“Adults and teenagers seem to tire of it more quickly than younger children but it’s longevity probably means it’s a game most toy cupboards shouldn’t be without.”

Buy online at Woolworths

Price £13 (£9.99 if bought with another game from the range)

***

Initial thoughts: Twister is one of those simple games that you wish you’d thought of. It’s a feature of most people’s childhoods and therefore needs little explaining. But for those unlucky enough not to have played it the idea is simple. A plastic mat is unfurled with different coloured circles on it. A cardboard spinner is divided into four sections (left hand, right foot etc) with each of the four coloured circles. All you then need is someone to spin it and then shout “left hand green circle” and you’re away. It is probably best played with people you know well, or would like to know better. It’s not for the shy.

We liked: We love Twister in this house. Well, for a couple of games at least. Then it gets a bit boring and it’s only the younger children who want to keep on twisting. Most children, if they can be coerced, seem to love playing it. There isn’t a lot to dislike as there isn’t a lot to it. It seems to be a good ice breaker at parties.

We weren’t keen on: The mat is plastic and gets creased up a lot. I would have preferred a heavy cotton or something that would be easier to use and probably a bit more durable. The spinner is a bit cheap and nasty too. Ours had come apart and the stud at the back had to be popped back on.

The box states it’s for six years plus but younger children can play it. It also states it’s a game for a minimum of two players but as they would probably have trouble using the spinner as well as contorting themselves into strange shapes, I would say you need at least three people.

Overall: A classic game that is hard to beat, if all players are in the right mood (and no one’s had a curry the night before). Adults and teenagers seem to tire of it more quickly than younger children, at least in this house. It’s longevity probably means it’s a game most toy cupboards shouldn’t be without.

[By Debs, Carrots and Kids]