games
For 4 to 8 players, ages 12 and up. Designed by Peter Sarrett. Available now, about $20.
This new edition of the brilliant party game Time's Up replaces the names of famous people with the titles of famous movies, books, songs, albums, and more. Gameplay is the same as in the original Time's Up.
This new edition of the brilliant party game Time's Up replaces the names of famous people with the titles of famous movies, books, songs, albums, and more. Gameplay is the same as in the original Time's Up.
5. Time's Up: 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition
Image courtesy of R&R Games
For 3 to 8 players, ages 12 and up. Designed by Peter Sarrett. Available now, about $30.
Time's Up is the best-selling game in R&R's catalog, a great party game that deserves this special edition. The 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Time's Up includes the best cards from previous versions, along with new content on more than half of the cards. It also features an electronic Time's Up! timer, along with rules for 3 to 7 players and an "advanced" fourth round.
Time's Up is the best-selling game in R&R's catalog, a great party game that deserves this special edition. The 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Time's Up includes the best cards from previous versions, along with new content on more than half of the cards. It also features an electronic Time's Up! timer, along with rules for 3 to 7 players and an "advanced" fourth round.
