Times sure have changed. I remember a day where “going outside to play” was a thing…now I have to wonder if the sole reason for going outside nowadays is so that folks can finally catch a Snorlax on their Pokémon Go app. Seriously, I can’t make it through a single day without seeing someone on their phones doing something…and I’m big enough to admit that I’m probably one of the worst offenders. “Off The Grid”, a tabletop game that’s currently retailing on Amazon for roughly $19.99, attempts to get kids away from the phones and “Internets”. Before we begin I am required by FCC regulations to disclose that I was paid to cover this game, however my thoughts and opinions are my own.
The game includes 42 activity cards, 42 station cards, an activity board, and a rules sheet. You’d think a rulebook would go without saying, but I actually covered a game recently that did not include one. It’s like those unnecessary warning labels you find on products that warn you not to ignite them and then put them into your mouth…they’re only there because someone thought it would be a great idea to do so. #goodjudgement #greatmenofgenius
To play, shuffle all 42 of the activity cards and deal five face-up onto the board. Players then choose areas of the house where the activities should take place, placing the matching station cards as they see fit. Lastly, turn off your electronic devices and have fun! The rules sheet does say to turn the lights off as well, but also goes on to warn players of the dangers that may result from doing so. My advice: use your best judgment, parents.
The components are of good quality. I found the cards easy to shuffle and the text easy to read. The rules sheet was likewise easy to read as well as short and to the point. There’s no complicated set up here…you’ll be playing almost as soon as you open the box. Some activities require additional props, so you may need to spend a few minutes finding and preparing these things if you don’t have them readily handy. It honestly all depends on what activity cards you draw. Some might involve a flashlight while others treat you to a snack.
I appreciate what “Off The Grid” attempts to do: steer kids and their families away from electronics for a few hours in order to bring them closer together. In the day and age in which we live, time with our families is unfortunately a rare commodity. As a single parent I work full-time, do housework, deal with medical issues, and cover games on the side. Rarely do I have time to have a full five-minute conversation with my teenage son, who’s usually holed up in his room playing a game of his own.
That said, “Off The Grid” only includes the ideas for activities, not the props necessary to start said activities. Granted, most of these activities call for the use of common household items (like pennies), but I think having some or all of the smaller objects included would have made the game feel more complete. Confused? Let’s look at this from a consumer standpoint. Would you want to spend $20 or so on a game with around 40 ideas for various activities, or would you rather go online for free, compile a list in MS Word, and print it out to take with you to school or game night? To be fair, the developer would not realistically be able to fit flashlights, snacks, and waste paper baskets, and other larger items in the box. It’s a no-win scenario and honestly, it’s hard to see a solution here.
The activities themselves may require some creative thinking if you’re not comfortable following through with them. For example, one activity calls for tossing pennies at a wall. Rather than damage my house, I’d opt to use a cup or bowl instead, the size of which could determine the difficulty level. Either that, or use a cardboard box (Amazon boxes tend to be sturdy). Along those lines the activities are indeed mod-able to suit your needs, assuming you’re willing to think outside of the box a little. Other activities are common games one would know without even look at the card, like hot potato or hide and go seek.
I can’t overstate enough my approval of the theme and message behind this game. I think it would be great for a preschool/kindergarten classroom setting as well but again, you’d have to modify the activities to suit the kids in question. It would have been ideal to include a few “classroom” specific activity/station cards…not doing so seems like a missed opportunity considering how well the game would fit into that kind of setting. That said, most would fit just fine. Again, teachers should use their best judgment and leave out games that involve objects that can be swallowed.
Summary: Great message/theme and some good ideas, but that’s all you’re buying here – ideas. Further, some of said ideas are common games one would know how to play anyway.
Final Verdict: 6/10 – Above Average
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