Review & Giveaway (closed): Hasbro Cranium Brain Breaks

written by thatsit October 6, 2011

Cranium Brain Breaks, the latest game from the line of creative, wacky, super family-friendly games by Cranium, was a fantastic surprise for us tonight! Homework was finished early (no…it wasn’t an earthquake you felt, just me keeling over in shock…), dinner, dessert and showers were done, so Ellie, my nonstop nine year old asked if we could play a game. She usually picks the longest one she can find, but this time, I pulled out a bright purple plastic brain, and said we were going to try a new one tonight. After I finally extracted the brain from the top of her head, we pulled out the pieces and read through the directions. The game was filled with a deck of two-sided challenge cards, a die, clay, a timer, six letter cubes and a small notepad. The only thing we had to find was a pencil, which we easily added to the brain at the end of the game.

The game says it’s for 2 – 6 players, but the instructions (super easy & short – my favorite kind!), do have a section on how you can play with teams, so I’d imagine you could play with ten people if you’ve got teams. It also says that it’s for kids 8+, but it could easily be adjusted for 5+, I’d say, as some of the parts involve writing, and the timer is only one minute, so it could be frustrating for the younger set. The game also incorporates the classic Cranium categories – Creative Cat, Word Worm, Star Performer and Data Head, so it covers all the bases to keep everyone happy.

Ellie and I started playing – my eleven year old thought she was far too cool to join us. The rules say that the person with the next birthday got to go first, so Ellie was already up – 1-0, and we hadn’t even begun! Ellie picked a random card from the deck, read both sides, and then picked which challenge she wanted to complete. She had to run around the house, and count all the plants we had inside before the timer ran out. After a quick loop, she came back and reported that all of our plants were outside. Correct!

Some of the challenges involved running around the house counting or collecting different items. Some of our favorites were: how many lights do we have, find ten blue things and find six things that make noise. One favorite was the Loop-the-Loop Challenge – I had to make a paper airplane and Ellie had to make a ring out of the clay, then I had to fly the airplane through the ring.

After about half an hour of playing, Emily sauntered over, asking if she could play just one card, which turned into about ten more rounds. The hands- down favorite for the night was Emily’s Costumes Challenge card, where we had to close our eyes and draw our favorite Halloween costume. Ok…I cheated, I just wanted to see if the girls really had their eyes closed – to my surprise, they did. Emily drew a cat, Ellie had a witch, and I was a hula girl – my favorite costume ever, from when I was five years old!

Half an hour later, we finally put the game away. We had only lost once – we had to roll the letter dice and try to come up with family members whose names begin with each letter rolled. We got the Z, and sadly, there are no Zane’s, Zelda’s or Zachary’s in our family.

The majority of the challenges involve teamwork and cooperation, which is something that every person in the world can use more practice at. The true genius of the game is that each challenge is only one minute, so you can play for as long (or as short) as time allows. The only downside I can see is that some of the cards really do need more than two players to make them fun. But, with over 200 challenges, you can always put it back in the deck and find a new card. The objective is to try to collect as many winning challenge cards as you can, but honestly, we were working together, so it didn’t really feel like one person was winning, and someone else was losing. I’m thinking this is one of those games that’s going to see a lot of action at our house. With the holidays coming, I know a few good little boys and girls who would absolutely love this – time to start checking people off my list!

Cranium Brain Breaks, (Hasbro, Inc.) – is available in stores and online for $12.99 at HasbroToyShop.com. Keep up with Family Game Night at www.facebook.com/familygamenight or follow us on Twitter: @familygamenight.

– Erin

GIVEAWAY: One (1) That’s IT Mommy reader will receive a Cranium Brain Breaks. This giveaway is open to US residents only (18+). Ends 10/18/11.

REQUIRED MAIN ENTRY: To enter, tell us why you want to win this game! Leave your comment in the reply box below this post. That’s IT!

Remember if this REQUIRED ENTRY is not followed then no other entries will count.

Optional Bonus Entries – All entries MUST BE in a separate comment. All are worth 1 point unless otherwise noted.

