If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you should probably know we love to play games. Especially so at this time of year; the darker nights, the cosy feeling of being together and having a games night are something I absolutely live for. I am always down for trying new games and think we’re a pretty good testing team. Now two of the boys are a bit older (6 and 4) they’re able to understand basic concepts and rules which means we can play a lot more games with them.
Don’t Upset The Llama
Don’t Upset The Llama is a brand new game by Tactic. If you didn’t know that llamas don’t like loud noises or rude behaviour, then you absolutely will after playing this game.
Set Up
Don’t Upset The Llama is really quick and easy to set up which is awesome when you just want to whip something out of the cupboard, and once it’s been played once the kids will absolutely want to get this out again and again (must be the water!).
- Deal the cards out evenly between all the players. Each player should place these cards face down in front of them.
- Fill the Llama up with water and place it in the middle of the table.
- You’ll need a small hand towel
- Decide who goes first (we went with the youngest and played to the left) but if you’re playing again the dice goes to the player who last got unexpectedly wet.
Playing
The player in turn rolls the dice and depending on what you land on depends on what you have to do – I won’t ruin it for anyone – but basically the aim of the game is to be quick off the block if you spot a ‘horn’ or a ‘spray’ on the card. Unless the die shows a golden llama, in which case it’s an absolute free for all!
Not only does this help the younger ones develop their focus and reactiveness, you end up hoping that as you’ve got older you’re still just as quick as ever.
If anyone grabs the llama by accident, they get sprayed and the person to their left gets the honours; and believe me when I say there are definitely some red herrings on those cards.
You continue play until someone has been sprayed 4 times and puts 4 cards in their scoring pile. The player who has been sprayed the least, wins. It is possible to tie.
Features
This is a hugely fun game for all the family and for anyone who loves board games, and even for those who just like llamas! The combination of speed and humour make for a superb game that lasts anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes per round.
The cards are a good size and are really well illustrated and engaging. The llama water pistol is plastic, but is sturdy and the mechanism works well. Don’t forget to empty the llama of any residual water, and ensure you leave the plug out so it dries.
The game is currently available at The Range or it’s stocked at Toymaster and retails for £14.99, though it has been at £12.99 at The Range.
Overall Thoughts
The boys love water, and they thought it was absolutely hilarious that they could get people wet. Of course, they got a bit silly but what can I say? There are educational elements in there, such as a bit of counting, but the kids are oblivious to it. It’s an all round family game and could easily be turned into some kind of drinking game if that’s your thing (obviously not with the kids), but for the price it’s such a good laugh that no games cupboard should be without it!
*I was sent this product in return for a review. All views and opinions are my own.
This looks like such a fun game. My 8 year old would love this,