Games
Suggested Age: 13 Years and Up
Type of Game: Party Games
Playing Time: 15 Minutes or More
Number of Players: 1 or More Players
Educational Focus: Creative Thinking
Includes: Game Board
Package Type: Full Game
Battery: No Battery Used
TCIN: 87885546
UPC: 195166210711
Item Number (DPCI): 087-10-9123
Origin: Imported
Summary
It’s the game of unspeakable fun! In the Taboo game, get your team to say the Guess word without saying any of the forbidden words! Who can get teammates to say "Fame" without being able to say "Celebrity," "Superstar," "Musical," "Known," or "Fortune"? This Taboo word board game features 212 cards with 848 relatable Guess words from pop culture, trends, and more. Players try to give creative and carefully worded clues to help team members guess words fast as they race against the timer. Just don't mention unmentionables, or it's time for the squeaker and you lose that point. This funny party game for ages 13+ is an exciting pick for family game nights. With this travel game you can take the card box and use the online tools to play the Taboo card game almost anywhere! Teen and adult board games make great gifts for families.
Critical Evaluation
​Excellent for critical thinking and communication: The game forces players to think creatively and communicate complex ideas concisely, which helps improve problem-solving skills. It is an effective tool for teaching new vocabulary and reinforcing knowledge, especially in academic settings like nursing or other science classes. When played with a receptive group, it is a fun and lively game that encourages teamwork and quick thinking. The rules explicitly allow for singing, which adds another layer of fun and creativity.The challenge of the game helps players develop resilience and a growth mindset by learning from mistakes and persisting through difficult concepts.
Some players will find it frustrating when they struggle to give clues without using the taboo words, leading to a sense of helplessness or a less enjoyable experience. The game can be difficult for more introverted players, as it puts them in a situation where they may feel put on the spot or singled out for their "weaknesses". Other modern word-guessing games have improved upon the formula and may be more fast-paced or engaging for their specific groups.
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The creator
​Brian Hersch is the creator of the game Taboo. He is the co-owner of Hersch Games and invented it after having a market research report done on party games. Parker Brothers published the game in 1989, and it was later acquired by Hasbro. Hersch entered the game industry by chance after a friend was impressed by his Trivial Pursuit skills and suggested he invent a game. Market research indicated a gap in the party game market, which he decided to fill.
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Age
For Ages 13 and up
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I chose this game because it's one of my favorite games to play for family game night. It gets every together
Players Annotation
​Gestures, sounds, or drawing are not allowed (singing the words is permitted, but not humming a tune)
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Genre
​​Party game, card game, word guessing game, Team/family game
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Game Talking Ideas
​Choose words appropriate for the players' skill levels. For beginners, use simpler, common words. For advanced players, use more complex or abstract terms.
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Challenge Issues
NA
Suggested Age: 13 Years and Up
Type of Game: Classic Games
Playing Time: 15 Minutes or More
Number of Players: 1 or More Players
Educational Focus: Social Skills, Language Skills
Includes: Game Board
Package Type: Full Game
Battery: No Battery Used
TCIN: 87885542
UPC: 195166209180
Item Number (DPCI): 087-10-8671
Origin: Made in the USA and Imported
Summary
​Think fast, be original and stay sharp! In the Scattergories game, roll the 20-sided letter die, flip the sand timer, and think of unique answers for each category on the list. Players race against the timer as they write down answers to categories -- such as things in your car, reality TV shows, famous animals, and things you shouldn’t touch -- each beginning with the letter “S,” for example. In this fun family board game for 2 players or more, score points for jotting down things no one else did. The more out-of-the-box the answers, the less likely someone will have it, and the more points you rack up. Online tools also enhance gameplay, giving players the option to use a web-based timer and letter die. This party game for adults and teens ages 13 and up features 190+ categories and 20 letters on the die, making it an entertaining group game for up to 6 people to play again and again.
How to play
Try to outwit other players by coming up with unique answers in this version of the fast-paced Scattergories party game for adults and teens In the classic Scattergories game, write down things in each category that start with the letter rolled -- from appetizers to movie stars. Your answer only counts if no one else has it. After 4 rounds, the player with the most points wins! This family board game for 2 players or more includes folders that are easy to write on and hold both lists and answer sheets. Scan the QR code -- or go to the web link -- to use the virtual timer and letter die on your smartphone. It’s an exciting group game for family and friends -- break it out for weekend fun, get-togethers, and holidays!
Includes: 6 folders, 48 category list cards, 20-sided letter die, timer, answer sheet pad, and instructions.
Ages 13 and up
For 2 to 6 players.
Critical Evaluation
The game encourages creative word formation and quick thinking, making it both fun and mentally stimulating. It is effective in educational settings for reviewing vocabulary, parts of speech, and word building. It is easy to set up and play, making it a good party game or family night activity suitable for a wide range of ages. Some variations are designed for fast-paced gameplay with quick rounds, keeping the energy high.
Players may argue about whether a specific answer is valid (e.g., what constitutes a "celebrity or a car"), and some rules require careful interpretation. The game is not a good fit for those who dislike thinking games or wordplay, as it requires a certain amount of creativity under pressure. Some rules, such as "no adding an adjective before a word to make it work," can be tricky to enforce consistently without leading to arguments.
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Players Annotation
In Scattergories, players score points based on the uniqueness and validity of their answers in each round. Only unique, acceptable answers that begin with the designated letter receive points
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Genre
​Creative-thinking, category-based, word game, party game
Game Talking Ideas
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Challenge Issues
The Creator
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​The creator of Scattergories is Gunther Degen, though the game was licensed to and published by the Milton Bradley Company in 1988. While Milton Bradley was the publisher, Degen was the individual designer who created the original concept.
For ages 13 and up
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I chose this game because it brings a lot of laughter due to the silly and creative answers