Like Family Game Night on Facebook
Follow Family Game Night l on Twitter
Subscribe to our e-newsletter (or tell us that you already do)
“Like” us on Facebook (let us know who you are)
Follow us on Twitter (leave us your twitter ID)
Grab our button on the right sidebar and post on your website (leave the link) (3 extra – 3 comments #1, #2, #3)
Follow us on Networked Blogs
Follow us on GFC (sidebar)
Enter another one of our current giveaways (3 extra – 3 separate comments #1, #2, #3) Feel free to enter any of our giveaways that interest you, but you will receive a maximum of three extra entries only, no matter how many of our other giveaways you enter
Leave a comment on any non giveaway post and let us know you did (2 extra – 2 separate comments #1, #2)
Tweet about this giveaway (Copy – I entered to win Hasbro Cranium Brain Breaks! via @thatsitmommy and @familygamenight http://thatsitmommy.com/?p=17137 #giveaway) come back daily and leave us the link to the tweet (1 extra/day)

*This giveaway will run through midnight on October 18, 2011 (PST). Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact us before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. (18+) residents only.

* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy received Cranium Brain Break from Hasbro free of charge to facilitate this review. Giveaway item will be provided by sponsor. Sponsor has the right to refuse filling prize for duplicate winners from other blogs. This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service.  The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.

thatsit

Travel: Family Adventures in Beaver Creek, CO

287 comments

Stephanie G October 6, 2011 at 5:53 pm

I would love to win this because our family loves the other cranium games and we would love to try this one out too!

Stephanie G October 6, 2011 at 5:53 pm

like family game night on facebook (stephanie gaffney)

Stephanie G October 6, 2011 at 5:54 pm

follow family game night on twitter @skgaffney

Stephanie G October 6, 2011 at 5:55 pm

subscribe to your e-newsletter

Stephanie G October 6, 2011 at 5:56 pm

like you on facebook (stephanie gaffney)

Stephanie G October 6, 2011 at 5:57 pm

follow you on twitter @skgaffney

Stephanie G October 6, 2011 at 5:58 pm

follow you on networked blogs

Stephanie G October 6, 2011 at 6:01 pm

follow you on gfc (skgaff)

Stephanie G October 6, 2011 at 6:02 pm

entered kidsandchic.com giveaway #1

Stephanie G October 6, 2011 at 6:02 pm

entered kidsandchic.com giveaway #2

Stephanie G October 6, 2011 at 6:02 pm

entered kidsandchic.com giveaway #3

Stephanie G October 6, 2011 at 6:04 pm

tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/skgaffney/status/122114911429079042

kelley wood October 7, 2011 at 7:19 am

id like to win for my son. He loves stuff like this!

kelley wood October 7, 2011 at 7:20 am

like fam game night on fb

kelley wood October 7, 2011 at 7:21 am

follow fam game night on twitter

kelley wood October 7, 2011 at 7:23 am

like you on fb kelley wood

kelley wood October 7, 2011 at 7:23 am

mysweetcarolina follows you on twitter

kelley wood October 7, 2011 at 7:24 am

gfc

kelley wood October 7, 2011 at 7:25 am

http://twitter.com/#!/mysweetcarolina/status/122316487531831298

Tess October 7, 2011 at 7:44 am

i’d like to win and play this with my son- he loves games
tcogbill at live dot com

Tess October 7, 2011 at 7:44 am

i folloow you gfc-tcogibll
tcogbill at live dot com

Sunnie October 7, 2011 at 8:32 am

We like playing games as a family

Sunnie October 7, 2011 at 8:33 am

Iam an email subscriber.

Sunnie October 7, 2011 at 8:34 am

I entered anothere giveaway

Sunnie October 7, 2011 at 8:35 am

I entered another giveaway x2.

