Author

Stephen Duetzmann

Editor in Chief Founder/EiC EngagedFamilyGaming.com Blogger, Podcaster, Video Host RE: games that families can play together. Editor@engagedfamilygaming.com

Board Games

How to Play “Frustration” – an EFG Family Favorite Card Game

by Stephen Duetzmann January 16, 2023

written by Stephen Duetzmann

We talk a lot about flashy video games and freshly released board games on EFG, but today I want to take a moment to share the instructions for one of my family’s absolute favorite card games. We spend a lot of time playing Frustration Rummy as a family, especially on family vacations. We laugh. We yell. We talk a lot of trash. (Of course, we do. I’m there.) Frustration Rummy is a rummy-style card game where players compete to complete different steps (often called contracts) that each involves a different combination of cards.

Cards Required to Play Frustration Rummy

4 players – 2 standard playing card decks with 4 jokers
5-6 players – 3 standard playing card decks with 6 jokers
Wild Cards – Jokers and Deuces

The Rules For Frustration Rummy

Deal 11 cards to each person for each hand. (This is how we play as taught by my Pop Pop, but some versions have you draw 13)
A player’s turn begins by drawing the top card from the deck or the discard pile.
The player may then “meld” if they have the appropriate cards for the step they are on
Then they discard a card from their hand. Note: A player MUST have a discard at the end of their turn. There are no exceptions.
If a player “melds” and completes a step they will then be playing to “Go Out.” This ends the hand.
Each Step must be made by a player during a hand to advance to the next step. For example, if a player completes a step and then goes out and you did not, then you will remain on the same step and they will move forward.
All 11 steps must be completed to win – if more than one player completes the 11 steps during the hand, the lowest-scoring hand wins.

Frustration Peg Boards

You can definitely play Frustration and keep track of what step you are on using paper. (That’s what my mother insists we do.) But, there are very cool peg boards that help you keep track of things. You can buy them all over the place, but this is a very nice handmade one sold on Amazon.

Steps (Contracts)

Book – Groups of cards of the same number. The suit does not matter.

Run – Groups of cards where the numbers are in descending or ascending order. They must be in the same suit.

Note – You must have more natural cards in a book or run than Wild cards. You cannot even have the same number.

Step 1	2 Books of 3 cards
Step 2	2 Runs of 3 cards
Step 3	1 Run of 4 cards and 1 Book of 3 cards
Step 4	2 Books of 4 cards
Step 5	1 Run of 5 cards and 1 Book of 3
Step 6	3 Books of 3 cards
Step 7	1 Run of 7 cards
Step 8	1 Run of 6 cards and 1 Book of 3 cards
Step 9	2 Runs of 4 cards
Step 10	2 Books of 5 cards
Step 11	1 Run of 9 Cards

Table of the steps/contracts in Frustration Rummy

Notes and Reminders

A wild card may be replaced in any run (but not books) with the card it represents, but only if the wild card can be used to meld in that turn.
Additional melds of 3 cards can be played and more cards can be played on other melds after a player has completed their step meld.

Cards Games Similar to Frustration Rummy

Rummy is an old game that has been played the world over. As a result, there are countless variations. Some of the more popular versions are:

Phase 10 – This is a commercialized version that is packaged like Uno (and you’ll probably find them right next to each other). The biggest difference is that steps and contracts are referred to as phases.

Aggravation – The rules of Aggravation are similar to Frustration. The difference is that once you have completed your contract you can immediately start to work on the next one without waiting until the next hand.

Gin Rummy – This is more of a distant cousin with a focus on accumulating points as opposed to merely completing steps. You can find the complete rules for Gin Rummy here.

What do you think? Are you going to play our family favorite? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

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January 16, 2023 6 comments

Video Games

The Differences Between the Three Nintendo Switch Models – A Parent’s Guide

by Stephen Duetzmann December 5, 2022

written by Stephen Duetzmann

The Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017 and has gone on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time. Part of that success is thanks to the quality of its library of games. The rest of that success stems from Nintendo releasing multiple iterations of the console.

This is nothing new. Nintendo has done this with their handheld systems ever since the wild success of the Game Boy Color in 1998. (Other console manufacturers have done it as well. The PlayStation 2 had several different versions over its life cycle.) This is great for Nintendo’s bottom line. But it is super confusing for parents who want to buy a Nintendo for their kids.

Fear not though because we’ve got the solution! Below is a handy guide to the three different versions of the Nintendo Switch console and our thoughts on each one!

What is the Nintendo Switch?

The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid video game console that can serve as both a handheld device (like the Nintendo 3DS) and as a home console (like the Nintendo WiiU).

The console itself is a tablet that features detachable controllers that Nintendo called “Joy-Cons.” Most versions of the console come with a special dock. You can use the Switch dock to charge the tablet OR use it to display your game on the TV.

This was completely unheard of when Nintendo announced and, while there have been some competitors on the market since then, it has remained a market leader.

Why is the Switch so Popular?

Nintendo handhelds are almost always popular. Families have more than thirty years of experience buying Game Boys and the like. for their kids. The Switch may not be a traditional handheld, but it does fit that bill. I can’t help but think that momentum plays at least a small part in that.

