A boxed Hungry Hungry Hippos game by Hasbro Gaming, featuring colorful graphics of hippos and marbles, with an age recommendation of 4+ and a choking hazard warning. Two children are depicted playing the game on the bottom left corner.
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Hungry Hungry Hippos (1978)

ByMichail

Hungry Hungry Hippos

Hungry Hungry Hippos is a tabletop game made for 2-4 players, produced by Hasbro, under the brand of its subsidiary, Milton Bradley. The idea for the game was published in 1967 by toy inventor Fred Kroll and it was introduced in 1978. The game was brought to America by a WWII veteran named Fred Kroll, who later worked for the Pressman Toy Corporation and discovered the game in Japan. Kroll licensed the international rights to the game from the Agatsuma company in Tokyo and then later sold the rights to Hasbro.

Why is Hungry Hungry Hippos Popular?

Hungry Hungry Hippos is a beloved, quirky game for children that also has plenty of adult fans. It is a lesson in hand-eye coordination, tolerance for a lot of racket, and an exercise in the benefits of gluttony.

Game Components of Hungry Hungry Hippos

  • Game Board:** Surrounded by four mechanical, colorful, plastic hippos.
  • Hippos:** Each hippo has a distinct name and color in the original version: Lizzie Hippo (purple), Henry Hippo (orange), Homer Hippo (green), and Harry Hippo (yellow).
  • Marbles:** 20 plastic marbles are included.
  • Levers:** On the back of each hippo, used to extend the hippo’s head and open its mouth.
  • Scoring Areas:** Small compartments under each hippo to collect marbles.

    How To Setup Hungry Hungry Hippos

    To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a hippo and positions it at the edge of the board. Ensure all the marbles are placed in the designated area on the board. The game is ready to start once all players are in position.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Mechanics:** Players press the lever on their hippo to extend its head and open its mouth, aiming to capture marbles.
  • Game Objective:** The player whose hippo collects the most marbles wins the game.
  • Key Actions:** Pressing the lever to open and close the hippo’s mouth, and competing to capture marbles.

    Player Experience

    Playing Hungry Hungry Hippos is a lively and noisy experience, requiring hand-eye coordination and a bit of luck. The game is simple yet engaging, making it suitable for children as young as 4 years old. However, it can also be enjoyed by adults for its nostalgic value and entertainment.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** Simple gameplay mechanics make it accessible to young children.
  • Interactive:** Encourages physical interaction and competitive spirit.
  • Nostalgic:** A classic game that many adults remember fondly from their childhood.
  • Portable:** Can be taken to different locations, although modern versions may require assembly.

    Cons

  • Noise Level:** The game can be very loud due to the clacking of the hippos.
  • Assembly Issues:** Modern versions may require frequent assembly and disassembly, which can be inconvenient.
  • Short Game Time:** Games are typically short, lasting around 10 minutes.

    Personal Thoughts on Hungry Hungry Hippos

    Hungry Hungry Hippos is a game that is perfect for families and young children due to its simple and engaging nature. It teaches children about competition and hand-eye coordination in a fun and entertaining way. While it may not offer deep strategic gameplay, it remains a beloved classic that can bring joy and laughter to both kids and adults. However, parents should be prepared for the noise and potential frustration with assembly in newer versions.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl