Trek 12

Trek 12 is a roll and write based around the idea of climbing a mountain. You start with a mountain with a number of circles. You roll 2 dice and then get an option. You can take the lowest number, the highest number, the difference, the sum or the product. You can never use a number higher than 12 and you can only use each type a set amount of times.

You write numbers on the grid and each one must be connected to one already laid.

You gain points by linking runs ( eg 6-5-4-3-2-1-0) or making zones of the same number (eg 5-5-5-5). You end up with the highest number plus the amount of links and zones. There are also specials for the longest route and the biggest zone. Any numbers on their own and unconnected gets a (you literally draw a sad face) and are -3 points.

Add everything up most points wins

There are multiple game modes.

First ascent which is the basic game, expedition asks you to play 3 mountains in 1 “game” and earn stars across each. There is also a legacy aspect as the game comes with sealed envelopes that can be unlocked for completing certain achievements. While I have not unlocked any of these they seem to add extra things (I can feel a new mountain in one). There are also items in the expedition mode that let you do special things. Finally, there is a solo mode.

Jack adored this game and it was an excellent use of his mental arithmetic skills. The hardest thing he had was deciding whether to use a 2/0 as 2 counting as the highest number, or sum or difference.

We played the basic game but are going to start the expedition tomorrow. The lure of sealed envelopes is always strong.

For older kids to help with basic mental maths this is a great game. It is also one of the most involved roll and write I have ever played in terms of content.

Another big recommendation I am afraid (I’m sure one of these games won’t be good).