There can be no doubt though that the Nintendo Switch has a fantastic library of great games helping it along as well. The Switch’s launch year included The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (which is one of the best games ever made) and Super Mario Odyssey. They are both on our EFG Essentials list five years later.

The Three Current Switch Models

Nintendo has released a new Switch model every other year since 2017 so we’ll probably need to update this article in 2023. Until then… here are the details on the three existing models.

The Original Nintendo Switch

MRSP: $299.99

Release Date: March 3, 2017 Weight: .66 lbs or .88 /w Joy-Cons Screen: 6.2 in LCD Screen @ 1280 x 720 pixels Resolution: 1080 p resolution to TV // Up to 720 p in handheld mode

Battery Life: 4.5 – 9 Hours /w up to 3 hours max charge time

The original model of the Nintendo Switch is still available and is a great system. Generally speaking, the OLED edition (listed below) is the better option for new adoptees. But, this is worth grabbing if it is available!

Nintendo Switch Lite

MRSP: $199.99

Release Date: September 20, 2019 Weight: .61 lbs (integrated Joy-Cons) Screen: 5.5 in LCD Screen @ 1280 x 720 pixels Resolution: (Implied up to 720 p in handheld mode but not listed on the site)

Battery Life: 3 – 7 Hours /w up to 3 hours max charge time

The Switch Lite is interesting because it doesn’t “Switch.” This is a handheld-only version of the console. It eschews the dock and TV gameplay for longer battery life, a lower price, and a smaller form factor.

It is lighter, less expensive, and perfect for younger kids who are looking for a replacement for a 3DS. It plays almost all the same games with less of an investment.

Nintendo Switch OLED Edition

MRSP: $349.99

Release Date: October 8, 2021 Weight: .71 lbs or .93 /w Joy-Cons Screen: 7 in OLED Screen @ 1280 x 720 pixels Resolution: 1080 p resolution to TV // Up to 720 p in handheld mode Battery Life: 4.5 – 9 Hours /w up to 3 hours max charge time

The most recent edition to the Switch line is the OLED model that was released in 2021.

It functions similarly to the original model in that it can be used both handheld and docked to play on the TV. This newer model includes an OLED screen that is brighter and clearer so playing games in handheld mode looks better.

I’m not sure what market niche Nintendo was hoping to move into with this model, but this is NOT a “pro” version of the Switch that some fans have been asking for.

That isn’t necessarily a problem. But, it is something to keep in mind while making purchasing decisions.

What Are Joy-Cons Again?

Joy-Cons are what Nintendo calls the proprietary controllers that attach to the side of the Nintendo Switch tablet. They come in a wide variety of colors and you can even mix/match them.

It’s worth noting for parents that they are relatively small and expensive so you’ll want to have a plan for keeping track of them when you buy a Switch.

Our Official Switch Recommendations

The Switch is approaching the end of its life cycle. Industry insiders have been talking about the arrival of a Switch successor for years. We don’t have it yet (we don’t even have an announcement yet), so we can’t recommend waiting for a new system just yet.

All three models have value right now, but the real decision is between the OLED version and the Switch Lite.

If you are buying a new Switch, then the OLED model has better battery life and a slightly larger screen that is MUCH brighter.

Parents buying a Switch for younger gamers should consider the Switch Lite. It is less costly than other models and is smaller and lighter for smaller hands.

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

The EFG Essentials

Video Games for kids on Xbox One
Video Games for kids on PS4
Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
Board Games for kids

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December 5, 2022 3 comments

Parent Resources

Rules to Teach Your Children About Interacting with Streamers

by Stephen Duetzmann November 2, 2022

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Live-streaming, whether it be video games, cooking, or conversations, has never been more popular. More and more of us, and our kids, are hopping into live stream channels every day on websites like Twitch and YouTube or in apps like TikTok and Instagram.

These live streams are more akin to like concerts or sporting events than they are watching a movie at home. There are standards of behavior to follow when you are out in public. It is our job as parents to teach our kids how to behave in these virtual spaces.

Don’t worry though. We’re not going to lay that responsibility at your feet and walk away. That would be super rude and not our style. Instead, we’ll talk about what live streaming is and give you some tips on how to guide your kids.

What is Live-Streaming Anyway?

Live streaming is the practice of streaming live video across the internet without it editing. Technically speaking, when you watch Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime… you are live streaming that. Those types of broadcasts have happened for a long time. They may be live, but they aren’t (often) very interactive.

Twitch .tv launched in 2011 and changed everything.

Now, individual “streamers” can broadcast just about anything. Twitch streams include everything from playing video games and recording podcasts to baking cookies and painting miniatures. It isn’t only a broadcast though! Viewers can interact with both the streamer and each other! This allows communities to form and turns each stream into a live performance.

This technology is everywhere now. Creators can start live streams on dozens of different platforms including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok.

How Interactive are Live Streams?

In short: Very. That’s the entire point. It gives viewers an increased level of access to the streamer and a chance to communicate with them as well as their other viewers and fans.

The key lesson to remember is that while live streaming does create a more personal connection between a streamer and their audience that doesn’t mean that the streamer is their audience’s “friend.” In fact, they don’t have a relationship at all (at least not in the way we think of them).

