Bounce-Off

Bounce it in. Line ‘em up. Rule the table. 2 players ages 7 and up

Our copy of Bounce-Off is the Fast Fun edition. This means that our game board is smaller than the original. The original Bounce-Off also has rules for 2 and 4 players where ours is a two player. Other than that, it plays the same.

Set Up

The set up for Bounce-Off is simple. You put the tray on the table and give each player a tray of ping pong like balls. (These balls are smaller and sturdier than regular ping pong balls. They are also coloured blue and yellow.)

Next, players choose a card to play. The cards each have a unique pattern on them.

Playing Bounce-Off

Once the card has been chosen, players try to bounce their balls into the tray to form the pattern on the card. The balls have to bounce on the table at least once to count. Otherwise, the ball is taken out of the tray. Players can take any balls that don’t match the pattern out at any time.

There are two ways to play Bounce-Off.

First is that everyone plays at the same time; a true race. This can be frantic and noisy but fun.

Second, players can take turns trying to bounce one ball into the try. This is a little calmer and may be better for younger children.

Winning the Card

The player who bounces the last ball into the pattern gets to keep the card. The whole process starts again with a new card.

Winning Bounce-Off

When a player has won three cards, she has won the game!

What We Like

First, this is a game that seems easy but takes some skill and practice. That said, anyone can play and win. Also, we like that there are two options for play—all at the same time and one at a time.

We so like that it plays very quickly, although we do admit that it can be a little too short. If we’re playing as a family, we play for three cards and the winner takes on the next player. On the other hand, if there are just two of us playing, then we often play to more than three cards.

Next, we like that this is an active game that you can play at the table.

What We Don’t Like

First, as with all games like this, is the potential for lost pieces. (Right now, we are missing one blue ball.) It’s just the nature of the game but still.

Next, the cards only have missions in the middle of the board. There could be a lot more cards to choose from if they also used the outside rows.

Is Bounce-Off Worth It?

Bounce-Off is a fun, active game for the whole family. If you like crazy fun with a little bit of skill and luck then we recommend adding Bounce-Off to your Family Game Shelf.

To get your copy of Bounce-Off click here. Canadians can get their Bounce-Off by clicking here. There is also the Bounce-Off Party game and the Bounce-Off Bull’s Eye game.

If you’re looking for more fun be sure to visit our other game reviews, dice games and card games.

Rating:

Pros: all ages, easy to learn, fast
Cons: potential for lost pieces, noisy, 
Mom: math/physics skills, hand-eye coordination,