Bugs in the Kitchen
$29.99
Bugs In The Kitchen at a Glance
| Game Type Children's Fun | Play Time 15 mins + | Skill/Complexity (1 - 5) Non-Complex Fast Paced Fun |
| Age 6+ | Publisher(s) Ravensburger | Published 2013 |
| Categories Kid's Game / Family | Players 2 - 4 (4 = more fun) | Rules Manual Official Rules PDF |
| Our Rating 7/10 | Cost $29.99 (List Price) | Additional Battery Required (incl. a button cell battery) |
About Bugs in The Kitchen
The popular company for publishing children’s board games ‘Ravensburger’ including Enchanted Forest, published Bugs in The Kitchen in 2013. The German game designer Peter-Paul Joopen designed this electronic type kiddies fun tabletop game.
The game is a combination of rolling the die, the use of what’s called a HEXBUG nano (that’s the pesty electronic critter that runs around the board – cockroach looking fellow) and of course a board with other ‘bits and bobs’ which makes the game complete.
It’s fast paced (15 min play time – approx) 2 – 4 player game that’s just a lot of fun for kids.
Bugs in The Kitchen picked up a few awards and honors after first being published during 2013 & 2014.
Best Suited for Children Aged 6+ & Families
Children aged 6 and above along with parents love playing this game. Good option for those that just want something to play that’s a bit hectic (the HEXBUG and rolling the Die).
Be aware that kids, especially under age 6 will just want to play with the electronic bug. Might have to be a bit strict on NO, this silly bug is only to be used with this GAME only (good luck with that).
Skill – Complexity
I can’t say skill or complexity is involved in this game at all. Rolling the Die and being on the ball (basically being fast) seems to be what’s required.
Set Up – Playing Rules & Instructions
Setting Up
Setting up at first requires an adult to insert traps and utensils into pegs, and prepare the board for playing. Follow the included instructions for this to get it right. This should take 10 minutes or so.
You may set the utensils up in 4 variations that look like a kind of maze. Having variations keeps it …well – varied in play.
Object Of Game
Direct the bug towards your trap and collect a bug token. First to collect 5 bug tokens wins the game.
Basics of Playing
Youngest player goes first according to the instructions manual. Each of the players will chose a trap that they want the bug to enter to win a token. It’s a game that can be played by 4 people, however, if two or three play then only open the required amount of traps (i.e, 2 players = 2 traps / 4 players = 4 traps open).
Youngest rolls the Die and turns open the utensil shown on the Die and then the next player rolls as quick as possible, then you continue this way in the hope of directing the little manic critter to your trap. If you have a question mark showing on the rolled Die then you can turn any utensil (utensils are just like opening gates).
Now, set the frantic bug on GO (switch it on) and start rolling the Die.
Just keep going until someone hits the 5 tokens goal (Winner).
You might find this video helpful!
Versions – Editions
There has been a 2013 and 2018 edition published, and versions in many other languages. The 2018 edition is smaller in size.
Likes & Dislikes
There is not a lot to dislike as it is sold and explained in a straight forward manner and what ‘s involved. We’re not talking mass mechanism strategy and thought….just fun.
The frantic rush would be a like for some and a dislike for others.
Good fun for the family for an hour I would say, without any seriousness.
Final Thoughts
I like Bugs in the Kitchen board game and the kids do too. Most families get fun out of playing, and that’s simply what it’s all about (for aged 6+ kids and parents that will have a bash at it).