The term “parasocial relationship” was first used all the way back in 1957 in a paper involving people who felt they had personal relationships with radio and television personalities. The phenomenon happens with streamers all the time.

At the end of the day, they are not much different from a radio DJ or a TV weatherperson. The difference is that they have an easier time responding to people thanks to the technology they use. That ease of response can give viewers a sense of comfort in the stream’s chat. This can lead to some embarrassing results.

Guidelines for Watching Live Streams

Below are some guidelines for how to interact with streamers that you can give to kids.

No Real Names

Don’t call a streamer by their first name unless they tell you that you can. This implies a level of familiarity that your child doesn’t have. You should encourage your child to use the streamer’s screen name or handle instead. This goes both ways though. Your kid should be using a screen name as well.

Subscriptions

Many live-streaming services allow viewers to subscribe to a channel. You need to make sure that your kids know that subscriptions buy entertainment. They do not buy access. There are those on the internet that believe that subscribing to a channel on Twitch or to a user on Patreon should grant them more access to the content creator. Sometimes they even think that it makes them “friends.” This isn’t the case. A Twitch subscription grants you access to more content from the creator, but it doesn’t mean that they should give you more access to their personal life.

Read The Rules

The very first thing your child should do when they start to watch a new stream is read the rules. This will let them know what kind of channel they are in, what the expectations are of them, and what the environment will be like. This will be a great way for your child to know if the chat will be safe for them. You should tell your child to be wary of streamers with no rules. These streamers can have pretty toxic communities.

Don’t Be a Moderator

Every channel has different rules for how to behave there. If your child spends time in those channels they will learn those rules. They should not, however, try to enforce those rules unless they have been chosen to be a moderator by the streamer. This can add to the confusion in the chat and make it harder for the moderation team to do their work and interrupt the stream for everyone else.

Talk to Everyone (Except the Streamer)

Teach them to interact more with the chat than they do with the streamer. The streamer is performing for a group of people and shouldn’t be expected to talk to everyone. Instead, the community is supposed to form around the streamer and talk amongst themselves.

The below video is a panel hosted early on during the pandemic in 2020. It features a diverse group of streamers with years of experience. They talk a lot about how users should behave while watching streams and talk a lot about the experiences they have had. It is an enlightening video for anyone who watches regularly.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

The EFG Essentials

Video Games for kids on Xbox One
Video Games for kids on PS4
Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
Board Games for kids

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November 2, 2022 0 comment

Gaming Glossary

Video Game Definition of the Week: The Fourth Wall

by Stephen Duetzmann October 26, 2022

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Every week the EFG staff will be defining a gaming term that is either confusing or ill-defined. Please leave a comment with any terms you are confused by and we will try to include them in future editions!

The gaming definition this week is a term that is applicable to many video games, as well as Movies, TV shows, Plays, and Musicals: The Fourth Wall

The fourth wall is the barrier between the audience and the character (or actor). It is also the perspective from which we (as the audience) view the experience.

Storytelling in games has been getting more and more advanced as the games industry matures. One thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of the games I’ve been playing have been breaking the “fourth wall.” The important thing about the fourth wall is that the audience (and the narrator, or even classically the chorus) are meant to be outside the story informing the audience. In “serious drama.” they are invisible.

“Breaking the fourth wall” traditionally has been considered an act of comedy, though in more contemporary settings it can be more serious. This is where the characters in the story address the audience directly; often ignoring the story that is happening on stage. This type of storytelling device is often shorthand for making a reference or showing the internal thoughts of a character without having to involve the story that is going on.

Examples in TV and Stage

Remember all of those times in Saved by the Bell where Zack would call a time-out and talk to the camera? He was breaking the fourth wall.

A more recent example is the Musical Hamilton. At the end of the show, Eliza Hamilton is telling the end of her story and gasps after the song ends. The gasp is considered her breaking the 4th wall.

Video Game Examples:

Guacamelee
The Secret of Monkey Island
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door

Additional Resources

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

The EFG Essentials

Video Games for kids on Xbox One
Video Games for kids on PS4
Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
Board Games for kids

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October 26, 2022 0 comment

Board Games

8 Games From Essen Spiel 2022 That We’re Excited to Play!

by Stephen Duetzmann October 10, 2022

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Essen Spiel 2022 took place from October 6-9, 2022 in Essen Germany. It is one of the biggest board game conventions in the world and is a big opportunity for publishers to showcase their offerings ahead of the Holiday season! We didn’t make it to the show this time, but publishers have been shouting to the mountaintops about their games! Below is a list of nine games from the show floor that we are very excited to play!

Gummiland

(Age 6+, Blue Orange Games)

Gummiland is a deck-building game meant for younger kids. The components are adorable to begin with, but the premise definitely suits it. Players are competing to capture all the Gummiz using adorable fruit cards.

Mech A Dream

(10+, Blue Orange Games)

Mech A Dream is a worker placement, engine building game set in a far flung future where humans and robots live side by side. Robots don’t have dreams in this world and this game is all about building machines that make dreams for the robots! I love the graphic design on the components that have been revealed so far.

Mist Over Carcassone

(8+, Z-Man Games)

We love Carcassone (and all tile laying games for that matter), over here. A new version with a spooky theme just seems like an absolute win. I’m particularly intrigued by the cooperative elements as they haven’t been a part of the Carcassone world before.

