What It Is

You're probably starting to see a flood of "Harry Potter" merchandise based on the immensely popular character by author J.K. Rowling. The "Harry Potter Casting Stones" game is one of the latest of "Harry" selections in the toy and game world. Essentially a board game version of "Paper-Scissors-Rock," Casting Stones uses a "Spells-Potions-Charms" hierarchy for competition between players. Players "cast" by rolling their allotted five coin-like "Casting Stones" to generate Spells, Potions or Charms, depending on which way the stones land. The object is to beat your opponent's roll and end up putting a "Gem" on one of the game board "Turrets." The first person to place four Gems on four consecutive Turrets wins. The game can become interesting when certain casting situations allow one player to knock another's Gems off the Turrets, thereby setting the opponent back a step. Players can up the level of gaming complexity in the "Intermediate Game" by adding the two "Casting Cards" into game play. These are included with the Starter Set and enhance the effect of Spells, Potions and Charms. The "Advanced Game" adds more options and strategies to game play, yet requires separate purchases of additional Casting Stones and Casting Cards sold in "Refill Sets."

Why It's Fun

The magical world of Harry Potter has been appealing to kids' imaginations ever since they first read about his adventures as a young wizard. The Casting Stones game will please any fan of the books by completely referencing the situations, settings and characters described in the stories. The game board, called the "Tower Mat," is brightly illustrated and made of soft material that folds up to hold all of the game pieces and resemble a bag full of magic stuff - something Harry Potter himself probably would carry. Game play is fun by requiring thought, effort and strategy. Casting Stones is also flexible enough to be fairly simple, or extremely complex in the Advanced Game. Because the Advanced Game requires additional Casting Cards and Stones, kids can make this a collectible toy that they can play, or even trade, with others.

Who's Going To Love It

Gamers of all ages can take this game as far as they wish. Even those not familiar with the Harry Potter stories will enjoy the essence of the game play. Fans of Harry will enjoy revisiting the stories through virtually every aspect of Casting Stones.

What To Be Aware Of

Casting Stones comes with instructions, which are important not to lose. It may take a while to learn the combinations that create a Spell, Potion or Charm, as well as learning the rules that are unique to this game. But this is exactly the kind of information that kids love having and that inspires them. Younger kids may struggle with Casting Stones at first, but should be able to grasp the "Basic Game" fairly quickly. There are many small pieces to Casting Stones, so parents should keep these away from children three and under.