Jenga is one of those rare games that turns an incredibly simple concept into an endlessly playable challenge. Like Tetris, draughts, or noughts and crosses, it doesn’t need improving, but that didn’t stop Hasbro. Borrowing an idea from the classic Perfection game, Jenga Boom includes a ticking time bomb base that automatically topples the tower when the timer runs out.
Clearly targeted at sadistic gamers, the updated version makes Jenga infinitely more stressful since in addition to ensuring everything stays steady, you’ve also got to race the clock. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with Jenga players who take half an hour to make their move, this is $15 well spent if it speeds things up. [Hasbro via GeekAlerts]