MixUp is a simple to learn game that can be tricky to win. It is a mixed up version of tic-tac-toe played with tiles.

The tiles have one of three shapes on them (lightning bolt, raindrop, and crescent moon) which are one of three colors (green, red, and blue). Hence there are 18 green tiles, 18 red tiles, and 18 blue tiles, six each of lightning bolt, raindrop, and crescent moon for each color.

The playing board doubles as the storage container for the playing pieces. It is made of durable plastic and is approximately 8 x 8.5 inches. The back panel slides off and fits into a narrow groove to form an easel with columns. Players take turns placing tiles, one by one, into the channels with the goal of getting four shapes or colors in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) or in a two by two square. One player is going for shape while the opponent is going for color.

The game is designed for two players, ages eight to adult. You could probably play with teams to include more people, especially younger children. The game is fast to play. It took us about five to ten minutes per game.

MixUp challenges players to focus on either color or shape for winning while watching the other tile feature on which the opposition is concentrating without getting "mixed up" about what you are doing! My grown-up brain found it more of a challenge than my children's lively brains. It is much more intriguing than your average tic-tac-toe game.

What could one add to this game? Perhaps some variations! How about three different shapes or colors in a row?

All in all, MixUp is a good, fun, family game for the brain.

Product Review by Kathy Gelzer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, November, 2008