Tally Up Game Review

DISCLOSURE -THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.

Reviewed by Jo Hardy

Inside the cute, pocket-sized tin, you will find:

* 6 x Tally Dice
* 1 x Up Die
* 10 x In/Out Tokens
* 5 x Reference Cards
* 1 x Instruction Sheet

The object of the game is to be the first person to reach 2,500, one game could last between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the number of players but the target score can easily be changed if you want to make the game longer or shorter.

At first glance of the instruction sheet the game seems rather complex, and I would highly recommend scanning the QR code on the instruction sheet and watching one of the how-to-play videos. Personally, I found the video by Eric Olsen, the maker of the game, the easiest to follow.

Basically, the game involves taking turns rolling the dice and adding up the scores. Each die has its own mix of numbers and symbols, each with different meanings. I needed to play the game a few times before I properly got into the swing of it, but once you get the hang of it, this is a fast-paced game that is great for a large group of players. The good thing is there’s not a lot of time spent hanging around waiting for your turn. Even when it is not your turn, you are watching and trying to work out your next move. Before each round, you have to decide whether to stay in and try to gain more points or go out to safely bank your points. Each roll can result in gaining or losing points.

There are lots of points up for grabs, and keeping score is very tricky this can be done the traditional way with pen and paper, but there is also a QR code on the instruction sheet that takes you to a scoring app for your phone and I would highly recommend using this, it makes keeping track of everyone’s points much easier, especially if you have a lot of players, otherwise you may have to have a designated score keeper.

Once you have mastered the basic game there are some suggestions on the instruction sheet to mix things up a bit.

The game is for 2 to 10 players. I found it worked best with at least 4 players, as this creates more energy and interaction.

The packaging states that the game is suitable for ages 8 and up. I have to be honest and say that it was a bit too complicated for our 8-year-old, and she didn’t engage well with it. However, the older members of the family loved it, and it was a perfect game for the adults and teenagers to play together, getting the teenagers away from their screens.

This is a game to bring out when all the family are together. I’m thinking Christmas or family holidays! It’s simple to set up and doesn’t take up a lot of space. You could keep this game in your bag when travelling, and it would be invaluable if you were unlucky enough to experience a long delay at the airport.

Made by Messy Table Games, this is ideal as a Secret Santa gift or stocking filler. Priced at just £12, it is available from major retailers.

Rating: 4/5

RRP: £12

Available to buy from zatu.com