re: #2 EmmmieG

Avoid avoid avoid games based on a licensed character, unless it’s a class game, but even then be wary. Star Wars Risk is okay, we’ve only played Harry Potter clue once.

Best to visit game shops; they have the really good games.

licensed games aren’t all bad, depends if your kids are board game nerds ;-) really deep games out there that are branded with Lord of The Rings, Dune, Game of Thrones, designed by some of the best minds in board game design. Boardgamegeek.com is a great place to find out if a game is a stinker or not.

And support local indie game shops!