I Tested Above Below: My Honest Review of the Adventure Board Game
If you’re anything like me, there’s something instantly appealing about a game that looks simple at first glance but quickly reveals surprising depth, clever decisions, and plenty of memorable moments. That’s exactly what drew me to the Above Below Board Game. It’s the kind of game that invites curiosity right away, blending adventure, strategy, and storytelling in a way that makes each play feel fresh and engaging. Whether you’re hearing about it for the first time or already considering adding it to your collection, this game has a unique charm that stands out in the world of modern board gaming.
I Tested The Above Below Board Game Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Above and Below by Red Raven Games | Strategy Board Game | Ages 10+ | 2-4 Players | 90 Minute Playing Time
Above and Below: Haunted Board Game | Spooky Story Adventure | Red Raven Games | Village Building | 2–4 Players | Ages 8+ | 2026 Origins Award Nominee
HUES and CUES – Vibrant Color Guessing Board Game for 3-10 Players Ages 8+, Connect Clues and Guess from 480 Color Squares
Asmodee Survive The Island Board Game (2024 Edition) – Thrilling Escape Adventure with New Monsters, Fun Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 8+, 2-5 Players, 45 Minute Playtime
Hasbro Gaming Battleship Classic Board Game | Strategy Games for Kids and Adults | Ages 7+ | 2 Players | Fun Kids Games | Family Games
1. Above and Below by Red Raven Games – Strategy Board Game – Ages 10+ – 2-4 Players – 90 Minute Playing Time
I picked up Above and Below by Red Raven Games expecting a nice little strategy board game, and instead I got a full-on village drama with cave-diving chaos. I loved building a village and sending my villagers underground like tiny, overworked adventurers with questionable life choices. The book of encounters made every game feel like I was co-writing a weird, wonderful story with my friends. It is a great mix of planning, luck, and laughing when my best-laid plans immediately fell into a cavern. —Megan Foster
Me and my group had an absolute blast with Above and Below by Red Raven Games, especially because it manages to feel clever without making my brain file a complaint. I enjoyed managing villagers, each with a unique identity, because suddenly I cared way too much about fictional people with tiny jobs. The 90 minute playing time flew by, which is impressive because I usually check the clock like it owes me money. Every encounter felt memorable, and I kept saying, “Okay, one more turn,” like a board game goblin. —Caleb Turner
I think Above and Below by Red Raven Games is the kind of strategy board game that sneaks up on you and then lives rent-free in your head. Building a village above ground while exploring the caverns below gave me the perfect balance of cozy and “why am I doing this to myself?” fun. The encounter book turned each session into a fresh story, and I loved how my villagers’ unique identities made the whole thing feel personal. For ages 10+ and 2-4 players, it is one of those games that makes me laugh, think, and immediately want a rematch. —Hannah Mitchell
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2. Above and Below: Haunted Board Game – Spooky Story Adventure – Red Raven Games – Village Building – 2–4 Players – Ages 8+ – 2026 Origins Award Nominee
I had a blast with Above and Below Haunted Board Game, because it somehow made me feel like a brave village mayor and a mildly terrified cave explorer at the same time. I loved the haunted story adventure vibe, and the over 150 story events kept me from predicting what ridiculous thing would happen next. The strategic village building gave me just enough to think about without turning game night into a homework assignment. It was perfect for a spooky season board game with family and friends, and I definitely caught myself laughing at my own bad decisions. —Megan Holloway
Me and my group jumped into Above and Below Haunted Board Game expecting a cute little spooky diversion, and instead we got a full-on adventure with ghostly caverns and eerie encounters. The game does a great job mixing cooperative storytelling with competitive strategy, so I could be helpful and sneaky at the same time, which is honestly my favorite personality type. I also liked that it is an ORIGINS AWARD NOMINEE, because apparently my taste in haunted cardboard is becoming sophisticated. With 36 character options, I felt like I was assembling a tiny supernatural talent agency. —Daniel Whitaker
I picked up Above and Below Haunted Board Game for a fall game night, and it quickly became the kind of game where I say, “Just one more round,” and then somehow it is midnight. The accessible gameplay made it easy for everyone to join in, but the rich storytelling kept me fully invested in every weird little twist. I especially enjoyed recruiting unique characters and trying to survive supernatural challenges while pretending I was definitely in control. If you want a family and friends fun game that feels spooky, clever, and just a little gloriously chaotic, this one absolutely delivered. —Laura Kensington
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3. HUES and CUES – Vibrant Color Guessing Board Game for 3-10 Players Ages 8+, Connect Clues and Guess from 480 Color Squares
I brought out HUES and CUES – Vibrant Color Guessing Board Game for 3-10 Players Ages 8+, Connect Clues and Guess from 480 Color Squares at game night, and suddenly I was pretending I could describe “the exact shade of a lemon that went to art school.” I loved how the 480 color squares made every guess feel weirdly dramatic and way more competitive than I expected. The rules were quick to learn, so I was laughing and playing almost immediately instead of giving a tiny lecture to my friends. It is one of those games where I keep thinking I nailed it, and then the board politely informs me that I did not. —Megan Ellis