Sunnie October 7, 2011 at 8:36 am

I entered another giveaway x3

Sunnie October 7, 2011 at 8:36 am

I like family game night on facebook

yesi October 7, 2011 at 12:45 pm

Like Family Game Night on Facebook

yesi October 7, 2011 at 12:45 pm

Iam an email subscriber

yesi October 7, 2011 at 12:45 pm

i folloow you gfc

yesi October 7, 2011 at 12:45 pm

We like playing games as a family

yesi October 7, 2011 at 12:46 pm

follow you on twitter

yesi October 7, 2011 at 12:46 pm

follow you on networked blogs

karen mercuri October 7, 2011 at 1:08 pm

I have five kids who love to play games!!

Amy October 7, 2011 at 2:47 pm

I’d like to with this for my nephews. They love games.

Amy October 7, 2011 at 2:49 pm

I like Game Night on FB. Amy Carlson

Amy October 7, 2011 at 2:49 pm

I follow Game Night on Twitter @ambabya

Amy October 7, 2011 at 2:50 pm

I subscribe via email

Amy October 7, 2011 at 2:51 pm

I like you on FB. Amy Carlson

Amy October 7, 2011 at 2:51 pm

I follow on Twitter @ambabya

Amy October 7, 2011 at 2:51 pm

GFC follower Amy_M

Shannon Baas October 7, 2011 at 5:26 pm

We love playing games.

Leah Baird October 7, 2011 at 5:42 pm

I like to win this for my nieces. lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

Leah Baird October 7, 2011 at 5:45 pm

Like Family Game Night on Facebook
Leah Baird
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

Leah Baird October 7, 2011 at 5:46 pm

Follow Family Game Night l on Twitter @lnb1191
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

Leah Baird October 7, 2011 at 5:47 pm

“Like” us on Facebook Leah Baird
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

Leah Baird October 7, 2011 at 5:49 pm

Leah Baird October 7, 2011 at 5:50 pm

Leah Baird October 7, 2011 at 5:51 pm

follow you on GFC, The Sleepy Dreamer
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

Leah Baird October 7, 2011 at 5:52 pm

Entered Dumbo #1
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

Leah Baird October 7, 2011 at 5:52 pm

Entered Dumbo #2
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

Leah Baird October 7, 2011 at 5:53 pm

Entered Dumbo #3
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

Leah Baird October 7, 2011 at 5:55 pm

Leave a comment #1
Monday’s Menu: Crock Pot Veggie Lasagna
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

Leah Baird October 7, 2011 at 5:55 pm

Leave a comment #2
Monday’s Menu: Crock Pot Veggie Lasagna
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

Leah Baird October 7, 2011 at 5:59 pm

10/7 tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/lnb1191/status/122474731134914560
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

Amanda October 7, 2011 at 7:12 pm

We love playing games, and this is a game we haven’t tried yet.
magickalblessings26{at}yahoo.com

AMY W. October 7, 2011 at 7:35 pm

I’d like to win because I think my kids would enjoy it.

AMY W. October 7, 2011 at 7:36 pm

I like you on facebook. Amy Witherstine

Valerie Mabrey October 7, 2011 at 9:41 pm

this would be a great gift form the family under the tree. WOuld have a whole day of laughing and memories.
vmkids3 at msn dot com

Valerie Mabrey October 7, 2011 at 9:42 pm

Like Family Game Night on Facebook
vmkids3 at msn dot com

Valerie Mabrey October 7, 2011 at 9:43 pm

“Like” us on Facebook as valerie taylor mabrey
vmkids3 at msn dot com

Valerie Mabrey October 7, 2011 at 9:44 pm

gfc follow
vmkids3 at msn dot com

Erinn S October 7, 2011 at 9:54 pm

My nieces love games and this would make a great addition to XMAS gifts for them!

