Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a solid cooperative adventure that delivers on the Tolkien fantasy, but it's not without baggage. The app integration is both its strength (dynamic storytelling, enemy AI) and its weakness (some players feel like they're just along for the ride).

If your family already loves hobby board games and someone's into Lord of the Rings, this could be a great campaign to tackle together over several weeks. The cooperative structure genuinely encourages teamwork, and the character progression gives you something to invest in.

But be warned: reviews are all over the map. Some families find it immersive and engaging; others describe it as tedious busywork where the board game elements feel secondary to app management. At 60-120 minutes per session across a multi-game campaign, you're making a real time commitment—make sure everyone's actually into it before diving in.

Bottom line: A well-crafted but divisive experience that works best for families who want a lighter RPG feel without full D&D commitment, and who don't mind their tablet being a permanent fixture at the table.

Age Fit

The 14+ rating is about complexity, not content. Experienced 10-12 year old gamers can handle it with adult support, while the cooperative nature and Tolkien setting appeal to teens and adults. Not for families new to hobby gaming—start with Forbidden Island or Pandemic first.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

Cooperative gameplay that requires teamwork and shared decision-making. Players work together against the game rather than each other, modeling collaboration. Tolkien's Middle-earth setting emphasizes heroism, courage, and standing against evil. The 60-120 minute playtime is substantial but manageable for family sessions. BGG forums show 8-year-olds playing successfully with parents, indicating good intergenerational bonding potential.

Imaginative

88

Explores one of the most beloved fantasy worlds ever created. The app-driven gameplay reveals dynamic landscapes and encounters, making each campaign feel like an unfolding story. Deck-building and character progression let players customize their heroes. The adventure and exploration mechanics encourage strategic thinking and problem-solving. Multiple expansions and campaigns provide varied narrative paths through Middle-earth. However, some reviews note the app does much of the heavy lifting, which can feel less tactile than pure board game experiences.

Safe

92

Board games are inherently safe media. Fantasy violence is thematic and abstract (fighting orcs, battling evil forces) without graphic content. Cooperative structure avoids the toxic competitive dynamics that can sour family game nights. No gambling mechanics, no concerning monetization beyond buying expansions (standard for hobby board games). The 14+ age rating reflects complexity more than content concerns. BGG community reports show younger kids playing successfully with adult guidance.

Enriching

79

Medium complexity (2.69 weight) provides genuine cognitive challenge without overwhelming players. Teaches strategic planning, resource management, and collaborative problem-solving. The campaign structure creates narrative investment and delayed gratification. However, reviews are mixed on entertainment value—some find it engaging, others describe it as 'incredibly boring' with too much app reliance and not enough board game feel. The 7.9 BGG rating is solid but not exceptional. Won several Golden Geek nominations but didn't win, suggesting it's well-regarded but not groundbreaking.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely cooperative—you're building a story together, not backstabbing your siblings over sheep (looking at you, Catan)
Campaign structure means decisions carry weight across multiple sessions, creating real narrative investment
Accessible entry to Tolkien's world without reading 1,000 pages about walking
Soloable for parents who want to game after bedtime, but scales well to 5 players
Deck-building and character progression scratch that RPG itch without needing a dungeon master

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What to Watch For

The app does a LOT—some players feel like they're just moving pieces while their phone tells the story
Reviews are polarized: some families love it, others found it tedious and sold it quickly
Setup and learning curve are real (massive rulebook), though BGG reports show 8-year-olds managing with help
You're committing to multiple sessions for a campaign—not a quick one-and-done game night
Requires a tablet or phone every single time you play (no app, no game)

Conversation Starters

"Which character role would you want in real life—the brave fighter or the clever scout?"
"What would you do if you had to choose between helping a stranger or completing your quest?"
"How is working together in this game different from competing against each other in other games?"
"If you could explore any fantasy world, would you pick Middle-earth or somewhere else?"

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Journeys in Middle-earth