From Blockhead to Tilt 'n Tumble, balancing games are plentiful at our house. Hamsterrolle became the latest addition at Christmas. The price was very steep at $43 and one of the wood spokes came broken when the game arrived. As I was gluing the piece back in (easily done) I was trying to guess the reason for the high cost: imported? balsa wood wheel difficult to make?

Once fixed, the game became a quick sensation. The simple rules got everyone playing regardless of age or language barriers. There are only two basic rules: play further along the wheel than the previous player and do not play the sam color in the same wheel compartment. While the simplicity of the rules cuts down on the strategy, Hamsterrolle, like Blockhead, can still be played in a cutthroat fashion.

As the Hamster's worked their way around the wheel, we saw the unique joy of the game: They soon will be falling back down to you!

Good light fun. On the down side, the games can become similar, and when the game is contested with some daring, a player can be placed into a seemingly impossible situation where no hamster can be played.

Since the game does not end with falling pieces, it can go on for some time. This is a nice twist on Blockhead but the cost must give you pause.