Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

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Screenwise Verdict

Trouble is what it is: a nostalgia-fueled, luck-based race game that works for preschoolers and makes everyone else want to claw their eyes out.

The Pop-O-Matic bubble? Chef's kiss. The gameplay? Roll, move, maybe bump someone, repeat until someone wins by sheer chance. There's literally no strategy—Father Geek's review correctly notes 'the game itself has no meat.' The 3.9/10 BGG rating from thousands of users tells you everything.

For a 4-5 year old learning to count and take turns, this is fine. It teaches basic game mechanics and emotional regulation when your peg gets bumped. But once your kid hits first grade, you're going to be begging for literally any other game on family game night.

The Amazon rating of 4.7/5 is inflated by parents buying it for young kids (where it works) and nostalgia. The BoardGameGeek community, who actually plays games regularly, gives it a much more honest 3.9/10. If your kids have moved past Candy Land, skip Trouble and go straight to something with actual gameplay.

Age Fit

Ideal for ages 4-6 as a first board game experience. By age 7-8, most kids are ready for games with actual decisions (try Kingdomino, Outfoxed, or Sushi Go instead). Adults playing this will be checking their phones.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

A straightforward racing game with no problematic content. Players compete to get their pegs home first, which involves some 'bumping' opponents back to start—a mild competitive element that teaches kids about winning and losing gracefully. The Pop-O-Matic bubble is satisfying and prevents lost dice. No cooperation required, but also no mean-spirited mechanics.

Imaginative

28

This is pure roll-and-move with zero strategic depth or creative expression. BGG complexity of 1.07 confirms it's essentially luck-based—you roll, you move the number shown, maybe you bump someone. No meaningful decisions, no storytelling, no building or exploration. The 'Power Up spaces' variant mentioned adds minimal complexity. It's Pachisi stripped to its barest bones.

Safe

95

Completely safe for young kids. No mature themes, no problematic social dynamics beyond standard race-game competition. The bumping mechanic can frustrate young players (as noted in parent reviews), but that's age-appropriate emotional learning, not a safety concern. No gambling elements, no concerning artwork. BoardGameGeek lists 'Religious' as a category, which is odd and likely a data error—this is just a secular racing game.

Enriching

35

Teaches basic counting, turn-taking, and number recognition for preschoolers. Good for ages 4-5 learning these fundamentals. Beyond that? Almost nothing. Father Geek review nails it: 'The game itself has no meat.' No strategic thinking, no problem-solving, no meaningful skill development. The 3.9/10 BGG rating from 4,500+ users reflects that experienced gamers find it hollow. Fine as a first board game, but kids outgrow its value quickly.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Perfect first board game for 4-5 year olds learning to count, take turns, and handle losing
The Pop-O-Matic bubble is genuinely satisfying and prevents lost dice (parents appreciate this)
Quick setup, durable construction, and nostalgic for parents who played it as kids
Teaches emotional regulation when your peg gets bumped back to start—a gentle introduction to game competition

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What to Watch For

Absolutely zero strategic depth—it's 100% luck, which gets boring fast for kids over 6
The bumping mechanic can lead to tears with very young or sensitive kids
Rated 3.9/10 on BoardGameGeek for a reason—experienced game families will find it hollow
The 45-minute listed play time feels eternal when there are no meaningful decisions to make

Conversation Starters

"How did it feel when your peg got sent back to start? What did you do to feel better about it?"
"Do you think this game is more about luck or skill? Why?"
"What would make this game more fun or interesting for you?"

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