HABA's Block on Block game blurs the line between toy and game in an interesting way. Players pick up blocks in four colors using magnets and a wooden toy crane, with the color selected by a die roll. Based on age children can win based on the number of blocks collected, or line them up or stack them to see who can make the longest line or the tallest tower (the game even comes with a fold-out measuring stick).


I have two observations about the limits of this game. First, picking up the blocks is pretty easy, which means that there is a fairly narrow window of time for this to be both possible and a challenge. For a $35 game, we'd prefer it have a longer use life. By adding the measurement step to the determination of the winner the game's designers have extended it somewhat, but since this is done at the conclusion and is not really thematically relevant to gameplay, it feels like a bit of an afterthought. The best variant on this game for older children is to require them to stack the blocks, and only count those that stay stacked - balancing the blocks will be the most challenging part of the process for kids four or so and up.

That said, Block on Block does have the benefit of being a simple game young children can easily play without adult participation, unlike many more complex games that require an adult "leader." Block on Block will clearly speak loud and clear to a certain construction-obsessed demographic, which just might bring some kids to the gaming table, and the pieces are naturally suited to free play - you aren't just buying a game, but a set of blocks that can be picked up by a cute crane. As with other wooden HABA toys we have used, the pieces of this game are well-made and attractive, and they make a nice set of toy blocks.

Overall, not the first game we'd use to introduce HABA games to a newbie, but it will definitely have some passionate users! You can find it at Amazon.com.

Looking for a homemade alternative? Try this DIY homemade fishing game from The Jen & Jeff Show!