The Family Gamers

Episode 389 – Games to Disconnect

January 20, 2025 Anitra Smith Podcast Episodes, The Family Gamers Podcast

Sometimes intentionally, sometimes by accident, we find games that disconnect us from the stresses and worries of every day life. Andrew and Anitra discover that they have different ideas of what helps them step away from the real world – but there’s some overlap, too. 0:00 Fact for 389 When diving (“stooping”), the peregrine falcon can reach speeds of 389kph.

» Read more

Andrew, Anitra

A Nice Cuppa: Focused Relaxation

January 10, 2025 Anitra Smith Reviews

In one of the most stressful times of my life, A Nice Cuppa is exactly what I need to slow my racing thoughts and spend a few minutes on something that is just for me.

» Read more

Anitra, Button Shy Games, Card Game, Scott Almes, solo

Episode 388 – Top Ten Games of 2024

January 6, 2025 Anitra Smith Podcast Episodes, The Family Gamers Podcast

It’s the first podcast of 2025, so we’re going to go back over our favorite games from 2024.

» Read more

Andrew, Anitra, Best of 2024

SNAP Review – Streamer Standoff

January 3, 2025 Andrew Smith SNAP Reviews

We’d recommend Streamer Standoff for teens and young adults who are REALLY into streaming culture. Otherwise, save your subs for something less standoff-ish.

SNAP Review – Tasso Banana

December 27, 2024 Anitra Smith SNAP Reviews

This small dexterity game surprised us. We recommend it for family fun when you’re in a constrained space.

Episode 387 – PAX Unplugged 2024

December 23, 2024 Anitra Smith Podcast Episodes, The Family Gamers Podcast

We’re back from PAX Unplugged, and full of excitement for the games we saw there!

SNAP Review – Circus Flohcati

December 20, 2024 Anitra Smith Hall of Fame Reviews, SNAP Reviews

I was surprised and impressed at how simple this game was while being simultaneously incredibly fun to play. This is the kind of game that you lose and then it’s pretty easy to convince yourself you can win the next go ’round.

SNAP Review – Green Team Wins: Holiday Party

December 18, 2024 Andrew Smith SNAP Reviews

Add some Christmas spirit to Green Team Wins with this holiday card pack, featuring the same categories (This or That, Best of Three, Fill in the Blank) with holiday-themed questions.

SNAP Review – Dodo

December 13, 2024 Andrew Smith SNAP Reviews

This is a gimmicky kids game. But I was honestly really surprised at how well Dodo works even for adults.

» Read more

Andrew, animals, Anitra, KOSMOS, memory, memory game, real time, speed games, young children

Santa’s Workshop – Holiday Fun for All

December 12, 2024 Anitra Smith Hall of Fame Reviews, Reviews

We are really impressed with Santa’s Workshop. It manages to work for two very different audiences in one box.

Bottle Imp – The Devil’s in the Details

December 9, 2024 Andrew Smith Reviews

It’s hard to put a twist on trick-taking that really feels new. Bottle Imp does this, but in a way that makes us work a little harder than we’d like.

Episode 386 – The Tabletop Inn!

December 9, 2024 Andrew Smith Podcast Episodes, The Family Gamers Podcast

Grace and Mike run a board game themed bed and breakfast in North Carolina. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway.

» Read more

Andrew, Anitra, Grace Kendall, Interview, Mike Belsole, vacation

SNAP Review – boop the Halls!

December 4, 2024 Anitra Smith SNAP Reviews

I saw the Christmas-tree board for boop the Halls and wondered if that was the only change, or if there was anything else that would make this game feel different than the original boop.

» Read more

2 players, abstract, Andrew, Anitra, cats, Holiday, Scott Brady, Smirk & Dagger Games

SNAP Review – Mutton Bustin

November 29, 2024 Anitra Smith SNAP Reviews

Mutton Bustin is a speedy dice-rolling game for 2-4 players, ages 8 and up. Those folks would be too old to ride real sheep.

Episode 385 – Video Game Holiday Gift List

November 25, 2024 Andrew Smith Podcast Episodes, The Family Gamers Podcast

This week we’ve invited video game hype man Stephen Duetzmann (from Engaged Family Gaming) to go over his video game holiday gift guide.

» Read more

Andrew, Anitra, Engaged Family Gaming, Stephen Duetzmann, Video Games

SNAP Review – Super Snipers

November 22, 2024 Anitra Smith SNAP Reviews

This is a game about dueling cybernetically enhanced snipers. If that theme appeals to you – this is a very cool game.

» Read more

2 players, adults, Andrew, Anitra, duel, Galen McCown, Galens Games, teenagers

Donut Shop

November 18, 2024 Anitra Smith Reviews

Every time we played Donut Shop, the first few rounds felt like everyone helping each other, as we collectively made one or two large groups of donuts. But once everyone picked up a few Order cards, it became a race to fit the best boxes.

SNAP Review – Hamster Roll

November 15, 2024 Andrew Smith Hall of Fame Reviews, SNAP Reviews

Every once in a while a game comes along that makes you stop and look at it. You’re just moving along on the hamster wheel of life and something comes out that is so clever, and so simple, that you just have to marvel at it. It helps when it looks great, and draws a crowd.