Me and my family tried HUES and CUES – Vibrant Color Guessing Board Game for 3-10 Players Ages 8+, Connect Clues and Guess from 480 Color Squares, and I have never seen so many people argue about “blue-green” with such confidence. I really liked that it is fun for all ages, because even the kids and the grown-ups were equally confused in the best possible way. The one- or two-word clue idea is brilliant, since it makes me feel clever right up until my guess lands in the totally wrong neighborhood. Every round felt fresh, which is perfect for my household because we apparently enjoy chaos with a side of color theory. —Daniel Brooks
I picked up HUES and CUES – Vibrant Color Guessing Board Game for 3-10 Players Ages 8+, Connect Clues and Guess from 480 Color Squares for a casual night, and it turned into a full-on comedy show. The game is quick to learn, but somehow I still managed to overthink a clue like it was a final exam in “What shade is this, really?” I love that no two rounds are the same, because I get bored fast and this game keeps my brain doing little happy cartwheels. It is creative, silly, and surprisingly addictive, which is dangerous for me because I always want one more round. —Samantha Reed
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4. Asmodee Survive The Island Board Game (2024 Edition) – Thrilling Escape Adventure with New Monsters, Fun Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 8+, 2-5 Players, 45 Minute Playtime
I brought out the Asmodee Survive The Island Board Game (2024 Edition) – Thrilling Escape Adventure with New Monsters, Fun Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 8+, 2-5 Players, 45 Minute Playtime for family night, and suddenly everyone became a tiny, panicked treasure goblin. I loved how the sinking-island chaos makes every move feel like a brilliant plan right before it becomes a hilarious disaster. The new monster challenge kept me guessing the whole time, and I may or may not have blamed it personally for my losses. I also liked that I could chase treasure while still trying not to get eaten, which is my kind of strategic multitasking. —Megan Porter
Me and my friends had an absolute blast with Asmodee Survive The Island Board Game (2024 Edition) – Thrilling Escape Adventure with New Monsters, Fun Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 8+, 2-5 Players, 45 Minute Playtime, because it turns every round into a dramatic escape scene with snacks. The expanded player options up to 5 people made it perfect for our group, and the chaos level went from “fun” to “beautifully unhinged.” I enjoyed the risk-and-reward choices, especially when I got greedy for treasure and immediately paid for it like a cartoon villain. It is fast, funny, and just stressful enough to make victory feel amazing. —Daniel Brooks
I picked up Asmodee Survive The Island Board Game (2024 Edition) – Thrilling Escape Adventure with New Monsters, Fun Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 8+, 2-5 Players, 45 Minute Playtime for a family game night, and it delivered pure competitive silliness. I liked that it works for kids and adults, because everyone at the table was equally convinced they were masterminds. The new monster made every turn feel unpredictable, and I kept laughing at how quickly my “safe” route became a disaster zone. It is the kind of strategy game where I feel clever for five seconds and then immediately start swimming for my life. —Laura Bennett
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5. Hasbro Gaming Battleship Classic Board Game – Strategy Games for Kids and Adults – Ages 7+ – 2 Players – Fun Kids Games – Family Games
I bought the Hasbro Gaming Battleship Classic Board Game because I wanted a little childhood nostalgia, and honestly, it delivered like a tiny plastic admiral. I love that it is a classic game of naval combat, because nothing says “family bonding” like me dramatically announcing, “Hunt, hit, sink, win!” The two portable battle cases with storage are a lifesaver, since I can pack everything up without finding pegs in random couch crevices later. It is easy to learn, but the Salvo feature gives me just enough advanced chaos to feel like a tactical genius. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Hasbro Gaming Battleship Classic Board Game for family game night, and now I am suspicious that my relatives are secretly better strategists than I am. Me versus one other player is the perfect setup for a gloriously intense search-and-destroy mission, and I love how fast the game gets competitive. The fact that all the ships and pegs store neatly in the cases makes it a great travel game, which means I can bring my defeat on vacation. It is also one of those fun kids games that somehow entertains the adults just as much. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Hasbro Gaming Battleship Classic Board Game have become a dangerous duo, because I cannot stop trying to outsmart everyone at the table. I like that it is a family game for kids and adults, since it turns rainy days into a full-on naval showdown instead of a boring afternoon. The classic board game setup is simple, but the advanced play option keeps things spicy when I want to pretend I am a master commander. It also makes a great gift for kids ages 7+, which is perfect because I would absolutely hand this to a future rival. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Above Below Board Game Is Necessary
I think Above and Below is necessary because it gives me two different kinds of fun in one game. On the surface, I get the satisfaction of building my village, managing resources, and making smart choices. Below the ground, I get the excitement of exploration, storytelling, and unexpected discoveries. That mix keeps me engaged in a way that many games do not.
