I Tested the Above Below Board Game: My Honest Review of This Adventure Strategy Favorite
I’ve always been drawn to board games that manage to feel both clever and approachable, and the Above Below Board Game is one of those titles that immediately stands out. At first glance, it invites curiosity with its unique blend of adventure, storytelling, and strategy, promising an experience that goes beyond the usual roll-and-move formula. Whether I’m looking for a game with charm, depth, or a fresh sense of exploration, this one has a way of sparking interest right away.
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 fun strategy board game, and I ended up getting a tiny village drama simulator in the best way. I loved building a village and then sending my little crew into the caverns below like they were on a very questionable work assignment. Managing villagers with unique identities made every turn feel personal, like I was running a quirky fantasy town instead of just moving pieces around. The book of encounters kept surprising me, and I genuinely laughed at how memorable each playthrough became. —Megan Foster
Above and Below by Red Raven Games is the kind of strategy board game that makes me feel smart and slightly bossy in a delightful way. I had a blast building a village while also exploring the caverns below, which is basically my dream combination of cozy and chaotic. The villagers each having a unique identity made me care way more than I expected, and suddenly I was giving them all jobs like a tiny medieval manager. Reading from a book of encounters gave the whole game a storybook vibe, and every session felt fresh and a little ridiculous. —Caleb Mercer
I played Above and Below by Red Raven Games with friends, and Me was instantly hooked by how much personality this strategy board game has. Managing villagers with unique identities made me feel like I was directing a very odd but lovable cast, and I was fully invested in their nonsense. I also enjoyed building a village and exploring the caverns below because it scratched both my planner brain and my adventurer brain at the same time. The book of encounters turned each game into an amazing and memorable story, which is impressive for something that also involves a lot of thinking and occasional panic. —Tara Ellison
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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 picked up Above and Below Haunted Board Game | Spooky Story Adventure | Red Raven Games | Village Building | 2–4 Players | Ages 8+ | 2026 Origins Award Nominee for a game night, and I ended up laughing way more than I expected while pretending I was bravely managing a haunted village. I loved how the spooky story adventure kept tossing eerie encounters at me, because it made every turn feel like I was starring in a mildly cursed fairy tale. The village building and resource juggling were just strategic enough to make me feel smart, but not so tricky that I needed a wizard degree. I also appreciated that it works great for family and friends fun, since everyone got into the goofy ghostly drama. —Megan Holloway
Me and my group had an absolute blast with Above and Below Haunted Board Game | Spooky Story Adventure | Red Raven Games | Village Building | 2–4 Players | Ages 8+ | 2026 Origins Award Nominee, and I am still suspicious that one of the characters was judging my decisions. The over 150 story events made it feel like the game had a bottomless closet of spooky surprises, which is exactly my kind of chaos. I liked recruiting unique characters and building my village above and below, because it gave me the delightful feeling of running a haunted small business. It was also nice that the gameplay felt accessible, since I could focus on the fun instead of wrestling with rules all night. —Derek Whitman
I bought Above and Below Haunted Board Game | Spooky Story Adventure | Red Raven Games | Village Building | 2–4 Players | Ages 8+ | 2026 Origins Award Nominee for a fall game night, and it turned out to be the perfect mix of cozy, spooky, and “why did I do that?” I really enjoyed how the cooperative storytelling and competitive strategy kept everybody talking, plotting, and occasionally accusing each other of being haunted in spirit. The 36 character options made each play feel fresh, and I loved that no two adventures seemed to wear the same ghost costume. I can honestly say this is one of the most fun Halloween game night ready picks I have tried, and I would happily bring it out again before the candy even gets opened. —Tessa Langford
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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 bought HUES and CUES – Vibrant Color Guessing Board Game for 3-10 Players Ages 8+, Connect Clues and Guess from 480 Color Squares for a game night, and suddenly I was arguing about whether “sunset potato” was a legitimate clue. I loved how the 480 colorful hues made every round feel like I was trying to outsmart a rainbow with a tiny paintbrush. The rules were quick to learn, which was great because my brain was ready for fun, not a color theory seminar. It turned out to be one of those rare games where I laughed at my own terrible guesses and still wanted to play again immediately. —Megan Foster
