Anitra Smith is the managing editor of The Family Gamers, and co-host of The Family Gamers Podcast.
Explore the reviews and podcasts she has contributed to.
Anitra
Lands of Amazement – Build A Better Park
Step right up, step right up! We got an incredible amusement park here! You might even call it an AMAZEMENT park! Lands of Amazement is a solo game by Scott Almes, published by Button Shy Games. As with most Button Shy titles, Lands of Amazement is just 18 cards in a small wallet, and a full game takes 20-30 minutes.
» Read moreVerdant Arizona – Cactus Arranging
Especially given its small size and ease of portability, I think we’ll be taking Verdant Arizona out for a spin fairly frequently. Just look out for those spines! Ouch!
» Read moreEpisode 418 – Escape Rooms
Escape rooms let your family cooperate in new and interesting ways. But do you prefer a physical, in-person escape room, a video game, or a board game experience?
» Read moreEmbers – Protect the Fire
We heat our home with a woodstove. After an unusually harsh winter, I appreciate the absolute necessity to keep the fire from going out.
» Read moreChip Theory Kids Independent Play Collection
Every once in a while, we find games that are so well suited to very young children that they’ll pull them out and play them alone, without an adult’s help.
» Read moreEpisode 417 – The Purge: How Do You Know You’re Done?
How do you know when you’re done with a game and it’s time to get rid of it? Your kids have aged out of it – are you sure?
» Read moreEpisode 416 – Growing As a Family with Board Games
Andrew & Anitra talk about their experience growing a gaming family, from toddlers to teenagers. Every kid is going to be different!
» Read moreLogic & Lore – A Deductive Race
I enjoy logical deduction, and the beauty and simplicity of Logic & Lore hooked me from the very first time I played.
» Read moreEpisode 415 – Room to Grow: Card Games
How about some card games? We recommend one for beginners, two for intermediate, and three for advanced players.
» Read moreMr. Postmouse’s Picnic
For most families, I think Mr. Postmouse’s Picnic is going to be frustrating – unless you modify it to make it easier. But for fans of the series, it can still be a fertile ground for imaginative play.
» Read moreEpisode 414 – Top Games of 2025
What games are the most popular among viewers and listeners who click our affiliate links? And what were our own favorite games this year?
» Read moreLeaders – A Finely-Tuned Team
Leaders fits into the same niche as chess – a tight duel where nothing is hidden except your opponent’s plans.
» Read moreEpisode 413 – Five(ish) Games That Are Just Plain Fun
Episode 412 – Video Game Gift Guide
PAX Unplugged is our favorite time of year. Share an hour with us and listen to some interviews we got with creators and publishers.
» Read moreODIN – Climbing the Ladder to Valhalla
It takes a special kind of card game to get everyone at the table interested. Odin does a great job, with speedy turns, simple decisions, and engaging artwork.
» Read moreEpisode 411 – PAX Unplugged 2025
PAX Unplugged is our favorite time of year. Share an hour with us and listen to some interviews we got with creators and publishers.
» Read moreINK – Where Color Meets Strategy
INK is a very satisfying puzzle, even playing solo, that takes less than an hour from start to finish.
» Read moreChit Chat – Numbers Party
The moment when a player drops a knowledge bomb that turns out to be wrong at the end is almost as fun (and funny!) as when they absolutely nail it. But either way everyone leaves the table knowing a little bit more…
» Read more