Bed Bugs (1985) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bed Bugs is a classic board game that was originally released in in 1985. It is a fun and fast-paced game that is perfect for children aged 6 and up. The game is centered around the theme of bed bugs and requires players to use tweezers to remove the pesky bugs from a mattress.

Game Components of Bed Bugs

Motorized bed

48 plastic bed bug pieces (in four colors: red, blue, yellow, and green)

4 pairs of tongs

Cardboard or plastic bed surface

Battery lid

2 C batteries

Instruction manual

How To Setup Bed Bugs

To set up the game, insert two C batteries into the slots at the top of the bed and cover the battery compartment with the cardboard or plastic bed surface. Place all 48 bed bugs on the large section of the bed. Each player receives a pair of tongs. The youngest player flips the switch to activate the bed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players: 2 to 4

Age Rating: 6+

Game Duration: About 10 minutes

Objective: Collect the most bed bugs of the announced color.

Mechanics:
– The bed shakes and vibrates, causing the bugs to move around.
– Players use tongs to pick up bugs of the announced color.
– Bugs not matching the current color are returned to the bed.
– Bugs that jump off the bed are also returned.
– The game continues until all bugs are captured, with the player having the most bugs declared the winner.

Player Experience

Playing Bed Bugs can be a frantic and fun experience, especially for children. The game is very kid-friendly, with easy setup and simple rules. However, the shaking bed can make the bugs fly everywhere, sometimes making it challenging to keep them on the table. This can lead to a longer cleanup time than the actual gameplay.

Pros

Easy to set up and understand

Encourages hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes

Suitable for young children as an introduction to board games

Multiple versions available, including re-releases in 2010 and 2013

Cons

Bugs can fly off the table, making cleanup difficult

The game can be repetitive

The bed’s vibration is loud and can go through batteries quickly

Smaller tongs in newer versions can be less effective

Personal Thoughts on Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs is a great springboard game for introducing children to the world of board games. It’s simple, fun, and requires minimal setup. However, for adults or teenagers looking for a more complex gaming experience, this might not be the best choice. It’s an excellent option for family game nights with younger children, providing a fun and interactive way to develop hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes.

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