Turing Machine

(14+, Le Scorpion Masqué)

I have no idea if this game will even be fun, but The Turing Machine includes an “analog computer” that does calculations using perforated cards. Its a deduction game where you either cooperate as a team or compete to crack codes using the computation that are only possible using the computer within the game itself. I’m absolutely fascinated by how this could work to the point of distraction.

Evergeen

(8+, Horrible Guild)

Evergreen is a board game from the same designer as Photosynthesis and shares some of the same themes. This one is all about planting trees and placing other objects to help build a complete ecosystem. The components look lovely and I always appreciate a science themed game. Linda, our managing editor of board games, is very excited for this one.

Peter Pan

(Age Unknown, Zatu Games)

Peter Pan is a deduction game where each player knows the location of both a lost boy and one of Captain Hook’s pirates. Players can only share that information to each other via picture cards that provide clues. Then players venture through Neverland trying to find the lost boys and avoid the pirates.

Animals of Baker Street

(10+, IELLO)

Animals of Baker Street is a deduction, puzzle solving game featuring cure animals and a Sherlock Holmes theme. It is a cooperative game with a limited number of puzzles to solve, but it looks like there should be enough content in the box to keep it entertaining for a while.

Starship Captains

(12+, Czech Games)

Starship Captains is a 1-4 player eurogame that combines action selection and engine building. You manage a crew and operate a starship as you go on adventures and face different challenges. This is one that I absolutely must play as someone who loves Star Trek and other similarly themed games.

Those are just a few of the games that were featured at Essen this year. We’re sure that we missed some. Let us know in the comments if you found any that didn’t make it onto our list!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

The EFG Essentials

Video Games for kids on Xbox One
Video Games for kids on PS4
Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
Board Games for kids

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October 10, 2022 0 comment

Podcasts!

EFG Podcast Episode 289- Holiday gift guides and reflections on EFG Con!!!

by Stephen Duetzmann October 7, 2022

written by Stephen Duetzmann

This week Stephen, Amanda, Linda, and Jon are here to talk about the EFG Holiday Gift guide and talk about the most recent EFGcon.

Welcome to The Engaged Family Gaming Podcast. This is a show all about the great video games and board games you should play with your family

Introduction: We’re your hosts Stephen, Amanda, Linda, Jon

Each episode we’ll cover the biggest news in the gaming space that parents should know about!

This is Episode 288

Games of the Week

Stick Fight

Hocus Pocus

Relevant Releases

Video Game release calendar

Overwatch 2 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC) – October 4

No Man’s Sky (Switch) – October 7

NHL 23 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One) – October 14

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC) – October 14

PGA Tour 2K23 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC) – October 14

Board Game Releases/Kickstarter

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/358050/sleeping-queens-2-rescue

The Big News!

Video game gift guide

The Official Engaged Family Gaming Holiday Gift Guide: Video Games

Board game gift guide

The Official Engaged Family Gaming Holiday Gift Guide: Board Games

BREAK

Do You Feel Old Yet?

Super Mario World 2 : Yoshi’s Island – 10/04/1995 – 27 years ago

Did You Know?

Glossary Definition of the week: Metroidvania

Video Game Definition of the Week: Metroidvania

SIGN-OFF

Thanks for listening to the Engaged Family Gaming Podcast. Follow us on Twitter at @EFGaming, @SDuetzmann, @Moms_stories, @AmandaFarough, and @thatdeliveryman

We stream this podcast recording live on Twitch, YouTube, and on Facebook.

You can listen to us on your favorite Podcast platform. Please subscribe and, if possible, review the show. Let us know what you think!

You can DM us with questions or send them to editor@engagedfamilygaming.com

And don’t forget to get your family game on!

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

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Video Games for kids on Xbox One
Video Games for kids on PS4
Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
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October 7, 2022 0 comment

Board Games Parent Resources

11 Board Games That Help Teach History!

by Stephen Duetzmann October 6, 2022

written by Stephen Duetzmann

Here at Engaged Family Gaming, we love to talk about how teachers and homeschool parents alike can use games to teach different subjects. We have already talked about board games that can help you teach math and board games that can help teach reading. This time we are going to talk about board games that can be used to help teach history.

History is a tricky subject to teach using board games. They, generally, are too abstract to be able to realistically represent events that took place in the past. However, they can help teach the subject in two ways. On one hand, some of them are great at helping people memorize important dates, events, and historical figures. On the other hand, there are also games that are designed well enough to help capture the theme of a historical event. Both of these approaches can be a big help when trying to teach children about a given historical event.

Take a look below and see eleven games we found that can be used to help teach history in one of those two ways.

Lewis and Clark

Lewis and Clark is a game themed around the adventures of the two famous explorers of the same name. This is a period of American history that is often glossed over so having a fun tool to help explain what exploring what was an undiscovered country at the time is a good thing!

“The year is 1803. Take on the role of a team of explorers tasked by President Thomas Jefferson to chart the American West. Befriend the natives, live off the resources the land provides and be the first to set up camp on the Pacific coast. Players will have to manage hands of cards representing characters who will help to gather resources, recruit Indians and move forward in this race to discover the route from sea to shining sea. Beautifully illustrated, Lewis & Clark will have players reliving the exciting voyages of some of the most famous explorers the world has ever known”

Timeline Series

Timeline isn’t a single game. Instead, it is a series of games that features all sorts of different categories like Music & Cinema, Americana, American History, etc.

