Bananagrams
$14.99
Bananagrams at a Glance
| Game Type Word Tile Crossword | Play Time 15 mins | Skill/Complexity (2 - 5) Spelling Vocabulary |
| Age 7+ | Publisher(s) Bananagrams | Published 2006 |
| Categories Word / Family | Players 2 - 7 | Rules Manual Official Rules PDF |
| Our Rating 8/10 | Cost $14.99 |
About – Description
Bananagrams is a game that is ideal for all the family. It is fast paced, simple and can be played in just 15 minutes.
It is aimed at players aged 7 and over and is suitable for up to 7 players although it is best enjoyed with up to five. It was released in 2006 and designed by Rena Nathanson and Abe Nathanson.
Who’s it best suited for?
The name of the game itself suggests that it is aimed at a younger audience and that is why it is ideal for younger players and families.
It’s a great game for those who like to play with words and it’s certainly a game that’s educational for children while giving them the chance to experience a game that is filled with excitement and fun.
Skill – Complexity
Bananagrams is a very simple game to play and learn and that is why it is such a great choice for families and children.
Players will require word skills to play the game but if they have the ability to spell and create words then this can be a very rewarding game, however, the game is not very complex and players can pick it up very quickly.
Set Up – Playing Rules & Instructions
There is no board included in the game and so, the players are given a certain amount of tiles depending on how many players are playing. All tiles are given to the players face down in preparation for the game to begin.
Once everyone is ready, players begin by shouting Split then everyone turns over their tiles and begin creating words in a crossword style. Words can be placed horizontally, vertically and they can rearrange their words as much as they want.
Players don’t have independent turns and that means that they continue working with their own tiles. If a player uses all their letters, they then shout Peel and they take a tile from the bunch and when this occurs, all other players have to take a tile at the same time.
Players have the ability to return a difficult letter back to the bunch face down but in doing so, they have to take three tiles back and they declare this by shouting dump.
Play goes on until there are fewer tiles in the bunch than the number of players playing the game and then the first player who has used up all their tiles shouts Bananas and is declared the winner. Their crossword is checked for errors and incorrect words and if all words are correct then they are classed as the winner.
This how to play video is very useful…….
Versions – Editions
Many different versions of this game have been released in a number of different countries and there was a London Olympics edition released in 2012.
Likes & Dislikes
One of the main positives for this game is the fact that it is played quickly and continuously. This makes it perfect for children as there is no downtime or waiting around.
They also like the simplicity around it as it is a game that consists of simple tiles.
It seems as though it is a game that is better played with more than two players as this adds more excitement and tension.
However, some players criticized the scoring system and those players should be rewarded for using long, complicated words.
Final Thoughts
A brilliant game for families and children that can be used to fill some time when needed. The anticipation and the thrill of trying to use all of your tiles before other players are all part of the fun and it is a great way for kids to familiarize themselves with different words.
