Curious about the ideal game for a five to eight-year-old? Well, here are three options worth considering that have proven to be adored by children in this age range.
Dungeon Academy - Click title to find the cheapest price
WBG Score: 8/10
Player Count: 1-6 Complexity rating: 4/10
Time to learn: 10 minutes
Time to set up: 5 minutes
Time to play: 15-30 minutes
You’ll like this if you like: Racing against other players to do something.
Published by: The Op
Designed by: Julian Allain
To read my full review of this game, head here.
Dungeon Academy is a rol;-and-write game. This means the primary process of the game is rolling dome dice and then writing something down based on the dice rolls. In this game, the dce are rolled in a Boggle style box that forms them into a four-by-four grid which makes up a dungeon map the players need to traverse. Armed with player sheets, players journey through the dungeon, collecting potions and battling monsters. The game unfolds over four quick rounds, sparking a lively sense of competition as kids strive to conquer the maze with utmost efficiency.
With games clocking in at just 10-15 minutes (though they feel even quicker with the four dynamic rounds), Dungeon Academy is perfect for those seeking a fast-paced adventure. The rules are a breeze to grasp and teach within a mere 10 minutes. With a variety of characters, each offering unique powers, and a distinct challenge driven by the roll of the dice, each game promises a fresh and engaging experience. Get ready to keep coming back to this delightful dungeon escapade!
Marvel Splendor - Click title to find the cheapest price
WBG Score: 8/10
Player Count: 2-4
Complexity rating: 3/10
Time to learn: 10 minutes
Time to set up: 2 minutes
Time to play: 15-30 minutes
You’ll like this if you like: Building up your power in games
Published by: Space Cowboys
Designed by: Marc André
Within this box, you'll discover cards featuring a vast array of current Marvel movie characters, instantly recognisable to your children. The inclusion of chunky, casino-style poker chips enhances the appeal, creating a wow factor when the box is opened. The game itself is a delightful experience. On your turn, you can opt to acquire three different chips, two identical ones, or use your accumulated chips to purchase a card, each clearly indicating its cost in the bottom left corner. Cards serve as currency to acquire other cards or points, propelling players in a race to reach the 16-point target.
Games unfold swiftly, leaving a desire for more, as players strategise to either acquire inexpensive cards initially, building a robust engine to later claim pricier but higher-value cards or build up more steadily. However, those adopting a more strategic approach might find the game concluding before their engine is fully optimised. With its diverse cards and a dynamic, enjoyable gameplay style, children will likely be drawn back to this game repeatedly. This Marvel-themed version is the same as the popular board game Splendor, offering the same gameplay but with a more entertaining and engaging theme.
Disney Dixit - Click title to find the cheapest price
WBG Score: 8/10
Player Count: 3-6
Complexity rating: 3/10
Time to learn: 5 minutes
Time to set up: 2 minutes
Time to play: 30 minutes
You’ll like this if you like: Thinking creativley.
Published by: Libellud
Designed by: Jean-Louis Roubira
This game is a delightful choice for family bonding, especially if your loved ones are Disney enthusiasts and enjoy a touch of creativity. The concept is straightforward: each player selects one card from their hand of six or seven and provides a brief description, be it a single word or a phrase. Subsequently, all other players must choose a card from their own hands that best matches the given description. The selected cards are then shuffled and displayed, prompting players to try to guess the originally chosen card. Correct guesses earn points for both the guesser and the original card chooser, while selecting a different card awards a point to the person who chose it. The game provides joy and amusement, with interpretations and descriptions often leading to humorous moments.
Typically lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, the game can be adjusted for shorter durations by reducing the points total. Alternatively, you can opt for a casual, non-competitive play, focusing on the creative enjoyment rather than scoring. Kids, in particular, will relish identifying their beloved characters and movies, immersing themselves in the charming and mysterious artwork. While the cards may become somewhat repetitive over time, each individual's unique interpretation ensures plenty of opportunities for creating lasting and enjoyable family memories. This is the Disney version of a very popular party game, Dixit that has many expansion and version currenlty available.
Honourable mentions:
WBG Score: 8.5/10
Player Count 2-4
Complexity rating: 3/10
Time to learn: 5 minutes
Time to set up: 5 minutes
Time to play: 10 minutes
You’ll like this if you like: Fighting Zombies together.
Published by: Le Scorpion Masqué
Designed by: Annick Lobet
To read my full review of this game, head here.
Zombie Teenz Evolution is a legacy game, where you'll make permanent changes that transform the game into a unique experience for you and your family. Don't fret, though—it's incredibly easy to learn and play. One fantastic aspect of legacy games is their ability to introduce new rules gradually as you progress through different 'levels,' making it an ideal choice for younger children. Learning happens seamlessly during playtime. With its large, sturdy components, it's easy for little fingers to handle. The joy kids experience when opening a new envelope and discovering hidden treasures inside is truly delightful to witness.
Each game session lasts between 5-10 minutes, and you'll be ready to dive into your first game within just 15 minutes. The rules and concepts are remarkably easy to grasp. This game offers substantial replay value, with numerous goals to achieve, envelopes with excitig new additions to the game to unlock, and compelling reasons to return for more playtime. The zombie theme leans towards cute and cartoony rather than scary, but it's worth mentioning if you prefer to steer clear of anything too monstrous.
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