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'Hisss' probably is not by true definition a game, as there really is no opportunity for strategy or influencing outcomes.
Hisss is essentially pattern matching for young kiddies. The goal is to play one card at a time and group snake segments. When a segment is complete (ie it has a head section, a mid-section of any length, and a tail section), the player calls Hisss and claims the snake cards. The person with most cards at the end wins the game.
Yet, for all its simplicity, it works very well.
I think the appeal to this game is certainly due to the illustrations (attributed to Hala Wittwer) of the snake cards. They are graphically colourful, clean and visually appealing.
The other factor which makes this game a success is the card stock. Actually, when you first open the game, the thickness of the cards is almost off-putting, as they really are not of the playing card type but more like pieces of cardboard. So, shuffling is not practical.
However, the card thickness is not only appropriate but is actually key to the game design, because Hisss is a game to be played on a floor and not a table. And as with most floor based games, you really need sturdy components for lasting play.
Hisss also does not outstay its welcome, in most cases you might even get in two complete games before your child gets distracted by something else. Its also quick and easy to pack up.
Finally, Hisss offers a hidden challenge for both parents and children; trying to quickly assembly all the snakes (after setting aside the two wild cards).
I challenge you to think of a reasonable time to complete this task before you commence - Im confident you will take longer than you think!
Hisss is a worthy addition to any young gamers collection, as well as good present choice for their (as yet) non-gaming friends.
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Zack Stackurski
United States
Mankato
Minnesota
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I got this for my nephew last year for Christmas (he was 3 and a half). It was fun for him to put the snakes together and was great for working on his taking turns skills. He didn't quite grasp that who ever finished the snake took it (he figured any head he put down was "his snake") and it never occured to him to combine snakes when he drew an appropriate middle... but we had a lot of fun hissing at each other and playing cooperatively to make really big snakes!
Nice review of a nice little starter game.
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Joe Grundy
Australia
Sydney
NSW
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FranklinTV wrote: 'Hisss' probably is not by true definition a game, as there really is no opportunity for strategy or influencing outcomes. To be picky, there is one way you can bias your chance of winning the game. But not in a big way. I keep meaning to run a simulation so I can actually say how much effect you can get, but it wouldn't be much and probably isn't worth mentioning. (Hence, "to be picky".)
(Edit... note the second paragraph is a separate comment from the first.)
For young children, noticing possible linkups is the "game of skill" they are playing. Some potential matches will not be noticed, and if I had youngsters playing only against each other I'd let them not notice.
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Davido
United States
Mather
California
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Also, when my daughter was learning her numbers, some things I did with her:
1. to 'claim the snake' she had to corrctly count the segments
2. ask is her snake 'longer' or 'shorter' than Daddy's
3. how much longer or shorter than Daddy's snake or her other one(s) and from there the basic addition or subtraction (when she was 4 or 5).
But yessssssssss-< this is a wonderful lil' starter game that is fun and engaging for the wee 'uns 
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Rob Metzler
United States
College Park,
Maryland
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FranklinTV wrote:
'Hisss' probably is not by true definition a game, as there really is no opportunity for strategy or influencing outcomes.
My only quibble with the review is that there is a small chance to influence outcomes.
The "winner" is the player with the longest snake(s). Mulitple snakes may be 'under construction' and available in the pool. When a tile is pulled that does not complete a snake or start a new snake (because it is an unmatched color) it may often be added to more than one snake. At times then the player has the option it on a larger snake under construction or a smaller snake. If the player is ahead (having already completed more or larger snakes) then the player should keep the snake sizes even and add the tile to the smaller snake as this reduces the chances that an opponent will end with a larger snake. If the player is behind, then place the tile on a larger snake so if that player is later able to complete the snake that player will get more points.
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Posted Mon Dec 15, 2008 10:23 am
