Review - Honey Bee Tree Game

In our house we love to play games: video games, card games, board games, strategy games, and any kind of "fun in a box" that lets us spend time together testing our skills or just having fun. While there is a bit of skill and strategy involved "Honey Bee Tree" is definitely one of the "fun" games.

"Honey Bee Tree" comes in a bright purple and blue box with a picture of the game, with its hive topped tree and many bees. On the edge of the box we are told that "Honey Bee Tree" is appropriate for people aged three and up and can be played by 2 to 4 people. It also claims to be a "skill and action game. It won several awards when it first came out in 2002, including Family Fun's "Toy of the Year". Also there are roly-poly bees involved, so what's not to like?

"Honey Bee Tree" consists of a "Honey Pot" (which looks more like a hive to me), which is placed on top of a hollow "Old Oak Tree" trunk, which is pushed into the "Flower Tray Base". Towards the base of the "Pot" are a series of holes through which the 32 leaves (on rods) are pushed. These create a web on which to pour the 30 bees. (If you remember the game "Ker-Plunk", then you will understand the basic concept of "Honey Bee Tree". But the sticks have had leaves added and the marbles have been replaced with bees.)

In "Honey Bee Tree" each player takes turns removing a leaf, and twisting the tree so the hole in the base is lined up for the next player. Pull out the "wrong" leaf and you release some bees, which tumble down the trunk and out the hole. Then it's the next player's turn. (With younger kids I would skip the twisting step. More bees actually fall with the twist sometimes.) The player with the least bees wins.

The parts are really well constructed and easy to put together. The concept is simple and the game is fun and easy for kids and adults. However, you may find that this is one of those games where set up takes longer than play time. But the game is easy to put away when you are done (as long as you remember to take the trunk off the base.)

"Honey Bee Tree" cost a bit more than some of our games, at about sixteen dollars, but the bees are absolutely adorable! The price wasn't too bad considering the many times it is likely to be played. Its durability makes it likely to be played with our someday grandchildren as well. (But I'm not in a hurry!) I highly recommend "Honey Bee Tree" for your family game collection!

Have fun!