Vintage is trending and Bookmans East has just the games for you! Retro Range has released a collection of retro inspired games with original artwork and game pieces. These are “modernized versions of old favourites” that combine the quirky charm of vintage toys and games with the special features of updated versions. There is nothing tacky about these games; they are wonderfully eccentric. These modernized classics incorporate wholesomeness paired with a cheeky sensibility. The games they chose to update and remake are not just the games from your childhood but also from your grandparent’s childhoods.vintageStart with Kitty Wampus, tagged as a “swell game for kids” it features a brightly colored kitty costumed in period garb. The equally adorable board has a kitty spinner, fully suited and sporting a floppy red bow. The object of the game is simple, which is to fill your corners white spaces with the wooden dots you win with each spin. Not much is required for strategy, but the visuals make up for it and spinning kitty will captivate the little ones.

Our next game hails from India as far back as the 16th century. Snakes & Ladders is based on morality called Vaikuntapaali or Paramapada Sopanam (the ladder to salvation). This East Indian classic made it’s way to the British Empire in the late 1800’s. The ladders represent virtues like generosity, faith, and humility while the snakes represent such vices as anger, murder and theft. Rolling the dice and moving around the board dictate the play.

Next is Flipping Fishes, labeled as “The Jolliest Game for Young and Old.” This game is more physical, players use paddles and ‘plates’ to flip fish along the race lane. Soccer lovers will excel because players are not allowed to use their hands. This game could be modified for adult play by involving tequila shots. No, that part isn’t in the directions, but it’s just an idea.

Chop Sticks – A Favourite Game from China – is also more active. If you are a fan of Asian food and are adept at the use of chopsticks you have a distinct advantage. The game pieces consist of brightly colored wooden dowels, small discs and chopsticks. The object is to take the chopsticks, pick up the disc and place it on the dowel. It might be advisable to forgo the shots on this one.

The Beetle Game is creepy, crawly fun where players take turns shaking the dice and attempt to be the first to build their beetle. This game was first introduced in the 1950’s and the manufacturers have retained the original packaging to keep the vintage feel. I own a 1971 VW bug, so the game would be better for me if we built an actual Beetle, or at least gathered at my house to repair mine (just message me and you can drop by with your tools anytime).

Bingo is a definite classic and this retro version includes a detailed instruction guide. This is helpful if you plan to play with Grandma, because she knows all the strategies, so you will need to refer to that rulebook. You might lose anyway because that lady is a pro. You can console yourself over the wad of money you lost to Grandma, by singing the classic song of the same name. I will get you started…. B. I. N. G. O. … you remember the rest.

Bookmans East has many more titles to entertain all ages and preferences. Vintage games make for great gifts and remember that you can purchase them with Bookmans trade credit. If you want to help me out with my VW repair, we will begin with replacing all the molding and glass. Don’t worry it will be just as fun as these games and I will even include the shots. Cheers gamers!