As I mentioned in my 100th post, I love playing games. Board games, card games…if you’re hosting a game night, I’ll be there. Just ask my husband. Okay, never mind. Don’t do that. Because he’ll probably tell you about the 3-shelf, heavy-duty, wire shelving unit in our basement that is full of…nay, bulging with…games. I have a lot, to put it mildly.
Within the last year or two, I’ve discovered tons and tons of games that, for the most part, tend to fly under the radar. Most of them are not available at Toys R Us or Wal-Mart. But thanks to the internet, they, too, have found their way to my stash.
And so, both to share my love of games, and to provide (hopefully) useful recommendations for you, dear readers, (okay, and maybe to justify the many games in our basement) I’ll be starting a regular game review feature here on Callapidder Days. Kids’ games, couples’ games, family games, all kinds of games. I’ll probably steer clear of the usual suspects – Scrabble, Uno, Taboo, Monopoly, etc. – because, while they may be enjoyable, they are familiar and you probably already own them. Instead, I’ll attempt to feature games that may be new-to-you, ones that I think might make good additions to your own shelf of games.
If you have any particular requests for game types, feel free to let me know in the comments section. I’m thinking that I’ll post reviews on Saturday as a fun little weekend distraction.
And because I’ll need to produce quality reviews based on personal experience, I’m sure I’ll be able to convince my husband that I need to buy more games. (It’s for my readers, dear, not for me. Honest.)
Convince your husband? I didn’t think that this was one of those items where the husband had much say.
But, since there are a few good games in the basement, it probably won’t hurt to tell people about them.
Anyone ever heard of a gameboardgeek?
My family LOVES all those games made by Cranium. They have kids games that keep my kids laughing(and (shhh..)learning) for hours.
Jessa
Yippee!! I love games, too. Can’t wait for this new feature. I have a homemade, family game in which we have a running tournament. It’s similar to Chinese Checkers. Would love to send you pics of the game board. It’s over 60 years old.
Oh those buldging game shelves. Our house was FULL of games when the girls were still at home.
Actually, the situation hasn’t improved all that much when I think about it. Let’s see. There’s Rob’s favorite, Trivia Pursuit, which we all hate because no one, NO ONE, can beat him – we have every extra edition they made. Then there’s Scrabble of course, Monopoly, Balderdash (a hoot) and Mad Gab. Factor in all the card games and the dominoes.
Yeah, I’m addicted too. Very clever of you to tell him it’s for your readers. Can I steal that one?
Excellent! I’ve been wanting to pick up some games for the up coming winter! Now I’ll have a source to refer to!
One of our family’s favorites is Double Series. (It’s called something else with a different company but it’s the same game) One year we had a male against female tournament that lasted a year. Several in the family had boards so whenever we got together out came the game. Fun, fun!
Another vote for the Cranium family of games – they rock! We’re a big board game family, too.
My husband and kids love Settlers of Cataan, and the kids also love Starfarers of Cataan. I’ve played “Settlers” and it’s pretty interesting — a different take on a game.
I don’t know if you’re including computer games, but one I love is Boggle. I love that game and no one else in the family really likes it. The computer game has different variations: my favorite is “Battle Boggle,” where you play against someone else or the computer by havinf a tray of letters, adding one at a time, and then making all the words you can from it.
I’ll be looking forward to this! Wish we’d have taken a good game with us this weekend.
I love games. My husband and I try to have a regular game night at least once a month. My 3 year old is now discovered the love of games and is always asking to play one. Can’t wait to see your reviews.
Oh, I am SO happy to see so many other game-lovers!! I wasn’t sure how well this idea would go over, so I’m excited to know that you all are looking forward to it.
I agree with so many of the comments. We love the Cranium games as well.
Jules, I’d love to see your family game – please send pictures!
Susanne – Double Series is one game I’ve never heard of – I’d love to hear more about it.
Barbara H. – We own Settlers, but since it doesn’t work well with just too (the hubby and me) or with young kids, we don’t play it too often. But my husband and I regularly play the 2-person Catan card game and really enjoy it.
Oh, I’m sorry — I was thinking in generalities and not about games for young kids in particular.
One that I just discovered a few years ago (although I guess it’s been around for a while) is Slamwich and a similar one called Peanut Butter and Jelly. It’s pretty fast paced and works nicely when my youngest wants to play a quick couple of rounds of a game.
Oh, Barbara, I communicated poorly in my last comment, I’m sorry. – I was thinking in generalities, too. Just sharing my (limited) experience with Settlers. I was glad you mentioned it – not many people that I know have heard of it (or other “euro-games,” as Settlers is classified), so it was neat to see you refer to it! I’m hoping/planning to review games for all kinds of people – kids, adults, everyone!
I’ve seen Slamwich at Barnes & Noble but haven’t picked it up. I may have to give it a try!
We are a game-loving family here too. I’m looking forward to this review thing getting started! Some of our faves are Phase 10, Mancala, Cadoo, and I love Taboo, but hubby hates that one!
We found a really easy but fun game called “Who-nu?” and it was one that our college aged kids enjoyed along middle school brother and smaller nieces and nephews. You can play it for as little as 15 minutes (sometimes the more complicated games take too much time to set up, etc.)and everyone gets an equal chance to be the “subject,” and be a winner.
Love your little logo. I’m looking forward to this, too.
Christine – I like Taboo, too, but like you, I have a husband who does not like it!
Rachel Anne – We’ve played Who-nu, too. It’s a great “getting to know you” game and one that younger kids can participate in too, since there’s not a whole ton of strategy – just fun!