So we are on month 3 of COVID19 here in Asia. We have had some time to figure out how to keep ourselves from going stir crazy. Playing some boardgames with the kids is a better alternative to youtube or xbox all day long.
Scholastic, the company that is known for educational fun books for kids, said that there many benefits for playing games as a family. If you bring out board games, the kid turn off the screen. You can have special time with your kids and allowing you to teach them about teamwork, patience, and how to win and lose gracefully. Board games can help benefit kids’ brains and language development.
- Board games offer math skills like probability… but don’t tell them that.
- They boost their language skills as they read cards and ask what words mean.
- They sharpen your child’s focus by getting them interested in reading rules, looking at the play board and figuring out how to win.
- They teach the value of teamwork. All for yourself doesn’t work very often in games. Kids learn that if they play dirty, other people adjust their strategy, and usually form alliances to counter a cutthroat player.
- Strategy games are useful developing thinking skills. Working through problems, adjusting strategy to account for twists and turns is helpful.
- Take your mind off things and easy anxiety. Looking at the news full time isn’t healthy. Especially kids don’t need to be exposed to all of the serious problems outside. Let them focus at home with you.
- Show kids how to be a good loser (and winner). Winning is great. Playing in a way that everyone has fun is better. Kids will learn that is okay to fail in a game, because they can always play again and do better next time.
- Unplug. Unplug. Unplug. To much screen time isn’t good for anyone. Let the eyes have a rest and let your and your kids brain unwind.
- Set an example. Put down the phone and have a conversation with your kids. They will talk with you so much more when playing a game.
Here are a few games that we played during our first 3 months of being at home.
Xtronaut: The Game of Solar System Exploration
I can’t say enough about this game. My kids loved this game. (so did I) I mulled around buying this game and wished I had not. Although the game says 7+, it was simple enough that my 5 year old could play along as well with some help. It was easy to play, quick to learn, and fun. The game features a variety of options. My son likes the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, but my daughter likes the SLS. Of course it is simplified a great deal, but for a rocket/space game it plays nicely with some link to reality.
The is designed for 2 – 4 players. The game dynamic changes when there are more than two players as each player is looking to build rockets in order to accomplish space missions and explore the solar system. The missions are actual missions that have been or are planned to be done. The rockets are based on actual rockets used by NASA.
Some missions can be accomplished by landers and some by orbiting spacecraft. For each mission, you can earn “points” completing the objectives. The more difficult the objective, the more points you can receive. Also, sending a larger, more capable spacecraft requires a larger more powerful rocket, or the assistance of one or more gravity assist cards. So there is a trade off of getting additional points by sending a larger probe or lander to the target as it may take longer to complete one large mission rather than quickly accomplishing two smaller missions.
There are plot twists that can occur, as each player has a number of actions that they can play from their hand of cards. These actions can delay or assist other players. Additonally, there is a provision to do trading between players. The mix between diplomacy and win at all cost tactics really comes to life when there are three or more players. Politics and strategy are influence by actual things that impact the space programs. Of course they are simplified.
Oh yeah, the rockets you build to send those spacecraft to wind the objectives need to have enough Delta-V to complete the mission. Delta-V is simplified to the point that kids can handle it. No advanced math required. And, you need to have the correct parts for building your rockets. In some cases, you may be missing a falcon 9 fearing, but your player you just played a trick on has the card you need to win the game… So how do you complete your space mission when the other person is holding onto the card you need?
Once you sorted out your differences, or played another card to resolve them (with or without the consent of the opponent) you can play your mission. After all, the first player to score 10 points wins.
I can not say enough good things about this game. Very good job. I am looking forward to Xtronaut 2.0
Tiny Epic Galaxies
Tiny Epic Galaxies is a fast paced strategy space exploration game. As you expand your empire, you collect additional planets and can achieve secret missions in an attempt to be the first player to reach to 21 points and win.
The game is about expanding your space empire onto new planets before other empires take them. You decide where to send your ships on missions in an attempt to gain control of planets. While expanding your influence in the galaxy, you need to manage limited resources, take advantage of the production that your planets are good at, and seek to offset with strategy to make up for any shortfalls.
Of course, the other players are all trying to do the same.
The game is perfect for Solo play or plan fun time for up to 5 players. Easy to learn even for people that have not played a lot of games.
The Game is for all ages, adults, kids, teens, families, and get togethers and plays in under an hour. My kids, 5, 10 and 13 all enjoyed playing the game and were eager to put down the ipad to play together again and again. Family time over screen time.
The game is so good, it won 2015 Award Winning Solo Game of the Year by BoardGameGeek. In solo mode, you play against a rogue galaxy.
The Tiny Epic Series is one of the best small box board game collections that captures an epic game experience in under an hour.
They did a great job with the design of the game, all the way to the beautiful artwork.
Tiny Epic Galaxies is a great game that is quick and easy to play. Also has the benefit that the game can be upgraded with an expansion Tiny Epic Galaxies: Beyone the Black . Highly encourage you to buy and play the game.
Star Fluxx Card Game
Star Fluxx Card Game is a spin off of the classic game Fluxx. Never played Fluxx, well let me explain the rules.
1st, draw a card, play a card. Simple Right? Well, the game rules change based on the cards that are placed into play. How do you win? Well, that depends as well.
Star Fluxx are is a parody of all things space. You will see Star Destroyer like cards, Star trek like crew members “keepers”, and Doctor who like bad guys. And, oh yeah, there are “creepers” that can attach to your “keepers” and either keep you from winning or allow them to win… once again depending on rules in play.
Sound good yet? Well, Fluxx has sold a lot of copies. How much? Almost a million copies. (that’s really good for a card game)
This game is really, really easy to learn even for people that have not played a lot of games. All you need to do is read the rules on the cards as you play.
The Game is for all ages, adults, kids, teens, families, and get togethers and plays in under an hour. My kids, 5, 10 and 13 all enjoyed playing the game. My five year old needed help with the game, but with a lot of reading and “helping’, was able to play. My 10 year old easily played the game.
My kids like playing all the Flux Games. My son likes the Trek Flux. My Daughter likes Math Fluxx. They really like playing other Fluxx games. You can actually combine Fluxx sets and really have some interesting games.
Order a copy of Fluxx, you will not be sorry. You will be having fun. Here are a few options you will like:
About The Author
Bill D’Zio
Co-Founder at WestEastSpace.com
Bill founded WestEastSpace.com after returning to China in 2019 to be supportive of his wife’s career. Moving to China meant leaving the US rocket/launch industry behind, as the USA and China don’t see eye to eye on cooperation in space. Bill has an engineering degree and is an experienced leader of international cross-functional teams with experience in evaluating, optimizing and awarding sub-contracts for complex systems. Bill has worked with ASME Components, Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) for use in launch vehicles, satellites, aerospace nuclear, and industrial applications.
Bill provides consulting services for engineering, supply chain, and project management.
