Read All About It Game Review

Reviewed by M Connelly

The game arrived promptly direct from VAP Games, a new company producing games from 2017. Unfortunately the game didn’t arrive in a giftable condition. The packaging was crumpled when I opened it. It arrived from the manufacturer in a plastic postage bag which offered no protection. Important at this time of year. I like to think it fell from Santa’s sleigh as he did a dummy run for the big night but I doubt that’s the case. The box was fragile and more akin to a flimsy Doll box when I’d prefer the strength of a Pringles Tube.

Read All About It is described on the back of the box as an exciting game that causes families to go absolutely bonkers, shouting out hilarious headlines and playful puns in a frantic Fake News Frenzy. I looked forward to playing this game with family.

The set up seems simple enough with the box containing cards, newspapers sheets, a cone and instructions. The newspaper sheets were flimsy and I suspect wouldn’t stand up to much hammer as you frantically search for the answers. I had to sort the cards initially as we were playing as a foursome but the game can be played by teams of 4,6,8 and 10 players. Luckily you can have a Gamesmaster to ask the questions if there are odd numbers in your family.

Having a Gamesmaster is the ideal situation to be honest because even though you have to fold the cards to hide the answers you can easily cheat as the questions are obvious to who is asking them and it gives you a headstart over the competition.

I found the instructions clear and easy to follow. A good memory is useful as each team of two had 5 minutes to soak up information from the newspaper sheets and to begin the game. The cone is placed in the centre of the table and within easy reach of all players. There are 5 rounds with teams taking in turns asking questions. Anybody with the correct answer grabs the cone and shouts out “Read all about it” through it along with the correct answer. Now in happier times this may be suitable with your nearest and dearest but obviously at the moment the transfer of saliva is not advised unless you are wiping it with sanitizer after every question which is not ideal. We just stuck with grabbing the cone and shouting out without it actually touching our lips.

I think you can play it at any pace you choose but playing with teenagers I thought to maintain interest it would be best served going along at a fast pace. This theory seemed to work fine and a good time was had by all. With only a certain amount of cards and newspaper sheets I don’t think this a game that can be played over and over again but that aside it was enjoyable and very competitive.

My only real niggle was that the game was for age 7+ and over but contained certain double entendres which I didn’t find apt for a 7 year old child. There are easier pages available for children available, though their ears will still work fine. Far two many questions that could arise. But for teenagers and adults I think it is fine unless you’re Mary Whitehouse.

In whole I liked the game and found it exciting, a test of your memory skills and entertaining. Even as a complainer about Fake News I think even though he has just lost the election this would put a smile on Donald Trump’s face.

Read All About It would make a fun game for the family at Christmas, with limited repeat rounds. At £12 from Argos it’s worth it for the laughs, at £20 from Amazon it’s a personal choice if there’s enough repeat play opportunities.

Rating: 3.5/5

RRP: £12.00

For more information please visit the Vap Games website here.

3.5/5