Trent, Author at The Board Game Family

Sail into the Blue Lagoon for family fun

One look at the box art for Blue Lagoon and we know exactly what you’ll think.

That’s because we, and everyone else we’ve shown the game to has said the exact same thing, “Is this Moana, the Board Game?”

Nope, it’s not.

It’s Blue Lagoon – another Gen Con 2018 release from Blue Orange Games!

And while there’s no “Maui, shapeshifter, Demigod of the wind and sea, hero of men” to be found anywhere in Blue Lagoon, you will find lots of island settlers and colorful huts to dot the board.

August 4, 2018August 9, 2018 Trent 0 Comments 2-player, 3-player, 4-player, Blue Orange Games, family, luck, strategy, theme

Board Games Family Games Game Reviews Kid Games

Kingdomino: Age of Giants board game review

Suppose you’re relaxing in your castle or exploring the beauty of your kingdom (minding your own kingly business) when all of a sudden, a huge giant stomps through your field. Would you be scared, upset, or angry?

Would it make a difference if you knew that giant wandered into your kingdom because your rival kingdom sent him your way? I bet you’d start looking for ways to send him right back!

Thats just the way it goes in Kingdomino: Age of Giants – an expansion game for either Kingdomino or Queendomino.

July 31, 2018November 26, 2018 Trent 2 Comments 2-player, 3-player, 4-player, 5-player, Blue Orange Games, family, puzzle, theme, tile-laying

Board Games Family Games Game Reviews

Mistborn: House War board game review

Brandon Sanderson’s books have a very prominent spot on our family bookshelves.

That’s because our boys absolutely LOVE his fantasy novels – especially his Stormlight Archive and Mistborn series.

They love them so much, I finally cracked the cover on the first book in the Stormlight Archive, The Way of Kings and am enjoying it as well. My plan is to dive into the Mistborn series once I get through the 3 thick Stormlight books.

And thanks to playing Mistborn: House War, I’ve already been introduced to characters and themes of the series.

July 25, 2018July 31, 2018 Trent 0 Comments 3-player, 4-player, 5-player, Brandon Sanderson, luck, Mistborn, negotiation, strategy, theme

Board Games Card Games Family Games Game Reviews Kid Games

Century: Golem Edition card game review

Century: Golem Edition is a fantastic board game for the whole family!

It’s a game that both young and old players can all enjoy playing together. The game play is straightforward yet also offers enough choices due to the variety of cards and when they appear to keep players coming back for more.

Young players will love collecting crystals as well as exchanging them for more powerful combinations of crystals. And older players will realize there’s also depth of strategy involved in the choices they make.

July 18, 2018February 1, 2019 Trent 4 Comments 2-player, 3-player, 4-player, 5-player, family, luck, Plan B Games, strategy, theme

Articles Board Games Card Games Cooperative Games Dice Games Family Games Game Reviews Kid Games Party Games

Best Games of the Year are pretty gloomy

The best board games, card games, dice games, family games, and party games of 2017 have now been awarded!

And as many might have expected, the results are pretty gloomy this year.

As in, Gloomhaven took the awards by storm winning in 5 categories!

July 13, 2018December 20, 2023 Trent 2 Comments adventure, awards, cooperative, family, luck, party, Star Wars, strategy, The Dice Tower, theme

Board Games Family Games Game Reviews Kid Games

Ticket to Ride: New York board game review

What if you took a popular continental train game and compressed it into just one city?

Well, that’s what Days of Wonder has just done with their ever-popular, Ticket to Ride game!

It features similar game play to what you’re familiar with in Ticket to Ride games but in a compressed format – in size, scope, and game time.

If you think a game of Ticket to Ride takes too long to play. Or if you want a bit more of that bustling Manhattan pace in your games, Ticket to Ride New York may be the game for you!

July 7, 2018December 19, 2020 Trent 80 Comments 2-player, 3-player, 4-player, Asmodee, card, Days of Wonder, route, strategy, theme, Ticket to Ride

Board Games Card Games Dice Games Family Games Game Reviews

Catan’s digital rebirth: Catan Universe

One of the most popular board games published in the last few decades is Catan.

Well, it used to be called Settlers of Catan – but within the last few years officially shortened the name to just Catan.

A number of years ago, Catan also made it’s way to digital devices where it continued to find its way into new players’ hands. And now it’s been updated with a new look and feel with multiple modes of play across all digital platforms (browser, Steam, iOS, GooglePlay, and Amazon Appstore).

June 26, 2018July 8, 2018 Trent 2 Comments 2-player, 3-player, 4-player, cards, Catan, dice, digital, luck, Mayfair Games, solo, strategy, variable set up

Articles Card Games Cooperative Games Dice Games Family Games Game Reviews Kid Games Party Games

15 Fantastic Card Games for Family Vacations

As much as we like board games, we say the best games to take along on a family vacation are card games.

Why?

Because most are compact, short, simple to understand, cover a wide range of player counts and ages, and have high replay value.

Here’s our list of 15 fantastic family card games for your next family vacation!

June 21, 2018December 18, 2018 Trent 4 Comments card, family, vacation

Articles

Happy Father’s Day!

Since our kids never stop growing, every Father’s Day brings a new perspective. With only half our kids still living

June 17, 2018June 21, 2018 Trent 0 Comments children, father

Board Games Card Games Family Games Game Reviews

The Quest for El Dorado board game review

In The Quest for El Dorado by Ravensburger players traverse jungle, waterways, and native villages to find the elusive treasure. They must prepare well to make the journey. But they can’t spend all their time preparing or they’ll be left behind and another explorer will beat them to it.

How will you do on this quest?

June 14, 2018February 1, 2019 Trent 0 Comments 2-player, 3-player, 4-player, adventure, card, deck-building, luck, Ravensburger, strategy, theme, variable set up