If you’ve ever player Connect Four, then you know it’s somewhat like tic tac toe in that the winner outsmarts the opponent by placing three in a row. This game is played on a grid that stands upright and has 6-rows, and 7-columns. The players choose between red and black checkers, and then alternate turns dropping a checker down any slot in the grid to make four in a row. The first player to get four checkers in a row: vertically, horizontally, or diagonally wins the game. To play again, release the checkers by sliding the latch at the bottom of the grid. Connect Four is played with two people and is recommended for children 7-years and up.

The Connect Four Fun on the Run is played exactly as the original version, except it’s designed for travel. Just like the larger game, the grid has 42 spaces: 21 black checkers, and 21 red checkers. The travel edition has a collection tray that snap onto the grid to collect the checkers, and folds-up when play is complete. In addition, along each side of the grid are two columns where the checkers are stored. The black checkers store on one side, and the red on the other. The game is completely made of plastic, and measures 7” wide x 4½” deep x 5½” high. The checkers are small. They are about the size of a dime, and do pose a choking hazard to young children 3-years and under.


Our Experience:
I didn’t expect to be writing about Connect Four Fun on the Run until sometime in August, so although we haven’t played it on a plane, the game worked well enough on a flat surface in the car. My folks own a house just 2-hours North of us, so when the triple digits hit Phoenix, we often take long weekends away. I tossed the game into the car on a whim, and I’m glad I got a preview so I can prepare for our big trip.

Firstly, we don’t own the original version of this toy, so it was somewhat difficult for my son to comprehend playing a game upright as opposed to playing on a flat surface. The game is recommended for children 7-years and up, so I thought I made a mistake in purchasing it for a 6-year old. William caught on quickly, and within a few games he overcame the vertical stance. I’m amazed at how quickly the kid plotted out his plan of attack.

We have enjoyed playing Connect Four Fun on the Run, but the construction has little to be desired. The collection trays pop off repeatedly. In addition, the columns that store the checkers have lids that snap closed presumably to keep the checkers in place, but they continually pop off leaving checkers scattered in the box. As mentioned, the checkers are small, and are easy to lose. Hasbro doesn’t offer replacements for the checkers, so you really have to be careful when playing. On the other hand, I only paid $5.99 for this game, and since it’s been entertaining, I think instead of buying a duplicate I would buy the travel folio version with zip-up pouch. It retails for $15.99 and looks more durable than this edition.

Overall, I recommend this toy, but strongly suggest the game be stored in a zip-lock bag, as it doesn’t hold up well to the bumps and bruises of travel. The trays, and lids pop off continually, additionally the checkers roll out of the columns. On the plus side, the toy is lightweight. I don't think it weighs a pound, and it's easy to store in a backpack, or large purse.

Hasbro
www.hasbro.com/
800-327-8264



Additional Travel-Type Reviews:
Travel Bingo by eeboo
Thomas at the Railyard by Imaginetics
Pick Up the Pizza by International Playthings
Thomas & Friends All Aboard Card Game by Briarpatch
My First Brain Quest: Animal Matching by University Games



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): $5.99
Type of Toy: Game
Age Range of Child: Kids to Teens