Family game nights are the stuff of legend. They’re where the competitive spirit of the kids meets the strategic mind of the adults, all in the pursuit of the coveted title of “Game Night Champion.” It’s a time when the kitchen table (or your living room) becomes a battleground, snacks are fuel, and the only thing louder than the laughter is the groan of defeat. And in the centre of it all? The games. Not just any games, though. We’re talking about the cream of the crop, the best of the best, the games that leave you with memories (and maybe a slight grudge) that last a lifetime. If you have ever played Eye Spy, you are going to love the physical version of the game with Dig In from Drumond Park.
Dig In is the Eye Spy game for finger athletes and eagle-eyed spotters. It’s not just a game; it’s a test of wills, a challenge for the nimble-fingered, and a downright riot for those who enjoy a good ‘ol fashioned treasure hunt.
Dig In is a game for 2-4 players, age 5+ and has three great ways to play the game; find pieces that match the pictures on your card, find something that matches the description on the card or find something that begins with a letter. Whichever way you play, you’re sure to have fun.
In the box:
- Dig In Bowl
- 128 Pieces in 4 Colours
- 20 Double-sided Cards
- 30 Second Sand Timer
- Instructions
So, what makes Dig In so much fun? Well, take a bowl full of colourful pieces, each one more elusive than your socks on laundry day and throw them all in a bowl together. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to plunge your hands into riot of colour, different shapes and complete chaos trying to fish out the exact pieces that match your card. Sounds simple, right? Wrong. It’s a frantic, chaotic race against time and your fellow players, all vying to be the first to complete their collection.
Dig In has three different ways to play, starting with the classic “Eye Spy,” where each player is dealt a card and they need to “dig in” to find the six specific figures to match their card. Then there’s the “Something Beginning With” game, where you’re searching for items beginning with a randomly chosen letter. And let’s not forget the “Description Game”, where everything you seek has a common theme, like “things that make you go ‘Aww!'”
The game comes with 4 sets of 32 pieces (128 pieces in total), each set in a different colour, and is so easy to set up:
For Eye Spy, just pour the playing pieces into the supplied bowl and deal each player a card! Players then take it in turns. Flip the 30 seconds timer and with both hands rummage through the pieces in the bowl to turn and find the pieces needed to fill your card (placing the piece on the matching image on your card). When your turns ends, move on to the next player. When all players have had a two-handed turn, all players search together using one hand to find the pieces needed (there is no time limit). First to complete their card wins.
For the Description Game, lay out a set of different colour pieces in front of each player. The umpire then calls out a description from a random card. The first player to find a matching piece wins that round. The first player to collect six pieces wins the game.
And finally, for the Something Beginning With game, lay out all the 128 pieces in on big pile in the centre of the table. The umpire calls out a letter from a random Dig In card. The first player to find a piece that matches the description wins that round. The first player to collect ten pieces wins the game.
Overall, we have loved playing Dig In! It is a simple concept with rules that are easy to follow. It is a game that is perfect for family game nights as it’s a game that levels the playing field, allowing players of all ages to jump in and have a blast. The six-year-old might have the advantage with their tiny, nimble fingers, but don’t underestimate Grandpa’s decades of experience in finding things (like his glasses on top of his head). And it’s surprisingly addictive.
A game which is a test of dexterity, speed, eagle eyes and the ability to not buckle under pressure when your little brother is two pieces away from victory. It’s a game that says, “Sure, you might be able to type 100 words per minute, but can you find a tiny plastic cow in a bowl of chaos?”
It is also great for helping to develop language skills in younger players having to associates pieces with letters and descriptions, especially as pieces can be known by different names; rocket can be spaceship for the Description Game but can also be something that starts with R or S in the Something Beginning With game.
The game pieces are robust and the bowl is sturdier than I expected. The game pieces, once opened, are loose in the box – as they are small and could ruin the game if one is lost, I would suggest storing them in resealable bags when packing away into the box.
A fun game for kids and families that gets everybody involved and surprisingly competitive while looking for a plastic chicken.
Rating: 4.5/5
RRP: £17.99
For more information, visit www.drumondpark.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
