Andrew Smith is the executive editor of The Family Gamers, and co-host of The Family Gamers Podcast.
Explore the reviews and podcasts he has contributed to.
Andrew
SNAP Review – Turbo Kidz
“Drive” a blindfolded teammate with words – and by using their thumb like a joystick – to steer them around a racecourse on a dry-erase board.
We learned a lot about communicating with our kids through playing this game!
» Read moreSNAP Review – Purrfect Match
Purrfect Match is a tableau building game – your goal is to have at least two of each type of cat in your cafe, and there are six types of cat.
» Read moreEpisode 359 – 2023 Video Game Gift Guide with Stephen Duetzman
Video game time! We discuss the Engaged Family Gaming video game gift guide with Stephen Duetzmann.
» Read moreDisney Animated – Drawn to Success
Join the legendary team of Walt Disney Animation Studios to complete classic Disney films before the villains of those films stop them from being made!
» Read moreEpisode 358 – Our 2023 Board Game Gift Guide
Welcome to the month of November! That means it’s time for our holiday board game gift guide.
» Read more2023 Board Game Gift Guide
We’ve compiled a list of great board games to help make your gift shopping a little easier.
» Read moreSNAP Review – CDSK
We recommend CDSK for gatherings of family and friends, maybe as a nice post-dinner, pre-dessert activity at your holiday gathering. It’s best for teens and adults, but younger kids can certainly join on teams. We had a great time with our family.
» Read moreSNAP Review – Gamestormers
Gamestormers is a creative, tableau-building card game where you take on the role of a game designer. But we found it hard to tell the STORY of a game.
» Read moreEpisode 357 – Spooky Games and Hidden Gems with Stephanie Nye
Today, we’re talking with the newest writer to join The Family Gamers, Stephanie Nye! What are some of her favorite games for the “spooky season”? And what games are awesome that not enough people talk about?
» Read moreSNAP Review – Mind Space
Mind Space is a strategic brain-themed game. Draw shapes on your board based on dice rolls, trying to fit in friends, romance, self improvement, and more.
» Read moreHorrified: Greek Monsters – A Legendary Remix
The Horrified series has expanded! Work together to defeat legendary Greek monsters, finding their lairs and solving their unique puzzles. This is the most complex game in the series, best for players aged 10 and up.
» Read moreSNAP Review – Diced Veggies
“Diced Veggies” is a family board game for 2-4 players, designed by the Cappel family. While the game offers engaging mechanics and allows for strategic decision-making, it may take longer than the estimated 30 minutes playtime. Modifications for younger players are provided.
» Read moreSNAP Review – Junk Drawer
A game about organizing my junk? I was skeptical. But Junk Drawer is easy to learn, while offering interesting decisions on every turn.
» Read moreEpisode 356 – Top 10 Games for Kids 7-10
We took a break for a while from our age-segregated lists. But now we’re back at it!
Plus: CuseCon wrap-up, contest winner, and a new community announcement.
SNAP Review – Castle Panic: Crowns and Quests
“This is the most important expansion that Fireside Games has ever released for Castle Panic. It adds so much, it changes so much, but it retains the core of what Castle Panic is.”
» Read moreSNAP Preview – Game Design in a Box, with Running Out of Time
What if I told you there was a game you could play, but it would also help you with the design process and how to become a better board game designer, all at the same time?
» Read moreCastle Panic Second Edition: What’s New?
We’re going to look, piece-by-piece, at all of the updates to the game, from the game board to the rulebook. Let’s see what we find!
» Read moreCastle Panic: A Love Letter
When I first picked you up, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. You’ve been part of my life for so long now it’s honestly hard for me to believe you’re only 14 years old…
» Read moreEpisode 355 – Panic Time! With Justin and Anne-Marie De Witt
Castle Panic has been a part of our lives longer than The Family Gamers has existed, and this week we talk to its creators: Justin & Anne-Marie De Witt!
» Read more