Momma Told Me: Don't Pop It!
It's funny. As a kid there are 3 generally awesome things associated with going out to eat; happy meal toys or coloring mats, complimentary (sundae) desserts, and, at the truly great restaurants on Family Night, a balloon. Growing up, Momma was the type of parent who'd do anything to shield my eyes from these shiny inflated balls of wonder. She'd less than discreetly be caught making an execution motion and grimacing whenever the hostess would near our table with a handful of balloons. She wanted no part in it. She wanted no part in the eventual 'let go' in the parking lot, followed by the 10 minutes of crocodile tears and "I want MY balloon!" as Pop raced back in for a replacement. She wanted no part of the colorful ball floating in the rear view mirror, from the back seat. No part of the eventual squeaking rubber of tiny nails digging into it's side, and no bit of her sanity lost to an unexpected, and always traumatic, 'POP!'
I won't say I had a negligent, balloon-less, childhood, but balloons were not welcome in our house, let alone with the intention of being popped. So, when I received a bundle of Spin Master's hottest toys for the 2013 Fall season, Sabrina (10) and I were both immediately drawn to Boom Boom Balloon. Classified as a Kids game for ages 8+, be mindful real balloons and rubber fragments are involved, this simple tactile game pairs wits with your child's first true anxiety experience, proving fun for the whole family. I'll admit, we had a blast playing 4 consecutive rounds of this game, but there were points I found Jay exclaiming, "Who thought up this twisted game?!" as he winced in expectation from the sidelines. But, what do you expect from a game that's entire premise is to poke a latex balloon until it pops?
Set up was very simple, and small parts are non-existent, with the exception of the latex balloons, and any flying fragments in popping. I advocate close adult supervision, and that this game be played out of range of those within choking hazard years, or pet frequented areas. After every 'Pop' and game reset we had a swift campaign to collect any flying shards of rubber. Thankfully our first 2 balloons kind of popped with a slow leak and fizzle, and the last two popped with minimal shrapnel. But I digress- assembly was simple. Read the instructions and start with the top (grey) guide, before you attach the legs to the bottom base. If you assemble the bottom base first the top (grey) guide will not snap into the legs so easily and will tend to
pop pout during game play.
So the object of the game is simple. Inflate a balloon (there are 12 included with printed faces on them) into the frame and wrap it off (not tie it), at the bottom base notches. I have a theory the lack of tying, and the balloons manufactured to go with the game, offer a less traumatic pop, and tendency to withstand some abnormal amounts of pressure. In any case, 9 plastic, dull, pins are then inserted into the holes around the game's frame. Players take turn rolling a (1-3) dice to see how many pushes/clicks they will have to complete on their turn. Each push pin has multiple notches that will 'click' as each push is completed. They have ridges to create pressure which also keeps the pins from popping back out once clicked in.
In the beginning Sabrina (10), and I were the only ones playing, because the premise of a game in which the sole purpose was to create a loud unexpected noise thoroughly terrified Jay. Sabrina also began by throwing away her '1' click rolls, opting for a higher 2 or 3, because she was so excited to see the grey poles protrude through the latex. I'll admit, it was a little fun to see the balloon face get warped and strained, but the stress did begin to build as progressed. We played atop our Lazy Susan on the dining room table, which proved convenient for players to easily turn the game without disrupting the other pins. And, I dare say, some education was had on the topic of pressure as we gently touched the surface to judge the balloon's 'give' before each click.
In all, Boom Boom Balloon was a fun game Sabrina couldn't wait to play with her friends. Once you've run out of the included 12 balloons, other latex balloons may be substituted; just be mindful of the air capacity and resistance of varying balloons. Boom, Boom, Balloon is currently in stock at Toys R Us for $15.99, and other toy/game retailers nationwide, on and offline. While this game likely is not appropriate for kids younger than 8, though they will surely be mesmerized by the concept, it would make an especially great party game for tweens to adults.
What Daughter Says: Finally, a game where a kid can be a kid! (Much to Mom's chagrin.)
AAAAAACK! A parent's nightmare and an aunt's greatest gift.
ReplyDeleteBwahahahaha.
Thanks for perhaps finding me my next gift for my nephews.
I like that the sole purpose of the game is to make a loud noise that will terrify Jay. My husband's name is Jay so we have similar goals. :)
ReplyDeleteI must have this. HOw great would this be at the Holidays. I am going to PM you and get the really gory details. Looks so fun. Can I buy it on Amazon?
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool. My kids are obsessed with balloons and would have a blast.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I agree with your mom. 10 seconds of joy compared to the heart ache that followed when a balloon popped and the good time was over was not a fair trade and I was the one left wiping the tears. This game looks so cute and I think my grand kids would like it.
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly sold on Amazon, Shelley! I've also seen it at my local Walmart, though I'm not sure if it's stocked online too.
ReplyDeleteThis would be so fun at a party! The kids can't keep their hands off balloons, they'd love this. I would be cringing in the corner; that popping sound always makes me jump even when it's anticipated.
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome game! It is something my kids would have a blast playing! And a huge hit for a birthday party game or having friends over!
ReplyDeleteMY KIDS WOULD LOVE THIS! This is totally something they would go gaga over!
ReplyDeleteWell that is certainly neat. I have never seen anything like that before!
ReplyDeleteOhh this is gonna be perfect for our Christmas party! We always try to do fun games like this!
ReplyDeleteThis looks really cool. I think I'll get it for our next family party.
ReplyDeletethis looks like such a fun game my family would have a blast playing!
ReplyDeleteYour mom's view is totally valid! All balloons do is make kids cry. Every time. EXCEPT this game! My kids love this game and a balloon popping followed by happy squeals and "let's do it again!" Winner.
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