Old school, classic board games have a special place on our game shelves and in our hearts; they are more than family fun, evoking memories of family gatherings, friendly rivalries, hours of laughter and quality family bonding. From games that challenge the mind with the strategy of Chess, or the murder-solving deduction game of Cluedo to the unpredictable twists of property trading and capitalism of Monopoly, these games (which are still played by families today) have long been a staple of family entertainment for generations and will be for a long time to come. And there are so many of these timeless treasures to choose from, but one game that I loved playing as a child, with its whimsical charm and fun contraptions, is Mouse Trap – the chain reaction, mouse-catching game.
Mouse Trap is not just a game; it’s an experience. Released in 1963, this game has been captivating players with its delightful blend of strategy, luck, and mechanical marvels. Mouse Trap is a contraption-filled caper that’s part board game, part Rube Goldberg machine, and all chaos. It’s a game that teaches patience, mainly because setting it up feels like you’re assembling a tiny IKEA furniture set without the manual (although newer versions of the game have easier setup than the version I had decades ago). But oh, the satisfaction when the trap is set and the anticipation as that ball starts to roll, hoping to catch your sibling’s mouse and reign supreme!
Mouse Trap is a game for 2-4 players, age 6+. Players need to scurry around the board to collect cheese wedges and trap other players mice!
In the box:
- Gameboard
- 4x Mouse Pieces
- Marble
- 21x Mouse Trap Contraption Parts
- Rubber Band
- 23 Cardboard Cheese Wedges
- Die
- Instructions
There are lots of pieces to this game and setting up Mouse Trap is half the fun. The game board is a colourful maze of paths and traps. Assembling the intricate contraption is like building a mini amusement park. From the stop sign to the bathtub, every piece fits together to create a chain reaction that is as satisfying to watch as it is to trigger.
The objective of the game is simple: a:) to have fun and b:) to try to win by gathering cheese while steering clear of the dreaded mouse trap to become the cheese champion! The players must take turns rolling the dice to guide their mouse token around the cheese factory (the game board), gathering cheesy treasures (even stealing it if they can). But beware, Riggs, the crazy guard-cat, has built an infamous over-complicated action-trap that is always lurking, ready to drop into action. When the contraption is triggered, the game explodes into action with a delightful display of kinetic chaos and energy: a ball is kicked down the stairs, zipping down the chute causing chain-reactions with a diver plunging into the tub and ending with the cage slamming down. Whether it snares a mouse or not, the spectacle alone is a joy to behold – pure mechanical magic that makes every game unforgettable.
Overall, Mouse Trap is a game that transcends age and is lots of fun to play. Kids are mesmerised by the moving parts and the thrill of the trap, while adults can appreciate the nostalgia and the design. It’s a game that encourages creativity, patience and a healthy dose of competition. With fun gameplay and visual appeal it is a fantastic fun and interactive experience.
Mouse Trap is a delightful blend of strategy, luck and mechanical cheesy wonder. It’s a fun and uncomplicated game that brings families together, sparking joy and laughter. So, gather the family, set the trap and let the game begin. Just remember, it’s all fun and games until someone loses a mouse… then it becomes hilarious in the quest for cheesy victory.
While we love playing Mouse Trap, and it has plenty of fun factor, it does have some downsides: the initial setup can be time-consuming, especially for younger players and some parts of the trap can be delicate and may require careful handling (and some don’t stay on the board properly, especially with heavy-handed players – unlike my original set from a long time ago that was much sturdier and better quality).
For me, still a great game, just the quality of the way the pieces attach to board could be better.
Rating: 4/5
RRP: £25.99
Available to buy from Amazon here.