“how to find the best cheap products” — kiplinger
Home » Family » Lego » Lego Board Games
Subscribe

Lego Board Games

Cheapism
Mid-range
High end
$10
$40
$150
...+
In this review:
  1. Cheap Lego
  2. Lego Reviews
  3. Star Wars Lego Sets, Harry Potter Lego Sets
  4. Lego Board Games
  5. Discount Lego Features Comparison Table
Sign up for our
Free Newsletter
Related Guides: Educational Toys, Games and Puzzles, Kids Crafts, Toy Collectibles, Toy Pets and Stuffed Animals and Toys

Lego Board Games.

Introduced in 2009, Lego board games don't quite fall into the same category as traditional Lego sets but are worthy of mention for their engaging play and usefulness as add-ons to other sets.

We like the Lego board game Minotaurus (starting at $22, Amazon) for its simple, easy-to-grasp game play and strategic element.

Online reviews draw comparisons between Minotaurus and the Hasbro classic Sorry. The Lego board game has players construct their own game board, then strategically block opponents and send them back to start. According to moms posting reviews on the Toys R Us site, part of the beauty is that the rules can be altered to make the game harder or easier. Another parent who posted a review at Toys R Us appreciates the educational facets of the Minotaurus game. A potential downside to this Lego board game is the very small size of the microfigures that act as game pieces, which are smaller than minifigures. Minotaurus is intended for two to four players ages 7 and up and averages 20 to 30 minutes per game.

The Lego board game Magikus (starting at $8, Amazon) also involves strategy but is a quicker game that younger kids can enjoy. As with Minotaurus, the rules are flexible and are easy to adapt. Players build an ingredient rack and race to collect all the items they need to complete a magic potion. The first person to successfully acquire all the necessary ingredients is the winner. One consumer who posted a review of the Lego board game on Amazon cautions that, while children under 6 may be able to play Magikus, the small game pieces may make parents think twice about letting them. Parents posting reviews at Toys R Us like that the game can be played in short spurts, rather than dragging on for hours. Magikus is for two to four players ages 6 and up, and game play is estimated at 10 to 20 minutes.

One Lego board game that falls short of expectations is Creationary (starting at $35, Amazon). This version of Pictionary has players craft objects from Lego bricks and have teammates try to guess what they are. Critics of the game say the clever concept has some shortcomings when put to the test. A user posting on Amazon laments the frustrating game play and vague instructions but takes comfort in the fact that the game pieces assimilate nicely into the household Lego collection. A consumer who posted a review at Target says there needs to be a set time limit, and points out that when players guess the object too soon, children don't get a chance to finish building their creations. The reviewer's son simply uses the cards as inspiration for independent building. Several consumers remark on Amazon that not enough Lego building blocks are provided, although others see that limitation as part of the challenge.

Back to top »
Read user comments below

Best Cheap Legos

Luke's Landspeeder
Gold Medal

Luke's Landspeeder

 Star Wars fans on a budget will appreciate the play experience and minifigure lineup of this set. The per-piece price of 15 cents is relatively high, but the set comes with five Star Wars minifigures, including young Luke Skywalker, R2D2, and the hard-to-find C-3PO and Obi-Wan Kenobi, plus a security droid. For ages 7 to 12. Read more »
Lego Deals
Power Boat Transporter
Gold Medal

Power Boat Transporter

 The Power Boat Transporter from the Lego City series is a top choice for children who prize fun over collectability. Its 254 pieces build a boat-toting trailer rig and a sporty speedboat that really floats, opening up more possibilities for play. Users like the level of detail and the accessories, as well as the fact that the trailer accommodates other Lego watercraft. For ages 5 to 12. Read more »
Lego Deals

Good Cheap Legos

Hagrid's Hut
Gold Medal

Hagrid's Hut

 Harry Potter followers get a lot of bang for their buck (or should we say Galleon?) with this six-minifigure, 442-piece play set. Online reviews enthuse about the level of detail. Pleased reviewers point out that the set comes with Harry, Hermione, and Ron minifigures, something that can't be said of either (pricier) Hogwarts castle kit. For ages 7 to 14. Read more »
Lego Deals
Mace Windu's Jedi Starfighter
Gold Medal

Mace Windu's Jedi Starfighter

 New to the Lego Star Wars family as of November 2011, this 309-piece kit builds a well-reviewed starfighter, along with a Separatist speeder and two Single Trooper Aerial Platforms (STAPs). Minifigures include Mace Windu and several droids. The set satisfies collectors looking to pick up the Mace Windu character and offers children plenty to play with. For ages 7 to 12. Read more »
Lego Deals
 
 
Cheapism.com on Facebook
 

Think Twice Cheap Legos

Creationary

This Pictionary-style game challenges players to use Legos to replicate illustrations of everything from a parachute to a dinosaur to the Sydney Opera House. While most agree the idea has merit, reviewers grouse that the game doesn't come with enough pieces. Other disappointments include ambiguous directions and the game's tendency to outlast the patience of young players. For ages 7 and up. Read more »

Thrifty Resources

Article Sources

Amazon LEGO Store Buzzillions
Viewpoints
The Brick Life

Manufacturers

Lego
 
Whatever Happened to an Apple? Creative, Affordable Gifts for Teachers

The web is full of ideas for cheap teacher gifts, and we've rounded up some of our favorites below.

May 21st Daily Deals - Kids Toys Deals, Cheap Cables, and more.

If you were inspired by our recent cheap cables blog, today we've got an amazing deal on 10' HDMI cables under $3. There are also several great toys and board games--all under $20--so it's a good time to consider stocking up for parties and prizes!

May 17th Daily Deals - Razor Scooter Deal, Cheap Exersaucer, and more.

Today we've got great deals on home goods and kids' stuff, including an adorable exersaucer $20 off the regular price--and only $5 shipping!