Gameplay is straightforward. Players are each given a hand of cards that have events on the front and their corresponding dates on the back. The goal is to slowly create a timeline of events. Players do that by taking turns placing their cards in the correct place on the timeline in relation to other events. If they guess correctly, then the card stays. If they do not, then the card is discarded and they have to try again.

This mechanic helps to reinforce players’ knowledge of when events happened in relation to each other.

The Grizzled

There is a lot of attention placed on World War 2. It is regularly studied in class. It is the subject of nearly countless movies and numerous video games and board games. World War I, on the other hand, is not often given much attention at all. This is in spite of the fact that it is a fascinating war that took place across several continents and featured cavalry, navy, air combat, and trench warfare.

The Grizzled is a cooperative game that helps right that wrong by putting players in the combat boots of soldiers trying to survive trench warfare until Armistice. The emphasis of this game is on avoiding the hardships and pitfalls that soldiers would have dealt with. If even one member of the team died, then the game is lost.

This is by no means a “light” topic, so parents and teachers should tread carefully. But, then, World War I is as tragic and terrifying as it is interesting in a historical sense. So if you are going to teach it, you may as well go all in right?

7 Wonders

7 Wonders is a drafting game where players take on the roles of seven great ancient civilizations. Gameplay is divided into three “ages” that help demonstrate the development of human civilization through antiquity.

The game may not depict actual historical events, but it does a fairly good job of explaining how civilizations develop and the interdependence between resources and great scientific or artistic achievements.

Twilight Struggle

I’m 35 years old. So I don’t remember the vast majority of the decades-long standoff between the United States and Russia. Twilight Struggle is a game that uses clever mechanics to help illustrate the delicate balance of power and aggression between the two nuclear powers.

This game is a bit on the long side and can take a long time to teach, but you would be hard-pressed to find a game that is better at helping visual and tactile learners understand one of the more pivotal periods in modern world history.

Memoir ’44

Memoir ’44 is hex based miniatures combat game that thrusts players into battles that mimic historical events during World War II. This is done using units, tactics, and victory conditions that mimic some of the famous skirmishes that took place throughout the war.

There are multiple expansions as well that include different sections of terrain and different parts of the war.

This likely isn’t a game that will teach much about World War II on its own. But, it is a great game to play while talking about some of the reasons behind the war and how it ended. Memoir ’44 illustrates that sometimes the best job a game can have is to keep the students interested while the real teaching is happening elsewhere.

Axis and Allies

It is impossible to talk about board games that can be used to teach history without at least mentioning Axis and Allies. A&A is a strategy war game where two to five players take on the roles of either a member of the Axis (Germany or Japan) or a member of the Alliance (United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union). It isn’t just about battle though. Players control both the military for their chosen country AND its wartime economy. Victory is given to the country that captures major cities across the world.

Axis and Allies presents a historical scenario and encourages players to change history over the course of a few hours!

Ticket to Ride – Multiple Editions

I know. We probably put Ticket to Ride on every one of these lists, but we can’t really help it. The game is almost universal in its appeal and in its applications.

Ticket To Ride is not going to be a history lesson in and of itself. But, several of the expansions are ties directly to the expansion of the railroad system that crisscrosses the entire country. Besides, you likely already have the game anyway for other reasons (or at least you should) so why not have another reason to pull it out and use it?

Catan Histories of America: Trails to Rails

Catan is a classic euro board game. This version includes a fixed board that is a reasonable facsimile of the United States. The same rules apply here as in the standard version with a few exceptions. The biggest among them being that the win condition is the delivery of all of your goods across railways.

This is a great game to help discuss the westward expansion of the population of the US and the rise of the Railway system and its importance to the US economy at the time (and now)!

Sapiens

Sapiens is a game where players take on the role of a clan chief that is exploring a fertile valley looking for a new home for their people. This is a tile-laying game with an exploration theme. The art style is bright, colorful, and engaging in a way that will keep players interested as you talk with them about the challenges that faced early man as he fought for survival.

Founding Fathers

Founding Fathers is a strategy game that takes place during the dawn of the United States. Players take on the role of famous political figures like George Washington, John Adams, and others all the way up through Abraham Lincoln. Players work together to solve problems like war, financial panics, and eventually the division between the North and the South.

This is an excellent way to help reinforce the struggles of forming and guiding the United States. This is not a game for early gamers, but is rated for players age 8+.

For Additional Games to Support Learning

12 Awesome Board Games that Teach Reading and Language Skills!

7 Board Games That Teach Math Skills (and are actually FUN)!

Teaching Math By Making Up Your Own Rules for the Pokemon TCG!

Teaching Your Child Math Using Tabletop Roleplaying Games

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

Like us on Twitter!

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erectiepillen

October 6, 2022 6 comments

Video Games

Is Minecraft Free?

by Stephen Duetzmann October 3, 2022

written by Stephen Duetzmann

If you’re a parent of a young gamer, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Minecraft. It’s one of the most popular games in the world, and kids love it for its open-ended gameplay and creative possibilities. A lot of people assume that Minecraft is free because it is available on mobile devices and is incredibly popular.