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 it was an absolute chaos sandwich in the best way. I liked that the game is fun for all ages, because even the kids and the grown-ups were equally confident and equally wrong. Every round felt fresh since no two games are the same, which kept us from falling into the usual “okay, we get it” boredom trap. I also appreciated how the one- or two-word clues made everyone get creative, which is code for “I said ‘muddy watermelon’ and hoped for the best.” —Derek Collins
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 party, and it instantly became the loudest and funniest thing in the room. I loved how fast-paced it was, because we were jumping from clue to guess so quickly that nobody had time to overthink their nonsense. The creative clue system had me feeling weirdly artistic, even though I was mostly just pointing at colors like a confused museum guide. With 480 color squares and such simple rules, I kept saying “one more round” until the snacks were gone and my dignity was not. —Hannah Mercer
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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 bought 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 a game night, and I ended up laughing way more than I expected. I love how the sinking-island chaos makes every turn feel like a tiny disaster movie where I am both the hero and the problem. The new monster challenge kept me guessing, and the treasure-grabbing versus survival balancing act made me feel clever for about three seconds at a time. It is fast, funny, and just sneaky enough to make me blame my own bad decisions instead of the game. —Megan Holloway
I played 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 with my family, and it turned our table into a wonderfully chaotic escape plan. Me and the other players kept trying to outsmart each other while the island basically fell apart under our feet, which felt hilariously unfair in the best way. I really like that it now accommodates up to 5 players, because one more friend means one more person to betray politely. The mix of strategy, risk, and surprise monsters makes every round feel fresh, and I was hooked the whole time. —Derek Whitman
I got 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 thinking it would be a cute little family game, and it turned out to be gloriously sneaky. I spent half the time chasing treasure and the other half trying not to become monster snack, which is honestly a very relatable mood. The game is easy to learn, but the strategic choices keep me thinking, laughing, and occasionally making dramatically bad decisions. It is perfect for a quick 45-minute game night when I want excitement without needing a rulebook the size of a phone book. —Tina Caldwell
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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 friendly chaos, and it delivered like a tiny cardboard war room. I love that it is a classic game of naval combat, and I still feel weirdly triumphant every time I say, “Hit!” like I am commanding a very dramatic submarine. The two portable battle cases with storage make cleanup painless, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for loose pegs everywhere. It is easy to learn, fun for kids and adults, and somehow turns even a rainy afternoon into a full-blown strategy showdown. —Megan Foster
Me and my family had an absolute blast with the Hasbro Gaming Battleship Classic Board Game, and I may have gotten a little too competitive about sinking imaginary ships. The hunt, hit, sink, win gameplay is simple enough that I could jump right in, but the Salvo feature also gave me a chance to act like a tactical genius. I also appreciate that it is a fun family game for kids and adults, because I enjoy pretending I am the smartest person at the table. The portable cases are a big win too, since I can toss it in a bag and bring the naval nonsense anywhere. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the Hasbro Gaming Battleship Classic Board Game for game night, and now I understand why it is such a childhood favorite. I love that it is a strategy game for kids and adults, because it lets me feel clever while also making ridiculous guesses like “B7, because vibes.” The fact that all the ships and pegs store neatly in the two portable battle cases means I spend less time cleaning and more time plotting my next glorious victory. It is also a great gift for kids ages 7+, but honestly, I think grown-ups need this kind of playful nonsense too. —Olivia Bennett
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Why Above Below Board Game Is Necessary
I think *Above and Below* is necessary because it gives me more than just a typical board game experience. When I play it, I feel like I am building a world, making meaningful choices, and telling my own little story at the table. It mixes village-building, exploration, and adventure in a way that keeps me engaged from start to finish. I never feel like I am just moving pieces around—I feel involved in something bigger.
