Orchard Toys – Cheeky Monkeys Review

Anyone who has been reading blog for quite some time might know that we are the official game tester for Orchard Toys. Every game we played and tried out is a big hit and we still play with the vast majority of games still. The game we have recently received is not difference.

Orchards Toys have recently launched a new set of educational games. We were invited to try out one of them as Matthew was falling into the age bracket. As he is starting school this coming September, pretty much every educational toy/ game is welcome in our house as long as it helps him along in school. Learn through play and that is the easiest way they can learn. It’s amazing how they can pick up things so quickly through it.

We were sent the new “Cheeky Monkeys” game. A game that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The aim of the game is to hang as many monkeys on the tree as possible. Each monkey carries a different amount of bananas with them. So even if you had more monkeys than they other play, the second player might have a greater amount of bananas which means he wins. The game start off by placing the 3D tree on the table. Setup all 32 monkey cards by placing them face down. Put the pool card beside it as well as the spinner. It’s time to get the time started.

The board game develops hand eye coordination, personal and social skills, number and counting skills and it also encourages observational skills. I have to say Matthew was really into it once he understood the rules. We needed to play several rounds, that’s how much he liked. Also probably the fact that every round he beat mummy. He was delighted with himself.

The spinner board has four options. The best one is the bananas of course which means you get to pick up a monkey card to hang on the tree. Before you hang it onto tree though, it’s up to you whether you want to get another go and get lucky to pick up another monkey off the table. You can get hit with the cheeky monkey, the question mark or the pool monkey.

Cheeky monkey means that you get to hang all the monkeys you turned over, plus a monkey of your choice from another player’s tree.
The question mark allows you take all monkeys you turned over, plus the ones on the pool board, if there is any.
Finally the pool monkey… Every monkey you picked up in your round, will have to go on the pool board. The only way to get them back is by hitting the question mark.

The game is aimed at children from the age of 4 to the age of 8. The number of player you require is 2 – 4. It has also been tested by teachers. It is available to purchase for £9.50.

Disclaimer: We are the official toy tester and have received the game for the purpose of this review. As always this is my honest opinion and my own photos.