Review: Do Tell helps families connect and have fun

Games can be a great way to connect with kids, but it can be hard to find games that are good for all ages.  Games that younger kids like can bore teens and adults, and adult games can be inappropriate for children.  A new board game meets all those challenges and more, and helps family members learn more about each other while they're at it.

Do Tell (Family Version) is a board game "for players from 8 to 88" (and older and younger, I'd say), that is not only fun but also helps bring families closer.

We got Do Tell for Families this morning in the mail, and by noon we were all playing it.  While it's designed for kids age 8 and up, my 7 year-old son asked to play too and he was able to keep up just fine (players do need to be able to read and write or have help with these).  As I was reading the directions to my kids (ages 7, 10 and 12), my husband volunteered from the next room, "Okay, that sounds fun.  I'm in too."

The game involves rolling the dice and moving around a spiral on the game board.  Players land on symbols that represent either Do, Tell, Risk, Mirror or Wild cards.  Do cards ask players to do something (for instance, bark like a dog that's happy its owner is home).  Tell cards ask players to tell something (for instance, tell what you do when you see someone unhappy).  Risk cards ask more personal questions (for instance, tell how you feel when people think you're wrong about something, and why).  Mirror cards have you draw a Tell card, but there's a twist -- you write down your answer and every other player writes down what they think your answer will be.  If anybody guesses right, they (and you) get to move forward two extra spaces.  Wild cards involve switches and interesting moves.

Many cards have two options, so you don't have to do (or tell) something you're not comfortable with.  You also have the option of not using the card at all, and going back two spaces.

There are also bonus options on many cards, where you get to move forward extra spaces if you volunteer more information or get others to do something.

The cards asked interesting, thought-provoking (and discussion-generating) questions without getting too personal , and the actions were sometimes silly but not overly embarrassing.

The first person to reach the center wins, but the game is not really about winning and there is very little feeling of competition.  The real fun is in moving through the spots, answering questions, doing the actions and guessing how each other will answer.

All five of us really enjoyed playing the game.  Twelve year-old Victoria immediately proclaimed, "Cool game" as we finished and seven year-old Jack shouted, "That was fun!".  We all enjoyed it and have already played again.

The game took the five of us under a half an hour to play each time, with us rolling with two dice.  With fewer players, it's suggested to roll with one die to make the game last longer.  Obviously, it can take longer if the players get talking as they play, too.

Do Tell (Family version) is not available in Minnesota stores at this time, but can be ordered from Amazon.  It retails for $40 but currently sells on Amazon for $29 with free shipping.

This would make a great game to play with other families, with extended family and just together with kids.  I plan on bringing it with us next time we spend time with family friends, and also playing it at home regularly.

The company also makes a Do Tell relationship version for couples, and I'll be reviewing that soon.