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.
We’re excited for episode 200, and we’ve packed it full of giveaways, well-wishes, and as many fun segments as possible.
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In the game Koi by Bill Lasek, you’ll compete with other koi fish to stay well-fed. As the pond changes with new features, whoever can eat the most over seven days will win – and maybe have a chance to become a dragon one day!
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Gather pollen to make the most valuable honey in this set-collection game. We’re pleased to review a game that looks so “grown-up” while remaining accessible to pre-reading kids.
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It’s difficult to put a finger on one specific thing this game does differently that helps it rise above its competitors. From Jinkies to Meddling, this is a well-crafted game with an appropriate story and clever challenges. The group control and character investment is probably the element that made our kids so immediately eager to dive back into the world of Scooby Doo.
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We welcome Mik and Starla from the Youtube channel Our Family Plays Games. Why are they making videos, and how do they get their teenager to play?
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We don’t know why Vikings go bowling, but the goal of the game is to collect the most coins. You do this by… pushing other people off the dock? It doesn’t have to make sense.
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This simple dungeon crawl plays in about 45 minutes with a random layout every time. If you’re a parent looking for an easy game to dip your toe into fantasy dungeon crawls, Karak may be just what you need.
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Flip cards and write Xs into your transit stops to fill your train lines and get passengers all the way to the end. Colorful and bright, Metro X always leaves us saying “let’s play again!”
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Back the Comeback is a movement to encourage people to get back into their friendly local game (and comic) stores. We’re joined by Brandt Sanderson who works at The Portal game store in Manchester, Connecticut.
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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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As our state slowly comes out of lockdown, we want to #BackTheComeback and support our local game store. What board games will support playing remotely when we’re stuck at home in the future?
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Warning: This SNAP review touches on death and the supernatural. One player takes the role of Ghost, and all other players work to determine how the Ghost met their untimely demise.
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Welcome back Ric from One Board Family! We talk about what games we’ve been playing and what it’s like teaching during a pandemic.
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We’d recommend Keys to the Castle to families who are looking for a game with some player agency and some strategy that won’t be overwhelming for the younger end of your crew.
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What do you turn to when you want a quick game to help your brain take a break? Whether it’s with your spouse, or with your kids, you want something with limited setup and a quick play time.
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Gain the most influence in the Animal Kingdoms by placing Noble Beast cards that match each kingdom’s (randomly-chosen) Decree. Animal Kingdoms feels very “adult” but is definitely approachable for kids.
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Rescue all the animals on Yum Yum Island by feeding them food tokens. But don’t let the giant steal it! We’ll tell you all about this cooperative dexterity game… that involves blindfolds.
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Get the artichokes out of your hand of cards! That’s the concept behind this unique “deck-wrecking” game.
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Be the best builder in Egypt! Place pawns carefully to claim tokens; use those tokens to build your four monuments for the Pharoah.
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Shelf of shame is a term board gamers use for games that we’ve bought and haven’t had a chance to play. Well, now is the time! What have you been playing?
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