Ship Shape: Smuggling and Succeeding
We love this game that combines bidding for resources with a 3D puzzle. It’s simple to understand but hard to predict, and works well for all ages.
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183 – NY Toy Fair with Engaged Family Gaming – The Family Gamers Podcast
This week, we are with Stephen Duetzmann and Linda Wrobel from Engaged Family Gaming. They attended New York Toy Fair 2020 – and brought Andrew along. What really stood out to the three of them?
» Read moreMiyabi : Gradually Growing Graded Gardens
Construct a terraced garden out of tiles in Miyabi. Maximize the decorative elements that can be seen, but don’t forget to keep a variety of objects all over the garden! Dave really DIGS this tile-laying game.
» Read morePAX Unplugged 2019: Oink Games
Oink had a ton of games on show at PAX Unplugged! Anitra talked with Toby about some of their family-friendly titles.
» Read moreFamily-Friendly EXIT Boxes
Are EXIT: The House of Riddles and EXIT: The Haunted Rollercoaster good for families? We tried them both with our kids (ages 8 & 11). The following review will have pictures of some of the interior content, but should not spoil any of the puzzles.
» Read more165 – KOSMOS games w/Tom Wetzel – The Family Gamers Podcast
We are celebrating all things KOSMOS with Tom Wetzel. Tom is the Marketing Coordinator for Games at Thames & Kosmos.
» Read moreSNAP Review – Hex Roller
Hex Roller stands out from a lot of other roll-and-write games because it dispenses with theme, to focus on making this puzzle the best it can be.
» Read moreClever Kids Mysteries: Fun for Young Detectives
On a recent rainy day, we received a mystery box from Clever Kids Mysteries – the Mystery at the Lux Museum. Opening the box, the kids were immediately interested in what this mystery might be, and how they could solve it!
» Read moreSNAP Review – The Stars Align
Who doesn’t like shooting stars – and laid-back puzzley gameplay? That’s the premise behind The Stars Align from Breaking Games.
» Read more142 – Abstraction! Top Abstract Games – The Family Gamers Podcast
Abstract strategy (or abstract puzzle) games are Anitra’s favorite! Let’s talk about what makes these games great for family game night.
» Read moreGo Away Monster!: Introduction to Gaming for Your Little Monsters
Friends ask me on a regular basis about good games for very young children or children who have learning impairments. How can you have a game that’s fun without counting or even color matching?
» Read moreSNAP Review – Jetpack Joyride
Reviews – in a snap! Our inaugural SNAP review is Jetpack Joyride, from Halfbrick Studios and Lucky Duck Games. Jetpack Joyride, the board game, translates the frantic feel of the endless runner into a tile-laying puzzle. Speed puzzle: lay polyominoes (5-unit pieces) onto individual boards to build a path and be the first to “escape the lab”. Cover coins
» Read moreMatch Madness: Parallel Puzzling for All Ages
Playing puzzle games with children can be frustrating. If it’s mildly challenging for me, it may be impossible for my 7-year-old; but if it’s the right level for him, it’s far too easy for me. I don’t want to hold back: I want to beat my children fair and square. What to do? Match Madness gives us a possible solution.
» Read moreKnot Dice: Knot What We Expected
Whether it’s the intricate twists and corners, the woven patterns, or the unbroken strands, Celtic knots capture the imagination. Now you can build beautiful Celtic knot designs with Knot Dice, from Black Oak Games.
» Read moreDr. Eureka: Formula for Fun?
Test tubes clank as their contents are poured back and forth. “Eureka!” a voice shouts. “I’ve got it!” Dr. Eureka promises fast-paced, family-friendly gameplay. But does this dexterity-puzzle game master the formula for fun?
» Read more25 – The Family Gamers Podcast – Solo play
Playing board games solo is a great way to improve your skills, using strategy and critical thinking. There are unofficial solo variations available for nearly every game, mostly on BoardGameGeek.com, and there are even groups (ironically) dedicated to solo play, such as the 1-player guild.
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