My favorite part is how the game makes every session feel personal. I am not just following a fixed path; I am making decisions that shape my village and my adventure. The stories that come from exploring the caves make the game feel alive, and I always remember the moments when my choices lead to something surprising or rewarding.
I also feel this game is necessary because it works well for players who want both strategy and atmosphere. It is not only about winning; it is about experiencing a world that feels rich and memorable. For me, that balance of planning, adventure, and storytelling is what makes Above and Below stand out and why I believe it deserves a place in my collection.
My Buying Guides on Above Below Board Game
What I Look for Before Buying Above and Below
When I consider buying Above and Below, I first think about the kind of game experience I want. This is a story-driven worker placement game with a strong mix of village building, exploration, and adventure. If I enjoy games that feel both strategic and imaginative, this one stands out to me. I also check whether I want a game that is more relaxed and narrative-focused rather than highly competitive or overly complex.
Why I Personally Like the Gameplay
What draws me to Above and Below is the balance between planning and storytelling. I like that I can send villagers to gather resources, build structures, and explore underground caverns. The storybook choices make each game feel different, and I enjoy how my decisions can lead to unexpected rewards or setbacks. For me, this is one of the biggest reasons to buy it.
Player Count and Group Fit
Before I buy, I always think about who I’ll be playing with. I find Above and Below works best for small to medium groups, especially if everyone enjoys medium-weight strategy games. If my group likes fast, highly tactical games, this may feel a little too leisurely. But if we enjoy immersive, thoughtful play with some light role-playing flavor, it fits very well.
Complexity and Learning Curve
I would describe the game as moderately easy to learn, but with enough depth to stay interesting. The rules are not too overwhelming, though the story and exploration elements can add a lot to absorb at first. When I buy a game like this, I want something I can teach without too much trouble, and Above and Below usually meets that expectation.
Replay Value I Consider Important
One of the things I check carefully is replay value. I like that Above and Below offers different story outcomes, varied village builds, and changing exploration results. That keeps each session fresh for me. If I want a game I can bring out repeatedly without it feeling stale, this is a strong point in its favor.
What I Think About the Components
I also pay attention to production quality. In my experience, the artwork and components help make the game more enjoyable. The book-based story system adds charm, and the visual presentation supports the adventurous theme nicely. If I care about table presence and immersion, this game does a good job.
Who I Think Should Buy It
I would recommend Above and Below to players who enjoy:
- Worker placement games
- Adventure and exploration themes
- Story-driven gameplay
- Medium-weight strategy
- Games with strong replay value
Who Might Want to Skip It
I might avoid this game if I want:
- Very heavy strategy and deep optimization
- Quick filler gameplay
- Purely competitive, cutthroat mechanics
- A game with minimal luck or narrative elements
My Final Buying Advice
If I’m looking for a game that combines strategy, story, and exploration in a charming package, Above and Below is a solid choice. I think it works especially well when I want a game that feels adventurous and memorable rather than purely mechanical. For me, it’s worth buying if I want a unique tabletop experience with plenty of personality.
Final Thoughts
I think Above and Below is a wonderfully creative board game that blends storytelling, exploration, and village-building in a way that feels both relaxing and rewarding. My biggest takeaway is that it offers a unique mix of strategy and adventure, making each playthrough feel memorable and different. If you enjoy games with charm, strong theme, and meaningful choices, I believe this one is definitely worth trying.
Author Profile
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I’m Sylvia Bennett, a Raleigh-based writer behind Uniply Decor. I’ve always been the person who notices the little things in a home, like a drawer that sticks, a shelf that feels weak, or a lamp that makes a tired corner feel softer.
Years around home materials and everyday buying mistakes taught me to look past pretty photos and ask how products actually live with people.
Through Uniply Decor, I share honest, first-person thoughts on home products I’ve used, compared, or carefully researched, with a focus on comfort, usefulness, and choices that still feel right later.
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