Games with the Family

Instead of my usual session report (I'll post this week's report soon), I would touch on some of the games that I've played with my Family during January and February 2007.

Fairy Tale (12) - We've certainly played this game a lot already. It has quickly become one of our family's games of choice. The kids really like the drafting element of the game (getting to choose the cards that will make up their hands each round). Also, Matthew (age 5) is able to get the general strategy of the game and some of the card combinations. I was surprised that Heather (age 7) liked the game so much but she is very mathematical and it seems to appeal to her too.

D&D Labrynth Game (4) - This is one of Matthew's favorite games to play. It is an old game from Mattel where players take the role of adventurers searching through a maze to find the treasure and bring it out, but the Dragon awakens and hunts them. It is really a clever game where the maze changes each time and players "discover" walls (and doors in the advanced game) by bumping into them. The idea is to map out the board for a while and then after the Dragon wakes up you try to get his treasure and escape. It's pretty engaging, once you get used to the sounds, and is still fun to play now as an adult.

Pick Picknic (3) - This is a game that both kids enjoy. It teaches counting and some limited tactical choices each turn. A good dose of luck gives everyone a chance but a skillful player has advantages.

Walk the Dogs (2) - This is a great game visually and it is a fun game too!

That's Life (2) - Another fun game that the kids and adults can play.

Lego Creator (2) - The kids like the game but they also enjoy playing with the toys they build after the game is over.

Matthew will also play Marvel Heroes with me (even though he doesn't understand all the strategy). He loves Super Heroes and he likes rolling the dice in the combat sequences.

Barbara and I have played several games ourselves - Caylus, Ticket to Ride, Amun Re, Thurn & Taxis, Power Grid, Alhambra, San Juan, and Backgammon. Backgammon was a game that I hadn't played in quite a while but it was interesting to revisit it after playing so many designer games. It is a very mathematical game in it's own right with a good dose of luck in the dice...