Front Porch Classics Announces New WordSpot, Valley of the Pharaohs Games

August 2006 – Whether it’s the yearly holiday gathering or just a quiet evening around the fireplace, Front Porch Classics continues to deliver high quality craftsmanship and a unique brand of “unplugged entertainment” with its latest products for the gift-giving season. Unwrapping two new games that engage both the mind and the spirit of adventure, Front Porch Classics introduces BookShelf Edition WordSpot for the word puzzle enthusiast, and Valley of the Pharaohs for the explorer with an active imagination.

“See Spot Win” with BookShelf Edition WordSpot
In 2006 millions of Americans immersed themselves in the simple numbers puzzle Sudoku. However, 2007 is shaping up to become “The Year of the Word.” Bolstered by a slew of critically acclaimed movies such as Spellbound, Akeelah and the Bee, Bee Season and Wordplay, along with the applauded Broadway production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, America is embracing the simple, yet engaging challenge of word puzzles. Leading the word- game trend in 2007 is Front Porch Classics and their simple, yet highly engaging game WordSpot. Creating a buzz amongst the media who recently previewed the game early this summer, BookShelf Edition WordSpot has already garnered the “Creative Child Toy of the Year” award and continues to receive glowing reviews from word aficionados across the country.

Gloria Rosenthal, president, World of Words; Contributing Editor, Games magazine says “What a delight to see word games coming back in style with such style. I love to take a magnificent-looking “book” down from my bookshelf to surprise my friends with an equally magnificent game hidden inside. Bookshelf WordSpot is the Rolls Royce of word games, a cleverly crafted and beautifully designed game that keeps us entertained and enlightened as we try to SPOT those brilliantly hidden WORDS.”

To fill a growing consumer demand for word games, Front Porch Classics has also created a special version of WordSpot for the Discovery Edition Series. To make sure word fanatics aren’t stung in the wallet, products in the new line feature traditional family game aesthetics, but make titles available to a wider audience at an affordable “entry” level price point.

Grab a cup of hot chocolate, cozy-up next to the fire place and get ready to “see, spot, win”… because it’s bound to be a test of wit and will when this game of challenge is unwrapped this holiday season!

Bookshelf WordSpot Profile:
Letterpress craftsmen of centuries past used to hide words within a block of text as a challenge to their peers. They called this past time vedere parola. To celebrate this rich tradition this holiday, Front Porch Classics has created WordSpot, a timeless game where players try to find hidden words within an arranged board of lettered tiles. It’s an addictive, two- player cross between Scrabble and Word Search. For ages eight and up. Estimated retail price for BookShelf Edition WordSpot is $45.00 - $50.00. Estimated retail price for Discovery Edition WordSpot $27.00 -$29.00.

Gift for the Explorer at Heart: BookShelf Edition Valley of the Pharaohs
If adventure gaming is more your taste then get ready because “The Mummy is Coming.” The fall release of Front Porch Classics’ Valley of the Pharaohs coincides with the return of the traveling exhibit of artifacts and treasures from King Tutankhamun’s remarkably preserved tomb, the same items of mystery that helped inspire the creation of Front Porch Classics’ ancient-Egyptian adventure.

A perfect gift for those inspired by the legends and wonders of an era gone by, Front Porch Classics’ Valley of the Pharaohs draws upon archeologically knowledge of the ancient pharaohs and combines it with a contemporary adventure that is sure to appeal to the young and the young-at-heart.

“Valley of the Pharaohs is like Raiders of the Lost Ark meets the Mummy,” said Creative Envoy Steve Hart, “The game has it all; lost artifacts, ancient curses, hidden perils, and best of all the game is easy enough for kids to learn, yet engaging enough for adults too. It’s the ultimate family adventure!”

So whether you delight in the visceral challenge of a word puzzle or an adventure in time through the land of Egypt, Front Porch Classics is sure to deliver your holiday wishes.

BookShelf Valley of the Pharaohs Profile:
Egypt 1926. The Valley of the Pharaohs holds many secrets, but none so great as the Scepter of Amun-Ra. In this grand adventure you play a character tasked with collecting the legendary Scepter. As you make your way to the Valley of the Pharaohs you will face desert bandits, blinding sandstorms and the ill wishes of your fellow players. But safe haven and good fortune can be found within the oasis of the friendly Bedouin. If you’re feeling lucky you can spin the Wheel of Fate. Collect resources to overcome obstacles or lay obstacles to hinder your opponents. Roll doubles and you control the mummy, but beware no one masters the mummy for long. Valley of the Pharaohs comes packaged in an authentic wooden book-box and is played on a beautifully illustrated cloth map of Egypt. Cast metal playing pieces, metal coins and individual character cards provide rich context and detail to this exciting game of fortune and peril. For 4 to 6 players Ages 8 – adult. Estimated retail price for BookShelf Edition Valley of the Pharaohs is $54.95.

Front Porch Classics games are available a selected national retailers; toy game and hobby specialty retailers; independent booksellers; catalogs and online. Find them at Barnes and Noble, JC Penney, Toys R Us, Fred Meyer, FAO Schwartz, Bombay Stores, May Department Stores, CrackerBarrel Stores, plus LL Bean, Back to Basics, Norm Thompson and Travelsmith websites and catalogs. Or to find a neighborhood gift, toy or game store in your area go to www.frontporchclassics.com.

SOURCE Front Porch Classics