About The Board Game Family

Since we started doing video reviews of board games and card games you've been able to get some glimpses of our family. So we figure it's time to get the full look at our family.
This photo of our family was taken in fall 2009 up a canyon near our home in Utah.

No, we didn't take a game with us that night. We were just enjoying a night out in the beautiful world around us. And of course, we were in the mood for s'mores.

So who is The Board Game Family?
Trevor - oldest son, pianist extraordinaire, edits the game videos
Jaden - second son, inventor and avid reader, game strategist
Brooke - our favorite daughter, gymnast and puppy lover, game enthusiast
Caleb - youngest son, Mr. Smiles and Energy, budding gamer sneaking out many wins
Mom and Dad - spend our efforts trying to build a strong and happy family



What are the other things that keep us busy?
Like most families, there are always plenty of activities that keep us busy. For us, they include work, school and homework, church and volunteer activities, sports (wide mix), boy scouts, youth groups, and everything else that keeps the engine running and the home in good order.

And that's why we play games. With so much going on every day, we really need time to connect as a family and enjoy time together sitting around a table and laughing. So we make the time to pull out a game and have fun.

For those that may have never had s'mores before, you're missing out.

 
Need more s'more info? Wikipedia has your answers.

S’Quarrels – Hoard your acorns now!

Winter is coming on fast and those acorns are just calling your name.
Of course, the other pesky squirrels around think those acorns should be theirs.
Too bad for them.




Is S’Quarrels fun to play?
It is in our family.
We know it’s a good game if everyone is asking to play again as soon as a game is finished. And with S’Quarrels we get that reaction. And since you never know when a game is going to end, the length is always different. So it could be a quick game where you don’t get much stored up so you want to play again. Or it could last longer and you come up just a little short of the winner so you want to go again. Or it could last longer and you get a ton stored up so you want to see if you can get that lucky again.

Can the whole family enjoy S'Quarrels?
Aren’t squirrels a hit with all kids? They’re so cute and cuddly looking (not to mention small) so kids naturally gravitate to them. Bring out the S’Quarrels cards and kids can automatically picture being a little squirrel running around gathering acorns.

However, the very youngest may not have as much fun. We found that the younger they are, the more frustrated they get when they aren’t quick enough to slap the hoard pile when that card is played. So depending on where they’re sitting, they not only miss out on all those cards, but their turn may also be skipped.

We’d like to thank Home Lantern Games for a copy of S’Quarrels to review.
There are plenty of places where you can pick up a copy for your family game collection. Check out their website to find one near you.

Pandemic - Let's all save the world together

Pandemic is fantastic family fun!
It's a co-operative board game that has everyone trying to beat the game – you either all win or all lose. And believe us, there are many ways to lose.

Check out the Pandemic video review to see what it's all about.




Can the whole family enjoy Pandemic?
Absolutely. That's the best way to play it.
Although all 6 of us can't play at once, it's okay – because with it being a co-operative game even those sitting on the side can chime in with their suggestion on what to do next.

But be careful, because it's addicting too. When you lose, you'll just want to start all over again. And when you win, you'll want to increase the difficulty level and try again. Of course, we have yet to win on the highest difficulty level.

Pandemic immediately earned a spot as one of our top 10 family games. So when we started thinking about doing game reviews, Pandemic and BANG! were the ones we started with. This video review was our first test run with just our standard camera that we use to snap photos. But since it had a video option, we gave it a shot. So the video may look grainy, but it was a fun start.

Take our word for it – you really want this game in your family game collection.

Of course, you better watch out there too, because an expansion for the game came out and we're warning you now that you'll want it. We got the expansion for Christmas and it takes Pandemic to an even greater level. Keep an eye out for our video review of Pandemic: On The Brink coming soon.

Worm Up! – On your mark, get set, slow

When you were a kid and it rained, did you ever go out to race boats in the gutter?
We did a bunch. We'd pick up some twigs and race each other while walking along on the sidewalk seeing who gets stuck and who sails to victory. And while we'd walk along we'd have to watch out for all the worms on the sidewalk. We sure didn't want to step on any.

But not once did we ever think about racing the worms...until now.

So how do you race worms? Check it out this video review of Worm Up! and you'll find out:



Can the whole family enjoy Worm Up!?
Sure. But I'll bet the kids will like it more.
Yes, adults can get competitive and focus on blocking each other to add to their own fun, but that's not who we're playing it with. This is one of those games that if the kids are enjoying it, then we'll play along. But you won't see mom and dad pulling it out on our own.

Worm Up! is a good board game for kids:

• Simple play mechanics
• Simple decisions
• Every gets to play each turn
• It's not long
• It's colorful
• And it has a funny theme

Actually, is it really a family board game at all?
As you can see in the video review, there really isn't any board to speak of. I guess that's why there are many people now using the term 'table-top games'. Worm Up! is definitely a family table-top game. But since we're the Board Game Family we're going to still throw it in with our board game video reviews.

Thanks to Boardgame Revolution for a copy of Worm Up! to review.

Homesteaders - Build your home on the range

It takes a lot to get your homestead started in the Old West.

Well, at least we think it must have.

And it’s great to see the kids start to get a glimpse into what it would have taken to start your homestead and get it growing way back when.

While this board game video review may be one of our longer ones, it's easy to tell what the boys really thought of it. 



Note of clarification: As everyone needs a place to call home, each player actually starts with their Homestead - rather than needing to buy it at the auction.

Many facets keep you engaged
Deciding what you want to construct, how much you’re willing to pay, how to allocate your workers, when you should trade at the market place and when you should pass – Homesteaders is definitely a game to keep you engaged in the many facets of building in the Old West. And it keeps you thinking from beginning to end.

Is Homesteaders a good board game for the whole family?
While it’s a good board game to play with the family, it isn’t for everyone in the family. Once the kids start to get a grip on resource management, they can give Homesteaders a try. And yes, the littler kids do think the cows are cute.

Thanks to Tasty Minstrel Games for a copy of Homesteaders to review.
Check it out and you could have a chance to win free board games too.