Flick 'em Up!

Flick 'em Up!

Board Game

Games & Accessories, Board Games

WISE
81%

WISE Score

6.8

Board Game Geek

Wooden Wild West showdown where you flick discs at cowboys—think shuffleboard meets Tombstone, minus the actual tombstones.

Amazon4.6
Board Game Geek6.8
Common Sense Media

Where to Play

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare dexterity games that actually delivers on the 'fun for the whole family' promise. The wooden components are tactile and satisfying, the flicking mechanism is instantly gratifying (even when you miss), and the Western theme provides just enough narrative structure without bogging down the action.

It's not going to teach your kids about the Oregon Trail or frontier economics, but it will teach them about physics, angles, and how to laugh when dad's 'sure shot' goes flying off the table. The team-based scenarios are clever—they give younger players a role without requiring them to carry the whole game.

The BGG rating of 6.8 might seem middling, but that's because dexterity games always score lower than heavy strategy games in that community. For what it is—a light, physical, laugh-out-loud party game—it's excellent. Just make sure you have a smooth table and enough space, or you'll be chasing wooden cowboys under the couch all night.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-14 as a primary audience, though adults genuinely enjoy it too (17K BGG owners don't lie). The 7+ rating is spot-on—younger kids will struggle with the flicking precision, while teens and adults appreciate the skill-based competition and nostalgia factor.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
82

A lighthearted Western-themed dexterity game that encourages laughter and family bonding. The cowboy shootout theme is cartoonish and playful rather than violent—you're flicking wooden discs, not depicting graphic combat. Reviews consistently mention families 'howling with laughter' and extended family having 'a blast.' The game naturally creates shared moments of tension, surprise, and humor without toxic competition.

Imaginative
78

The physical flicking mechanism combined with scenario-based gameplay (bank robberies, prison breaks, street duels) creates memorable Western narratives. The 3D wooden buildings and disc-flicking action invite creative problem-solving and tactical thinking. Players can choose to be outlaws or sheriffs, offering role-play potential. However, it's more about executing scenarios than open-ended creative expression—still, the dexterity element adds unpredictability that keeps each playthrough fresh.

Safe
91

Board games don't get much safer than this. No monetization concerns, no privacy issues, no toxic social dynamics. The Western shootout theme is family-friendly and abstracted—you're flicking wooden discs at other discs, not depicting gore or violence. The game creates positive social dynamics with team-based play and shared laughter over missed shots. BGG complexity of 1.35 means it's accessible without being frustrating. The only minor consideration is that competitive flicking games can occasionally lead to accusations of cheating or lucky shots, but that's standard board game territory.

Enriching
74

Builds fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through the flicking mechanism. Encourages spatial reasoning, trajectory planning, and tactical thinking. Team-based gameplay teaches cooperation and communication. The 30-45 minute playtime is ideal for sustained attention without overstaying its welcome. That said, it's primarily an entertainment-focused dexterity game rather than a deep strategic or educational experience—and that's perfectly fine. The skill ceiling is high enough that players can improve with practice.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • Genuinely hilarious for all ages—reviews consistently mention families 'howling with laughter' over missed shots and lucky ricochets
  • The physical flicking mechanism is immediately intuitive but has real skill depth, so a 7-year-old and a 40-year-old can both compete
  • Gorgeous wooden components and 3D buildings make setup feel like building a tiny Western town
  • Team-based scenarios (outlaws vs. sheriffs) create natural cooperation and storytelling moments
  • Quick 30-45 minute playtime means you can knock out a full Wild West adventure before bedtime

What to Watch For

  • Requires decent table space and a smooth surface—carpets and wobbly tables will ruin the flicking physics
  • Young kids (under 7) may struggle with the fine motor control needed for accurate shots
  • Competitive players might get heated over whether a shot was legal or if someone bumped the table
  • The wooden pieces are beautiful but can get pricey if you lose them

Conversation Starters

  • "Would you rather be the sheriff protecting the town or the outlaw robbing the bank? Why?"
  • "What was your most epic shot tonight? Your most embarrassing miss?"
  • "If you could add one new building or scenario to our Western town, what would it be?"
  • "Do you think the real Wild West was more like this game or totally different?"

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