Is Minecraft Free?

We want to be extra clear on this: There is no way to play the full version of Minecraft for free. Any website that tells you otherwise is doing so with ill intent. Beware of those websites and steer clear.

Was Minecraft Ever Free?

Minecraft has been around a long time and some people (and outdated websites) will reference a free version that was available. This was when Minecraft was still in a beta state so it was full of bugs, didn’t have a lot of its current features and was still being “finished.” That free version is no longer available and isn’t supported anymore.

Are There Any Versions of Minecraft that ARE free?

There are a few limited ways to have Minecraft experiences at no cost, but none of them are really comparable to the full version of the game.

Minecraft Classic

There is a version of Minecraft that is available on your browser called Minecraft Classic. The problem with this version is that it is a version of Minecraft from before the game was released. It’s a beta version of Minecraft with only 32 blocks, only the creative mode, and very old graphics. It doesn’t really make a good substitute for modern-day Minecraft. It’s more of a novelty/nostalgia tool for veteran players.

Is there a Minecraft Demo?

Minecraft: Java Edition has a demo available on the Minecraft website for those who want to try it before they buy! It’s limited in two ways – it isn’t multiplayer and you can only spend so much time playing it. However, if this sounds like your thing then head over straightaway because downloads are available! There are demos for the Java edition, and the Bedrock version for Windows 10, Android, and PlayStation 4.

1. Navigate to the Free Trial page on the Minecraft site. (https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/free-trial)

2. Scroll down to select the version you are looking to demo.

3. If you are looking for the Windows, Android, or PlayStation demo, then click the appropriate black square with the corresponding logo.

4. If you are looking for the Java edition demo, then scroll down the page until you see the Java edition section of the page. Select the correct demo based on your computer’s operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux) and click the green “Download Now” button.

What about the Minecraft Education Edition?

Minecraft Education Edition is a powerful tool for teaching young children programming, architecture, chemistry, and engineering. The Educational version is available on both mobile and ChromeOS, but you cannot play Minecraft without signing in with a Minecraft Education account from school or somewhere else.

The main benefit of Minecraft Education Edition is that it is set up for teachers and students to use collaboratively in the classroom. It is automatically set up for a server of 30 people to play together in a learning environment without any external server set up.

There are also a handful of blocks and entities for teachers to use to make it a better learning environment. Two examples are:

A chalkboard with text boxes to help give instructions and learning goals
NPC’s to help guide students through collaborative work.

Another interesting feature of the education edition is the chemistry tools. There is a wide selection of tools and items to help teach chemistry, from learning about the formation of atoms, to what happens when certain elements combine.

The Education Edition also has a group of adventure maps, similar to those featured on the Minecraft Bedrock editions marketplace, focused on education and teaching. It also features a coding course, where students can write code and implement it into the game, this is very useful for tech education teachers teaching younger students.

Where can you get a Minecraft Educational Account?

This tool is mainly used in schools, but parents who are homeschooling their children may also find this tool useful, as gaming is a great way to get children engaged and active in learning. Purchasing the education edition for your homeschool is a little complicated though, as it requires jumping through some hoops.

Step one, is to sign up for a Microsoft 365 admin center account, this is how schools manage emails for students, as a homeschooler you may already have one because other programs use them, so you can use the one you already set up if you do.

After you have the admin center account, you have to register your child in the account, this shouldnt be to hard, pick an email and user name for them, this is how your child will log in to Minecraft Education Edition.

Then you have to purchase a license for the Education Edition, this will happen through the Minecraft Education Edition website, a license will cost $12 per year.

After you purchase the license you will assign it to your child in the 365 Admin Center. After youve done that, youll be set to use Education Edition, its available on chromeOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Ipad/IPhone

How Much Does Minecraft Cost?

Of course, Minecraft isn’t free, it’s one of the best-selling games of all time. But, Microsoft does a great job of making it accessible to everyone. The game is fairly inexpensive on all platforms, ranging from $5-$10 on mobile devices, and around $25 dollars on consoles and PC.

Is Minecraft on Xbox Game Pass

Minecraft is available on Xbox Game Pass for those with an Xbox or a Windows computer.

Xbox – Bedrock Edition
Windows Computer – Bedrock Edition AND Java Edition

So, there you have it. Minecraft is not free, but there are ways to get limited access to some of the features in the game. We hope you found this post helpful and that you’ll join our Facebook group for more answers to gaming questions. Thanks for reading!

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

The EFG Essentials

Video Games for kids on Xbox One
Video Games for kids on PS4
Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
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October 3, 2022 5 comments

Holiday & Gifts

The Official Engaged Family Gaming Holiday Gift Guide: Video Games

by Stephen Duetzmann October 2, 2022

written by Stephen Duetzmann

The holidays are coming up fast and if you’re like me, you still have no idea what to get your friends and family. Well, never fear, because I’ve put together the Official Engaged Family Gaming Holiday Gift Guide! This guide is packed full of video games that will make any gamer happy. Whether your loved one is a seasoned pro or just starting out in the gaming world, I’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let me help you find the perfect gift for the gamers in your life!

