Christmas is a time I am always on the look out for games that we can enjoy as a family without tech. I found it. Rather we got to review it and between the gales of laughter I knew this was a keeper! I will do my best to give you a moment in to time in the Laurie household as we played Snake Oil by Out of the Box Games.
I got this game out when on one of those dreary fall days we had plenty of this year. I hoped it would mean that everyone stayed attentive since there was nothing else to go do. Yeap I had low expectations. Not because of the game but because of our gaming track record. We are the tech MineCraft family that sits in hiddy holes all over the house and yells directions at each other occasionally. I REALLY wanted that to change. At least sometimes so we can be a face to face joy-filled family.
That dreary day we first played and EVERY day since has been a wonderful step in that direction. Seriously we have played or had the kids begging to play everyday since we first played the game.
We played Snake Oil (worked great historically with our wrap up of the Civil War). The jest is one person is the customer and everyone else there is tailoring an item they make up from their hand of cards to sell. You get 30 second to pitch your item until everyone has. The winner gets the customer card and you go around the table.
They cards are fun and clean. The furthest ‘out there’ car I saw was ‘poop’. You could easily remove that card or any other that you feel don’t match your families values prior to playing. There are plenty of cards so you won’t run short.
Off we went for a day of fun playing! Then hours later came, “Mom can we pleeeeeeease play one more round. I’ll use my indoor voice the whole time this time. Pleeeease!”
The next day with the sun peaking over the rim of the hills and I have a little’s face in mine, “Hey mom! Glad you are up. Can we play a game of Snake Oil to start the brain engines today?”
This is the most beloved item we have used all year. It took a round or two to get the feel for what that game is asking of you. When the kids got it they took off. Only my youngest (6yr slightly HFA) still doesn’t get the idea of selling and pitching an item at all so she is just basically giggling and laughing through the whole game. That ends up just adding to energy to the whole family and by the end there is much shouting, laughter, and general fun.
So much fun that our dog came and jumped up on the table to try to get himself some silliness too. Again we all dissolved into laughter.
Can I Play?!
The older you are the more cut throat you can play this game. A couple of teenagers and their parents (hubby and me) were all well matched. You can definitely tell that my poor kids got our sense of off the wall humor. Pity them… they will need humor counseling. hahaha
We all loved this game. I would be happy to buy this for family and friends. It helps your introverts to come out of their shells. It helps kids that need more assistance talking to a group and in a coherent pitch that is most likely not their OCD/ish love to talk about. The fun and laughter makes those weaker areas worth overcoming. Out of the Box Games has a hit on its hands with Snake Oil!
(Not reviewed by me but click below it was reviewed by others in the Schoolhouse review crew.) Snake Oil – Party Potion is best for ages 8 and up. It can be used with those as young as 6 if they are reading.
Age Range: 10 years and up
Price: $19.99
https://www.facebook.com/OutoftheBoxGames
https://twitter.com/OTBgames
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYAQiV5S9ZQ&feature=c4-overview&list=UUTEAg1uDVwq0LNxFAwM7N5Q
