{"id":224,"date":"2024-03-14T14:32:43","date_gmt":"2024-03-14T14:32:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.criticalchit.com\/?p=224"},"modified":"2024-03-14T14:32:44","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T14:32:44","slug":"topper-takes-a-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.criticalchit.com\/?p=224","title":{"rendered":"Topper Takes a Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Good news! You get to take a day trip! Bad news. You\u2019ve forgotten to pack. You grab your trusty packing list and get to work. Where are we going again? Ah, yes – the beach! Well you\u2019ll definitely be needing some sunscreen and a towel. Don\u2019t forget sunglasses!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today we\u2019re taking a look at Topper Takes a Trip, not to be confused with the 1930\u2019s film of the same name. Topper Takes a Trip is a storytelling matching game by Peaceable Kingdoms. It takes anywhere from 5-15 minutes to play, depending on how elaborate your stories get, and is appropriate for ages 2+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Goal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The goal in Topper Takes a Trip is to pack for a trip to whatever location you pick! The game focuses on matching and storytelling, and doesn\u2019t have win conditions or ways to lose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Setup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Setup has never been easier. Dump out the suitcase, pick a location, and optionally grab a packing list as a guide. That\u2019s it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gameplay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s where all the magic happens. The more creative you get, the more value you\u2019ll get out of this one. There\u2019s not really one right way to play Topper. You can give your kiddo a packing list and have them find all of the matching items, or let them create their own story for why it is absolutely vital to bring their teddy bear to the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We tend to stick with packing lists most of the time, because one of my boys is still pretty young (not quite 2) for storytelling. When we do play with just my older son, he enjoys making up his own stories, and often picks pretty much what is on the packing list anyways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Production<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The art is on point for the audience, and looks like it could have come out of any kids board book. Production quality is pretty good. The items are all on thick cardboard, which makes them easy for little fingers to manage, and pretty durable to boot. The packing list and location cards are printed on good material as well, and should stand the test of time – unless your kid purposely rips them. My boys would NEVER\u2026 Haha. Right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I do wish the suitcase it came in was a little more durable, but for what it costs I can\u2019t really complain. It\u2019s serviceable, but will definitely show wear with use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Topper Takes a Trip is more a tool for guided play than a true “game” – there’s no win (or lose) condition, it’s more of a journey. We\u2019re definitely putting it to good use for the time being, and for the age range it is great. The box says it is for ages 2+, and my 4 year old is still enjoying it. That\u2019s well worth $20 in my book (especially because it doesn\u2019t light up and make repetitive noises).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Review copy provided by Peaceable Kingdoms<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Publisher: Peaceable Kingdoms Number of Players: As many as you want really Age: 2+ Price at time of Review: $20<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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