Don't Break the Ice
by Amanda Nettgen
(USA)
Don't Break the Ice
Board game manufacturer:
Milton Bradley/Hasbro
Number of players:
2+
Ages:
3+
Quick verdict
Don't Break the Ice is a fast yet suspenseful strategy game that's simple enough for the youngest of players. Even though contenders pound on ice, it's not that loud.
The game and gameplay
The first step in playing Don't Break the Ice is to set up the ice rink. Inserting the thirty-six cubes should prove easier than assembling say, Jenga (a similar strategy game).
The last couple of blocks can be tricky, though, as the whole thing is only held together by friction.
A lovable ice-skating polar bear takes center stage on a bigger set of ice squares. Your job is to not be the one responsible for drowning him.
You do this by taking turns knocking one (and only one) ice cube out of the board. You can play elimination-style when partaking with multiple people. Also try adjusting the polar bear's location for new challenges.
The game is a cheaper, less difficult take on Jenga. Players need to have a sense of balance and good motion control (i.e., don't pound the whole rink in!).
Other games your family might enjoy!
Candyland board game
Clue Jr.
Connect Four
Cranium Hullabaloo
Cranium Puppy Pals Bingo
Don't Break The Ice
Elefun game
Guess Who? game
Hide and Seek game
Hi Ho Cherry-O
Hungry Hungry Hippos
Kerplunk game
Littlest Pet Shop
Monopoly Town
Mousetrap game
Operation game
Penguin Pile-Up board game
Scrabble Jr
Settlers of Catan: Kids of Catan
Snakes and Ladders game
Twister game
Kid's board game guide
Best family board games guide
Pros and cons
The biggest pro is that it's fast while offering simple strategy. It's a good tabletop baby-sitting game, less messy than the alternative game of Thin Ice
Cons-wise, there just isn't a whole lot going on with this game. And if you misplace an ice cube you're kind of screwed, as you cannot substitute ones from your freezer.
The verdict
Don't Break The Ice
