Image by Hucklebarry from Pixabay
Growing up, I would spend hours upon hours (literally!) playing board games with my cousins and best friends. This was long before computers, computer games, console games and smartphones. Sadly, I think all this technology has taken away from the “togetherness” that comes with playing board games.
My family and I used to play board games when our kids were younger. As they got older, they didn’t seem as interested in them as they used to. We still try to have family game night whenever our schedules can work out, but the past few years have been easier said than done between work and college. I miss those game nights.
Games these days don’t foster togetherness like a board game does. How can you feel close and connected with someone when you are versing them in an app on your phone? It’s not the same thing. It’s not even close.
I’m all for promoting a movement to bring back board games to help families reconnect and have “technology free” fun together.
There is a brand called Across the Board which makes the most exquisite board games I have ever seen.
Across the Board is a St. Louis family owned and operated workshop specializing in high quality, handcrafted, unique wooden board games. All of their board games are made with premium materials and assembled with the utmost care and precision. Their top priorities are attention to detail and providing unmatched customer service. They believe when you purchase one of our board games, it should last—and their products are built for generations to enjoy.
Across the Board games are reinventions of old classics. Best of all, they do not require batteries, computer screens, televisions or an electric outlet to play. All you need is a table, your family and/or friends to have quality time together.
Across the board was kind enough to send me one of their games to review. I specifically asked for one of the brand’s “penny games” because I work with children and the less pieces to get lost the better. After playing the game I received to review, I have reconsidered donating the game to where I work. I am going to keep it instead.
I received to review the Penny Hockey Game.
This game comes with a small velvet bag containing a single, shiny penny and two pegs that are used to help keep score. If you happen to lose the penny any other penny would do. If you happen to lose a peg, you can still keep score with a pad and pencil.
To play this game is simple – try to “flick” with your fingers the penny across the board and get it to land inside the hole on the opponents end. It’s THAT SIMPLE! Or so it seems… this game is not as easy as you’d think. It does take some skill, plus you never know where the penny is going to go.
When you score, simply move your peg up one spot on the side of the game. This helps players know whose ahead.
I did take a very brief video to give you an idea of how the game is played. It might seem like I scored a goal, but in fact the penny never went inside the hole on the opposite end.
You can see where the penny actually landed below.
This game is a lot of fun, and you don’t need any skill to get started.
This is a game the whole family can enjoy together, no matter how old you are (be careful of little ones who could put the penny or peg in their mouths).
As for the game board it’s self – WOW! This is top notch quality. The game is a decent weight (not too heavy considering it’s made out of wood). The wood is smooth to the touch (no splinters or rough edges) and it’s perfectly painted. Even the black nobs (for lack of a better word) on the game board seem to be stock on the board very well (I tried to see if they would wiggle and come off – they didn’t).
This game might be a bit more pricier than regular games, per se. This particular game sells for $52, HOWEVER, computer and console games cost that much, if not more. And you can always play along side a friend or family member with them. Board games cost around $20-$25, but they won’t last forever seeing as how they are made out of cardboard and plastic. So if you ask me, a game such as this is worth every penny as far as the quality is concerned. This game could easily be passed down from generation to generation.
This is just one of the many games available at Across the Board. They have others including soccer, golf, motor speedway, mancala, cribbage, Chinese checkers and many more. Check out all their licensed games too including NASCAR, Kentucky Derby and several college teams.
To check out this and other Across the Board games, visit the brand at Shop.ATBGame.com (notice the word “shop” at the beginning of the URL, make sure to include it).
You can also find the brand on social media. Their links are found on the bottom of their website.
Kimberly
*I received a free product sample to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