The EFG Holiday Gift Guide For Video Games

Below are recommendations for video games across all three major consoles.

Nintendo

Nintendo had a pretty good year this year. It started with Pokemon Arceus and then it kept going from there.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

If you’re looking for a Nintendo Switch game that the whole family can enjoy, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a great option. The game came out in 2022, and it’s already a hit with kids and adults alike. In the game, Kirby must save his home from an evil wizard who has cast a spell over the land. To do so, Kirby will need to use his special abilities to defeat enemies and solve puzzles. The vibrant colors and cute characters are sure to appeal to younger players, while older gamers will appreciate the challenging gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a Nintendo fan who is just getting started, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a great choice.

You can buy Kirby the Forgotten Land on Amazon here.

Splatoon 3

Nintendo Switch gamers rejoice! The newest installment in the beloved Splatoon series is finally here. And it does not disappoint. Splatoon 3 takes everything that was great about the first two games and cranks it up to eleven. The colorful ink-splattering action is as frenetic and fun as ever, and the new maps and modes provide endless hours of entertainment. But Nintendo has also added some serious depth to the game this time around, with a robust single-player campaign and a host of new online features. In short, Splatoon 3 is the perfect Nintendo Switch game for kids of all ages. So break out your splatanas and get ready to have a blast.

You can buy Splatoon 3 on Amazon here.

Pokemon Scarlet/Violet

The newest addition to the Pokemon franchise, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, are set to be released in 2022. These games will be the first open-world games in the history of the franchise, giving players a chance to explore the world of Pokemon like never before. In addition, Nintendo has announced that these games will be compatible with all current Switch models, as well as the new Switch Lite. So whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or just getting started, there’s a Nintendo Switch option for you. And with Nintendo’s commitment to quality family entertainment, you can be sure that these games will be fun for everyone. So mark your calendars for 2022 and get ready for a whole new world of Pokemon adventures!

You can buy Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet on Amazon here.

Nintendo Switch Sports

Nintendo Switch Sports is one of the latest releases for the Nintendo Switch. The game features six sports: Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton, and Chambara. Nintendo Switch Sports is a great game for kids because it helps them to stay active and have fun at the same time. The game is also easy to pick up and play, making it perfect for family gatherings or parties. Nintendo Switch Sports is a must-have for any Nintendo fan, and it’s sure to provide hours of fun.

You can buy Nintendo Switch Sports on Amazon here.

Mario + Rabbids: Spark of Hope

Nintendo has a long history of releasing games that are not only fun to play, but also full of charm and whimsy. Mario + Rabbids: Spark of Hope, is no exception. This game, which is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, follows the unlikely team-up of Nintendo’s iconic plumber and a band of mischievous rabbids as they try to save the Mushroom Kingdom from an invasion. It features enough humor and clever gameplay mechanics to entertain players of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a Nintendo fan who is just getting started, Mario + Rabbids: Spark of Hope is definitely worth checking out.

You can buy Mario + Rabbids: Spark of Hope on Amazon here.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Nintendo Switch owners were in for a treat when, this past January, Pokemon Legends: Arceus was released. This new style of action-focused gameplay is a departure from the turn-based games of the main series, and is sure to be a hit with kids. So if you’re looking for a new adventure to take on with your Nintendo Switch, be sure to check out Pokemon Legends: Arceus. You won’t be disappointed.

You can buy Pokemon: Legends Arceus on Amazon here.

PlayStation

PlayStation started the year strong with Horizon: Forbidden West and and is going to finish the year with God of War: Ragnarok. That is a pretty impressive one two punch for gaming audiences in general, but leaves a little to be desired from our perspective. (God of War isn’t on anyone’s Family Game of the Year lists).

Horizon: Forbidden West

The long-awaited sequel to 2017’s Horizon Zero Dawn, Forbidden West picks up Aloy’s story as she ventures into unknown territories to uncover the secrets of the machines and save the world from a new threat. The game is set in a beautiful open world full of exotic landscapes and deadly creatures, and it promises to be an amazing adventure for fans of the first game. Whether you’re playing on PS4 or PS5, Forbidden West is a must-play title that shouldn’t be missed.

You can buy Horizon: Forbidden West on Amazon here.

Gran Turismo 7

Do you like racing games? Do you like cars? Well, I’ve got some good news for you: Gran Turismo 7 was released for the PlayStation 5.

If you’re not familiar with Gran Turismo, it’s a series of racing games that has been around since the early days of the PlayStation. The first game was released in 1997, and since then there have been six additional installments, with Gran Turismo 7 being the latest. The franchise is known for its realistic portrayal of car physics and for its large selection of vehicles – Gran Turismo 7 has over 1200 different cars to choose from!

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or you’re just looking for a new racing game to try out, I highly recommend giving Gran Turismo 7 a shot. It’s an absolute blast, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

You can buy Gran Turismo 7 on Amazon here.

LEGO Star Wars Skywalker Saga

This year has been a big one for LEGO fans, with the release of the long-awaited Skywalker Saga game. The game lets players relive all nine movies in the Skywalker saga, from The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker. With over 100 playable characters and plenty of humor, the game is a must-play for any LEGO fan. And with the release of the new Clone Wars DLC, there’s even more reason to dive in. If you’re looking for a fun way to relive the Skywalker saga, or just want a good laugh, LEGO Star Wars Skywalker Saga is the game for you.