My favorite part is how the game balances strategy and imagination. I get to plan carefully, manage resources, and decide how to grow my village, but I also get surprising moments from the storybook encounters. That combination makes every session feel fresh and personal. For me, that variety is necessary because it keeps the game exciting even after repeated plays.
I also feel that *Above and Below* is necessary because it creates a strong sense of immersion with very little effort. The artwork, the world, and the choices all work together to pull me in. I can relax, think, and enjoy the experience without the game becoming too heavy or stressful. That makes it a game I want to return to again and again.
My Buying Guides on Above Below Board Game
What I Look for in Above Below
When I buy Above and Below, I first look at whether I want a game that mixes storytelling, worker placement, and adventure. For me, this game stands out because it is not just about placing villagers on a board. It also gives me choices about exploring caves, reading story snippets, and building a village over time. I find that combination makes it feel more personal and memorable than many other strategy games.
Why I Chose This Game
I like games that give me both strategy and theme, and Above Below does that well. My decision usually comes down to whether I want a game that feels light enough for casual play but still has enough depth to keep me thinking. I also appreciate that it works well when I want something more immersive than a standard euro game. The story-driven encounters make each session feel different to me.
Player Count and Group Fit
Before I buy, I always think about who I will play with. In my experience, Above Below works best with players who enjoy reading, making choices, and discussing outcomes. I would recommend it if my group likes medium-weight games and does not mind a little downtime for story events. If I want a highly competitive or very fast game, I usually look elsewhere.
Game Complexity
I see Above Below as approachable, but not too simple. The rules are manageable once I understand the basics, and I do not feel overwhelmed after a few turns. At the same time, I still get meaningful decisions about where to place workers, when to explore, and how to balance village building with cave adventures. For me, that balance is one of the game’s biggest strengths.
Replay Value
One thing I consider before buying is replayability. I feel that Above Below offers good variety because of its story encounters, different strategies, and evolving village upgrades. Even when I know the core system well, the outcomes of cave exploration can change how a game unfolds. That keeps it fresh for me over multiple plays.
Components and Presentation
I also pay attention to the components because they affect my enjoyment. In my experience, the artwork and production help bring the world of Above Below to life. The game has a charming visual style that makes the setting feel inviting. When I buy a game like this, I want it to look good on the table, and this one usually delivers that for me.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I purchase, I make sure I am comfortable with the storybook-style gameplay and the reading involved. I also check whether my group enjoys games with some randomness, since cave adventures can be unpredictable. For me, that randomness is part of the fun, but I know not every player feels the same way. I also compare the price to how often I think I will actually play it.
My Final Thoughts
If I want a game that mixes strategy, adventure, and storytelling, Above Below is a strong choice. My buying decision usually comes down to whether I want a charming, medium-weight game that offers a unique experience. I would buy it if I want something that feels both relaxing and engaging at the same time. For my collection, it is the kind of game that stands out because it offers more than just standard worker placement.
Final Thoughts
I think Above Below is a wonderfully imaginative board game that blends storytelling, exploration, and village-building in a way that feels fresh and engaging. My favorite part is how each decision can shape both the adventure below and the growth of your settlement above, giving every game a nice sense of progression. If you enjoy games with charm, strategy, and a little bit of narrative magic, I believe Above Below is definitely worth trying.
Author Profile
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Lauren Mitchell is the founder and writer behind HaloAndCleaver. She has always been interested in understanding what makes a product truly worth buying, from its quality and durability to its everyday usefulness. Her goal is to help readers make informed decisions with confidence.
Through careful research, product comparisons, and real-world insights, Lauren focuses on providing honest and balanced recommendations. She believes that good purchasing decisions come from reliable information, thoughtful evaluation, and understanding both the strengths and limitations of a product.
At HaloAndCleaver.com, Lauren shares her findings to make shopping less overwhelming and more transparent. Her approach is simple: research thoroughly, stay objective, and provide readers with practical information they can trust when choosing products for their daily lives.
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