Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

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Screenwise Verdict

The Game of Life is the board game equivalent of watching paint dry, but with a spinner. It's perfectly safe and easy enough for young kids to grasp, which is why it remains a household staple. But let's be real: there's no game here. You spin, you move, stuff happens to you, and whoever ends up with the most money wins. No strategy, no meaningful choices, no skill development.

The 1960s values are showing their age—the game assumes everyone wants the same path (marriage, kids, suburban house, retirement in a mansion), and 'winning' is purely about accumulating wealth. It might spark some decent conversations about life choices and money, but you could get the same benefit from a 10-minute chat without the hour-long slog.

If you're looking for family game night options that actually engage kids' brains and offer replayability, there are dozens of better choices. This one's fine for a rainy afternoon with a 7-year-old who's never played it before, but don't expect anyone to ask for a rematch.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-10 who are learning basic money skills and can enjoy the novelty of the spinner and little cars. Older kids and teens will find it painfully boring and luck-dependent. Adults will play it once for nostalgia, then quietly suggest literally any other game.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

65

Models basic life milestones (college, career, family) in a sanitized, optimistic way. The game's values are stuck in a 1960s worldview—success equals money, marriage, and kids—which feels dated and narrow. It's not harmful, just simplistic and materialistic. No real character development or emotional depth, but it's inoffensive and easy for families to play together.

Imaginative

35

Zero player agency or creative expression. You spin, you move, things happen to you. The 'simulation' aspect is purely mechanical—there's no storytelling, no world-building, no room for imagination. It's a dressed-up roll-and-move game with life-themed window dressing. The only 'imagination' is pretending the plastic pegs in your car are your family.

Safe

95

Completely safe for family play. No mature themes, no toxic social dynamics, no gambling mechanics beyond the inherent randomness of spinning. The game doesn't create excessive conflict between players—everyone's mostly doing their own thing on parallel tracks. Age 8+ is appropriate, though even younger kids can participate with help.

Enriching

40

Teaches basic money counting and introduces the concept of life choices (college vs. work, career paths), but the choices are mostly illusory since outcomes are random. No strategic thinking required—BGG weight of 1.17 confirms this is pure luck. Might spark conversations about careers and money, but the game itself teaches that life is random and wealth equals success, which isn't exactly enriching. Entertainment value is low for anyone over 10.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Dead simple to learn and play—even 7-year-olds can handle it solo after a couple rounds
Safe, inoffensive family time that won't cause fights or tears
Introduces basic money math and the concept of life milestones in an accessible way
Nostalgia factor for parents who played it as kids

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What to Watch For

Literally zero strategy—it's 100% luck, which means skilled players get no advantage and younger kids won't feel challenged
The game's values are stuck in 1960: success = money, and the 'right' path involves marriage, kids, and a big house
Can drag on for an hour with minimal player engagement—you're mostly just spinning and moving
Low replayability—once you've played it twice, you've seen everything it has to offer

Conversation Starters

"If you could design your own version of Life, what would you change about the jobs or life paths?"
"Do you think having the most money means you 'won' at life? What else matters?"
"What's one thing you want to do in your life that isn't on the game board?"

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