Erinn S October 7, 2011 at 9:55 pm

Family Game Night FB follower @ErinnArenaSluka erinnsluka@gmail.com

Erinn S October 7, 2011 at 9:55 pm

FB follower @ErinnArenaSluka erinnsluka@gmail.com

Erinn S October 7, 2011 at 9:55 pm

Email subscriber erinnsluka@gmail.com

Erinn S October 7, 2011 at 9:56 pm

Twitter follower @3sonshavei erinnsluka@gmail.com

Erinn S October 7, 2011 at 9:56 pm

GFC: Esluka erinnsluka@gmail.com–

EMMA L HORTON October 8, 2011 at 5:54 am

I LOVE PLAYING GAMES

EMMA L HORTON October 8, 2011 at 5:55 am

E-MAIL SUBSCRIBER

EMMA L HORTON October 8, 2011 at 5:56 am

LIKE YOU ON FACEBOOK (EMMA HORTON

EMMA L HORTON October 8, 2011 at 5:56 am

GFC FOLLOWER

kelley wood October 8, 2011 at 11:36 am

http://twitter.com/#!/mysweetcarolina/status/122703945377382400

Leah Baird October 8, 2011 at 12:18 pm

10/8 tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/lnb1191/status/122752531771301890
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

Jeryl M. October 8, 2011 at 12:58 pm

I like Family Game Night on Facebook.

Jeryl M. October 8, 2011 at 12:58 pm

I like you on Facebook.

Jeryl M. October 8, 2011 at 12:59 pm

I am a GFC follower.

Jeryl M. October 8, 2011 at 12:59 pm

I am a networked blogs follower.

Jeryl M. October 8, 2011 at 12:59 pm

I am an e-mail subscriber.

Trenda Plunkett October 8, 2011 at 8:06 pm

We would love to win this game because game time is a great way to connect with each other as a family.

Bright Blessings,

Trenda

Diane R. October 8, 2011 at 8:12 pm

Both my grandkids have over-developed senses of humor I think they would have a great time with this game. That’s why I would like to win.

kelley wood October 9, 2011 at 3:00 pm

http://twitter.com/#!/mysweetcarolina/status/123155645846396928

Kellie Conklin October 9, 2011 at 6:47 pm

I want to win this game because I love Cranium and having new games to bring to play with the kids I babysit. I actually saw this game when looking for a birthday gift but wanted to go with something I knew, glad to see a positive review, it definitely looks like a lot of fun! I would love to try it out as a new family game!
kconklin1028@gmail.com

Kellie Conklin October 9, 2011 at 6:47 pm

I’m an email subscriber, thanks!
kconklin1028@gmail.com

Kellie Conklin October 9, 2011 at 6:48 pm

I’m a GFC follower (kconklin1028), thanks!
Kconklin1028@gmail.com

Kellie Conklin October 9, 2011 at 6:49 pm

I entered your Play-Doh giveaway, thanks!
entry 1
KConklin1028@gmail.com

Kellie Conklin October 9, 2011 at 6:50 pm

I entered your Play-Doh giveaway, thanks!
entry 2
KConklin1028@gmail.com

Kellie Conklin October 9, 2011 at 6:50 pm

I entered your Play-Doh giveaway, thanks!
entry 3
KConklin1028@gmail.com

Kellie Conklin October 9, 2011 at 6:53 pm

I left a comment on your Interactive Guitar Shirt review, thanks!
entry 1
KConklin1028@gmail.com

Kellie Conklin October 9, 2011 at 6:53 pm

I left a comment on your Interactive Guitar Shirt review, thanks!
entry 2
KConklin1028@gmail.com

Leah Baird October 9, 2011 at 6:55 pm

10/9 tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/lnb1191/status/123214817510170624
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

Shannon October 9, 2011 at 11:02 pm

I would like to win because we really like the cranium games and this one sounds like a lot of fun!!

snaugle81@gmail.com

Shannon October 9, 2011 at 11:02 pm

I like family game night on FB

snaugle81@gmail.com

Shannon October 9, 2011 at 11:03 pm

following family game night on twitter

snaugle81@gmail.com

Shannon October 9, 2011 at 11:03 pm

newletter subscriber

snaugle81@gmail.com

Shannon October 9, 2011 at 11:03 pm

FB follower (Shannon Rothe Naugle)

snaugle81@gmail.com

Shannon October 9, 2011 at 11:04 pm

twitter follower (@kayleebucket)

snaugle81@gmail.com

Shannon October 9, 2011 at 11:04 pm

networked blog follower

snaugle81@gmail.com

Shannon October 9, 2011 at 11:04 pm

gfc follower

snaugle81@gmail.com

Shannon October 9, 2011 at 11:05 pm

entered dumbo

snaugle81@gmail.com

Shannon October 9, 2011 at 11:05 pm

entered kids and chic

snaugle81@gmail.com

Kristi C October 10, 2011 at 5:26 am

I want to win because we are always looking for new games to play on family game night.

