If you’re in the mood for a fun family game that combines the whimsical with the strategic, then we might have the ticket to a hilariously good time. I Want My Teeth Back by Exploding Kittens. No, I haven’t attacked by a demon dentist and I still have all my teeth (well, mostly all), thank you, unlike Meef, the star of this game. I Want My Teeth Back is a game that is more than your average run-of-the-mill card collecting game; it’s a wild ride through toothy tactics and monster mayhem. Now, I know what you are thinking, monsters and teeth sounds like a recipe for disaster, but trust me, it’s lots of fun and will put a great big toothy smile on the faces of the players (and hopefully Meef), and nobody gets bitten.
The premise of the game is simple yet delightfully absurd: help Meef the monster recover his lost teeth. And along with all the fun to be had (for the kids and adults) it also secretly encourages maths skills with counting and addition, and has other hidden benefits including helping with critical thinking, decision making and family bonding. It is a game for 2-4 players, age 4+ with a 10 minutes playing time. Perfect for the younger game players in the family and it has even been created by 4 year old Avalon (the daughter of the Exploding Kittens games creator)!
In the box:
- 58 Cards (includes 1 Menu Card)
- 4 Scoreboards (Meefs)
- Landing Mat
- Spinner
- 60 Tooth Tokens
- Storybook
- Instructions/Rule Book
Now, before we get into the game, let’s talk about Meef. Meef is a monster (a friendly one) and every night it’s teeth pop out and head off for adventures. But you can find out more about Meef and its teeth in the short storybook that is included in the game.
The aim of this game is to get Meef its teeth back!
The rules of I Want My Teeth Back are simple and the rules book is easy to follow, split into two parts; one for the grown up and a simpler summary of the game for the children to read (if they want to).
Game setup is simple. Place the spinner and Landing Mat in the centre on the playing area (usually the table). Put the tooth tokens in a pile on the table, putting 2 on the Landing Mat. Shuffle the cards and place them face down on the table (remove the menu card first). Each player chooses a vividly-coloured Meef mat and places it in front of them. The winning of Meef’s teeth can now begin with the youngest player starting first.
Game play is simple. The youngest player starts and draws a card from the deck and places it face up in front of them, they can either choose to play this card or save it for later. Then play moves to the next player. The cards allow players to spin the spinner for their chance to win the tooth tokens on the Landing Mat (the spinner needs to land on the tooth picture), they also allow more teeth to be added to the Landing Mat. Play single cards for 1 spin, collect matching teeth sets for up to 5 spins and spin cards can give you 2-4 spins! The first player to collect enough tooth tokens to fill their Meef’s mouth (12 teeth are needed) is the winner.
Overall, I Want My Teeth Back is an excellent game for young children and families. It is easy to play, it has educational qualities (maths skills) and helps young players learn strategy. And most importantly, it provide lots of fun and laughter. The game is recommended for kids aged 4 and up, but let’s be honest, it’s the grown-ups who’ll be giggling like schoolchildren.
It is a fun and easy game for 4 year olds and upwards but whilst the game play is fun, the artwork on the cards and Meef mats is excellent; bright, vivid, funny, entertaining and very appealing to its young teeth gatherers. The Meef mats even have a space to write a name “Hello” I’m a Meef named: …” where players can write their own name or name their Meef.
The game offers a perfect blend of luck and tactical play. With four different kinds of tooth cards, players must decide whether to go for a quick spin or hold out for a matching set that grants more spins. It’s a game that will test your decision-making skills and possibly your friendships, as you outmanoeuvre your opponents in the quest for dental dominance.
The first player to collect 12 teeth and restore Meef’s toothy grin wins the game. It’s a race to the finish line that’s filled with suspense, surprise, and a whole lot of teeth.
I Want My Teeth Back is a fantastic addition to the Exploding Kittens games, perfectly aimed at its younger players. A 4 year old has helped to design it with other 4 year olds in mind and it works well. It’s easy to learn, quick to play, and guarantees a room full of laughter.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking for some family fun, this game is sure to bring a big, toothy grin to your face. So, gather your friends, family, and your best tooth-collecting strategies, and get ready for a monstrously good time! And the little ones can even get a head start on their basic maths skills.
Excellent fun for the young gamers in the family and a perfect game for young families. The only downsides are that poor Meef has to watch mouthfuls of big toothy grins and you don’t get anything from the Tooth Fairy for your tooth collection.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £19.99
For more information, visit www.explodingkittens.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
