Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

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Screenwise Verdict

Sorry! is a board game institution that teaches one thing really well: how to lose without losing your mind. The constant bumping back to start is frustrating by design, which makes it weirdly valuable for teaching emotional regulation to young kids.

But let's be honest—it's a terrible game by modern standards. Zero strategy, zero meaningful decisions, pure card-draw luck. The BGG weight of 1.16 tells the story: this is as shallow as board gaming gets. You're not playing so much as watching cards tell you what to do.

For families with 6-8 year olds learning sportsmanship? It works. The drama of getting 'Sorry'd' back to start is real, and kids do learn to bounce back. But if you're looking for family bonding over actual gameplay, there are dozens of better options (Ticket to Ride: First Journey, Outfoxed, Kingdomino) that offer both fun AND thinking.

The 4.8 Amazon rating and Hall of Fame status reflect nostalgia more than quality. It's fine for what it is—a simple, safe, frustrating-on-purpose game for little kids. Just don't expect anyone over 9 to want to play it twice.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 6-8 who are learning to handle competitive setbacks and don't yet crave strategic depth. By age 9-10, most kids will find it boring and want games with actual decisions. Adults will tolerate it for nostalgia but won't genuinely enjoy it.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Classic race-to-home gameplay with inevitable conflict built in—players bump each other back to start constantly. The 'take that' mechanism teaches resilience and good sportsmanship in the face of setbacks, which parents cite as valuable. However, the core mechanic is literally sending opponents backward, which can frustrate younger or sensitive kids. No mean-spirited content, just competitive chaos.

Imaginative

38

Extremely low complexity (BGG weight 1.16) with zero strategic depth—you draw a card, you move. No meaningful decisions, no creativity, no world-building. The 'roll/spin and move' mechanism is the most passive in board gaming. It's a pure luck-fest that doesn't invite problem-solving or experimentation. The only imagination required is pretending you're having fun when you get bumped back to start for the third time.

Safe

92

Completely safe in every dimension. No mature themes, no toxic social dynamics beyond standard competitive play, no monetization concerns. The 'take that' mechanism can create frustration, but that's a feature of competitive games and teaches emotional regulation. Parents specifically mention it's good for teaching winning/losing. Age 6+ rating is appropriate. Only minor ding for potential tears from younger kids who can't handle setbacks.

Enriching

45

Minimal cognitive growth—it's pure luck with no strategic thinking required. Does teach basic counting, turn-taking, and emotional resilience when you get sent back. The sportsmanship angle is real and valuable, especially for teaching kids to handle arbitrary setbacks gracefully. But there's no problem-solving, no pattern recognition, no skill development. Entertainment value is high for the target age (6-8) but drops off fast as kids develop.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely excellent for teaching emotional resilience and good sportsmanship—kids learn to handle arbitrary setbacks without melting down
Simple enough for young kids to grasp immediately (age 6+) with no complex rules to explain
Quick 30-minute playtime means tantrums end fast and you can move on with your evening
Nostalgic for parents who grew up with it, and the 'Sorry!' moment still delivers dramatic flair
Games Magazine Hall of Fame inductee—it's a cultural touchstone even if it's not deep

⚠

What to Watch For

Zero strategic thinking required—you draw a card, you move, that's it. No decisions means no cognitive development
The 'take that' mechanism can cause tears and frustration in sensitive or younger kids who aren't ready for constant setbacks
Gets boring fast for kids over 8-9 who want actual gameplay with choices and consequences
Parents may find themselves brain-dead after the tenth game of pure luck-based movement

Conversation Starters

"How did it feel when you got bumped back to start? What helped you keep going?"
"If you could change one rule to make it more fair, what would you do?"
"Do you think the person who wins is the best player, or just the luckiest?"

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