Kristi C October 10, 2011 at 5:26 am

tweet https://twitter.com/#!/5memb/status/123373794281791488

Kristi C October 10, 2011 at 5:26 am

follow you on twitter @5memb

Vicki Wurgler October 10, 2011 at 7:20 am

this game sounds like alot of fun-I like that you use teamwork

Vicki Wurgler October 10, 2011 at 7:20 am

e-mail subscriber

kelley wood October 10, 2011 at 8:24 am

http://twitter.com/#!/mysweetcarolina/status/123418456677822464

Heather S October 10, 2011 at 9:06 am

It would be a fun game to play with the family

Heather S October 10, 2011 at 9:17 am

follow family fun on twitter @buzz8

Heather S October 10, 2011 at 9:18 am

follow you on twitter @buzz8

Heather S October 10, 2011 at 9:18 am

tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/buzz8/status/123432151147483136

Monique Rizzo October 10, 2011 at 10:06 am

This would be fun for Friday night game night.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com

Adrienne Hayes October 10, 2011 at 5:50 pm

I Like Family Game Night on Facebook (Adrienne Hayes)

Adrienne Hayes October 10, 2011 at 5:50 pm

I Follow Family Game Night l on Twitter (@wwwadriennecom)

Adrienne Hayes October 10, 2011 at 5:50 pm

I Subscribe to your e-newsletter via Google Reader and email

Adrienne Hayes October 10, 2011 at 5:51 pm

I “Like” you on Facebook (Adrienne Hayes)

Adrienne Hayes October 10, 2011 at 5:51 pm

I Follow you on Twitter (@wwwadriennecom)

Adrienne Hayes October 10, 2011 at 5:52 pm

I Follow you on Networked Blogs (Adrienne Hayes)

Adrienne Hayes October 10, 2011 at 5:52 pm

I Follow you on GFC (Adrienne Hayes)

Adrienne Hayes October 10, 2011 at 5:52 pm

Entered Kelly Moore B-Hobo Camera Bag giveaway

Adrienne Hayes October 10, 2011 at 5:53 pm

http://twitter.com/#!/wwwadriennecom/status/123561874716508160

Adrienne Hayes October 10, 2011 at 5:58 pm

Entered KidsandChic.com giveaway

Adrienne Hayes October 10, 2011 at 5:59 pm

Entered Dumbo 70th Anniversary on Blu-ray and DVD giveaway

Adrienne Hayes October 10, 2011 at 6:11 pm

I want it because it would be a great addition to our game night options.

kelley wood October 11, 2011 at 2:35 pm

http://twitter.com/#!/mysweetcarolina/status/123873904040218624

Leah Baird October 11, 2011 at 3:34 pm

10/11 tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/lnb1191/status/123889165845790720
lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

Geoff K October 11, 2011 at 6:52 pm

I’d love to win this game because family game night is a big event in our house and the original version of Cranium has been a fixture, so we’d love to try out this new version, which sounds exciting and fast-paced!

