Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare board games that actually delivers on the 'fun for the whole family' promise. The cooperative gameplay means everyone's rooting for each other, the monster variety keeps it fresh across multiple plays, and the strategic depth is real without being overwhelming.

The vintage horror theme is a clever choice—campy enough to be fun, recognizable enough to be engaging, and totally appropriate for the 10+ crowd. Parents who worry about scary content can relax; we're talking about creatures from 1930s movies, not modern horror.

What makes this special is that it's not dumbed down for kids. Adults will find genuine challenge here, especially at higher difficulty levels or with certain monster combinations. That means it's a game you'll actually want to play, not just tolerate. Multiple reviews confirm families keep coming back to it, which is the real test.

Minor caveat: like any cooperative game, watch for one person taking over all the decisions. Encourage everyone to voice their strategy ideas.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 10-16, though younger kids (8-9) who are into strategy games could handle it with some help. Adults genuinely enjoy it too—this isn't a 'kids game' that parents endure. The cooperative nature and strategic depth make it a legitimate family game night choice.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Cooperative gameplay that requires teamwork, communication, and shared decision-making. Players work together against the game rather than each other, modeling collaboration. The classic Universal Monsters theme is campy horror rather than genuinely scary—think old black-and-white films, not modern gore. Multiple reviews emphasize it brings families together, with one parent noting it's 'the only boardgame my wife and kid will play with me.' The 60-minute playtime prevents marathon sessions while still offering meaningful engagement.

Imaginative

82

Seven different monsters each require unique strategies, creating varied gameplay scenarios and tactical problem-solving. The theme invites narrative imagination—you're protecting a town from iconic creatures with distinct personalities and challenges. The action point system and cooperative puzzle-solving encourage creative thinking about resource allocation and turn optimization. However, it's not a sandbox or open-ended creative game; the imagination comes from tactical variety and thematic immersion rather than pure creative expression.

Safe

92

Board games are inherently safe from digital manipulation concerns. The horror theme is classic Universal Monsters—campy, vintage creatures that are more fun than frightening. No gambling mechanics, no toxic social dynamics. The cooperative nature actually prevents the negative feelings that can arise from competitive games. Age rating of 10+ aligns well with the theme. The only minor consideration is that some younger kids might find the monster imagery slightly spooky, but it's cartoonish vintage horror, not modern scary stuff.

Enriching

85

Strong strategic thinking and planning required (BGG weight 2.02 puts it in the sweet spot of accessible but meaningful). Players develop skills in resource management, probability assessment with dice, cooperative problem-solving, and long-term planning. The varying monster strategies build adaptability and tactical flexibility. Multiple award nominations (Golden Geek for Best Cooperative Game, Best Thematic, Best Family) signal quality design. It's genuinely engaging for adults too—not just 'a kids game'—which means real cognitive challenge. Teaches teamwork and communication in practical, applied ways.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Actually cooperative—you win or lose together, no backstabbing or hurt feelings from competitive dynamics
Seven different monsters with unique mechanics mean high replayability and fresh challenges each game
Sweet spot complexity: easy enough for a 10-year-old to learn, interesting enough that adults won't be bored
The vintage Universal Monsters theme is campy fun—think old black-and-white movies, not modern horror
Teaches real strategic thinking: resource management, probability, long-term planning, and team communication

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What to Watch For

The monster theme might be slightly spooky for sensitive younger kids, though it's more silly-vintage than scary
60-minute playtime is accurate—plan for a full hour, not a quick 20-minute game
Losing is part of the experience; some kids need to build resilience around cooperative failure
Like any co-op game, one player can dominate strategy discussions—watch for 'quarterbacking'

Conversation Starters

"Which monster do you think would be hardest to defeat in real life? Why?"
"What made you choose that strategy this turn? Let's think through the trade-offs together."
"When we lost, what could we have done differently as a team?"
"If you could add an eighth monster to this game, which classic creature would you pick?"

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