You can buy LEGO Star Wars Skywalker Saga on Amazon here.

WWE 2K22

If you’re a fan of professional wrestling, then you were probably excited for the release of WWE 2K22. This year’s installment in the popular simulation wrestling series promises to be the most realistic yet, with updated graphics and game mechanics that make it feel more like you’re watching a real match than ever before. With so much to offer, WWE 2K22 is sure to be a hit with wrestling fans of all ages. So don’t wait any longer, grab a copy and get ready to rumble!

You can buy WWE 2K22 on Amazon here.

Marvel: Midnight Suns

Marvel: Midnight Suns is an excellent strategy video game developed by Firaxis studios. In this game, players take control of popular Marvel superheroes and team up to fight a demon army. The gameplay is exciting and fast-paced, and the graphics are stunning. Marvel: Midnight Suns is a must-play for any fan of the Marvel universe.

You can buy Marvel: Midnight Suns on Amazon here.

Xbox

Xbox is really interesting to talk about. All of their first party games come to Xbox Game Pass

LEGO Star Wars Skywalker Saga

You can buy LEGO Star Wars Skywalker Saga on Amazon here.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection

If you’re looking for a blast from the past, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection is the perfect way to relive your childhood. This collection of SNES, NES, Genesis and Game Boy games features the turtles in all their retro glory. From the original arcade game to the classic side-scrolling games, this collection has something for everyone. And best of all, it’s now available on modern consoles! So whether you’re looking to relive some childhood memories or just want to try something new, be sure to check out the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection.

You can buy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection on Amazon here.

Sonic Frontiers

Sonic Frontiers is an open-world game that lets players explore a vast and beautiful world as they collect items, solve puzzles, and uncover secrets. Fans of the franchise are sure to be delighted by the new direction the series is taking. With an expansive open world to explore and tons of exciting content to discover, Sonic Frontiers is sure to be a favorite.

You can buy Sonic Frontiers on Amazon here.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns

You can buy Marvel’s Midnight Suns on Amazon here.

For the Grown-ups

Look. Adults play games too. Below are just a few games that are a great recommendations for grown up gamers looking for something a bit more Mature.

God of War: Ragnarok

The God of War series is one of the most popular video game franchises of all time. The original God of War was released in 2005 and was an instant classic, spawning multiple sequels over the next decade. The most recent entry in the series, God of War 2018, was a massive hit, selling over 10 million copies. Now, fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series: God of War Ragnarok. Set to release on November 9th, 2022 for PS4and PS5, God of War Ragnarok is one of the most highly-anticipated games of the year. In this latest installment, players will once again take control of Kratos as he embarks on an epic quest to defeat the Norse gods. With stunning graphics, intense action, and a compelling story, God of War Ragnarok is sure to be another blockbuster hit for the franchise.

You can buy God of War Ragnarok on Amazon here.

Elden Ring

From Software, the makers of Elden Ring, have a history of creating amazing action RPGs. Their most recent game, Elden Ring, is no exception. It has quickly become one of the most popular games of the year. The game is set in a vast and beautiful open world, and the player takes on the role of a brave warrior who must save the kingdom from a powerful evil. The combat is fast-paced and intense, and the game features a unique magic system that allows players to cast spells in strategic ways. With its gorgeous graphics and captivating gameplay, Elden Ring is sure to be one of From Software’s most iconic games.

You can buy Elden Ring on Amazon here.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!

The EFG Essentials

Video Games for kids on Xbox One
Video Games for kids on PS4
Video Games for kids on Nintendo Switch
Board Games for kids

Like us on Twitter!

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

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October 2, 2022 1 comment

Board Games

Tips for Completing Jigsaw Puzzles

by Stephen Duetzmann September 22, 2022

written by Stephen Duetzmann

One thing that a LOT of homebound families have been doing these last few weeks is puzzles. I’ve seen so many pictures of happy families smiling over completed jigsaw puzzles I could burst! But, I know a lot of families out there might be getting frustrated! Some of those puzzles are tough.

Puzzles are a big deal in our family. My mom would ALWAYS have a puzzle on the dining room table if she didn’t need the surface for other things. She loves to build puzzles with her kids and grandkids so I thought to myself, “Who better to consult with than the master?”

So, without further delay, here are some tips from the puzzle master herself!

Place all pieces on the table face up
Sort for outside edges.
Figure out the main color themes of the puzzle
Sort the pieces by color (this is a great job for younger puzzlers!)
Fit all outside edges together to make a frame if you can
Work on large swaths of color or obvious shapes
Keep completing shapes until you feel like you have most of the obvious ones put together
Sort those shapes by size
Consult the picture on the box when you get stuck
Look for clues – letters, straight edges, faces
When you get stuck? Move on and try another area.
Share the experience and work as a team!
Don’t give up! All puzzles have a solution!

Did these tips make you want to grab a puzzle for yourself? Head to this Amazon link and grab one (or ten)!

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Make sure to keep your eyes on Engaged Family Gaming for all of the latest news and reviews you need to Get Your Family Game On!