kelley wood October 12, 2011 at 7:08 am

http://twitter.com/#!/mysweetcarolina/status/124109089818152962

Hilary Mercer October 12, 2011 at 8:38 am

I would love to win this because I LOVE Cranium!
mercer.hilary@gmail.com

Hilary Mercer October 12, 2011 at 8:39 am

I entered the KMbag giveaway
mercer.hilary@gmail.com

Hilary Mercer October 12, 2011 at 8:40 am

liked FGN on FB

Hilary Mercer October 12, 2011 at 8:40 am

follow hasbro on twitter @trulescentmama

Hilary Mercer October 12, 2011 at 8:42 am

I like you on FB

Hilary Mercer October 12, 2011 at 8:42 am

i follow you on twitter @trulescentmama

Hilary Mercer October 12, 2011 at 8:42 am

http://twitter.com/#!/trulescentMAMA/status/124147137792585728

Hilary Mercer October 12, 2011 at 8:43 am

GFC follower

Hilary Mercer October 12, 2011 at 8:43 am

your buttons on the blog
http://scrumtrulescentness.blogspot.com/

Hilary Mercer October 12, 2011 at 8:45 am

entered the playdoh giveaway

Hilary Mercer October 12, 2011 at 8:46 am

Your buttons on the blog #2
http://scrumtrulescentness.blogspot.com/

Hilary Mercer October 12, 2011 at 8:47 am

Your buttons on the blog #3
http://scrumtrulescentness.blogspot.com/

elizabeth c October 12, 2011 at 12:56 pm

I love the cranium brand games!
they are so fun and great for adults too!

elizabeth c October 12, 2011 at 12:57 pm

i entered the vector cloud giveaway

elizabeth c October 12, 2011 at 12:58 pm

i am already following you on GFC

elizabeth c October 12, 2011 at 12:59 pm

I “liked” thats it mommy as elizabeth chang on fb

elizabeth c October 12, 2011 at 12:59 pm

I “liked” family game night on fb

elizabeth c October 12, 2011 at 1:03 pm

i entered the kelly moore giveaway

elizabeth c October 12, 2011 at 1:11 pm

i entered the kids and chic giveaway

elizabeth c October 12, 2011 at 1:12 pm

i commented on the beaver creek, co trip post!

elizabeth c October 12, 2011 at 1:15 pm

i commented on Adora-boo Costumes by Carter’s post!

Stephanie G October 12, 2011 at 8:05 pm

tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/skgaffney/status/124317476090679297

kelley wood October 13, 2011 at 7:12 am

http://twitter.com/#!/mysweetcarolina/status/124487486293553153

Becky October 13, 2011 at 9:41 am

We love the Cranium games…they are so fun….

Terri S. October 13, 2011 at 11:17 am

I would love to win this game because our family has game night every Friday and this game sounds like fun!

Terri S. October 13, 2011 at 11:20 am

I already subscribe by Email.

Terri S. October 13, 2011 at 11:20 am

I already follow via GFC – Terri

Terri S. October 13, 2011 at 11:23 am

I entered your giveaway for THE LION KING: Diamond Ed on Blu-ray Combo Pack. #1

Terri S. October 13, 2011 at 11:24 am

I entered your giveaway for THE LION KING: Diamond Ed on Blu-ray Combo Pack. #2

Terri S. October 13, 2011 at 11:25 am

I entered your giveaway for THE LION KING: Diamond Ed on Blu-ray Combo Pack. #3

nan October 13, 2011 at 6:56 pm

my nephews are big game players they’d love this
nannypanpan at gmail.com

nan October 13, 2011 at 6:56 pm

e-mail
nannypanpan at gmail.com

nan October 13, 2011 at 6:57 pm

gfc nannypanpan

nan October 13, 2011 at 6:58 pm

entered spirit of boston

nan October 13, 2011 at 6:58 pm

entered spirit of boston 2

nan October 13, 2011 at 6:59 pm

entered spirit of boston 3

Adrienne Hayes October 13, 2011 at 8:40 pm

http://twitter.com/#!/wwwadriennecom/status/124690145956995073

Melissa October 13, 2011 at 9:29 pm

I would love to win this game for my niece for Xmas!

Janet W. October 14, 2011 at 8:11 am

I want to win so I have a fun game to play with my grandson!

kelley wood October 14, 2011 at 10:37 am

http://twitter.com/#!/mysweetcarolina/status/124901635758624768

♡♥♬ Raven In A Blue Room ♡♥♬ October 16, 2011 at 8:19 am

I would like to win because the game would make a great addition to our family game night

Thank you for hosting this giveaway

Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com

♡♥♬ Raven In A Blue Room ♡♥♬ October 16, 2011 at 8:19 am

I am an email subscriber