Go Away Monster! (1997) Board Game

Go Away Monster! is a children’s board game that was first released in 1997 by Gamewright. Designed by Monty Stambler and Ann Stambler, this game is aimed at young children aged 3 and up. The game revolves around a cooperative gameplay experience where players work together to collect matching puzzle pieces while avoiding the pesky monsters that may come their way.

Game Components of Go Away Monster!

4 bedroom boards

8 monsters

16 bedroom pieces

1 cloth bag

Rules of Play (including rules in Spanish).

How To Setup Go Away Monster!

To set up the game, each player receives a bedroom board and places it in front of them. The 16 bedroom pieces and 8 monsters are then put into the cloth bag. Players take turns reaching into the bag to feel for the pieces that fit their board. The game is simple to set up, making it accessible for young children to start playing immediately.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Drawing pieces from a bag, shape recognition, fine motor skills, visual discrimination.

Objective: The goal is to complete your bedroom board by finding the correct pieces while avoiding the monsters. When a monster is drawn, players shout “Go Away Monster!” and toss it into the monster pit.

Player Experience

Go Away Monster is a game that thrives on interaction and imagination. Players love the tactile experience of feeling around in the bag to find the right pieces for their boards. The game encourages teamwork and cooperation, especially in the less competitive version where players help each other by giving away extra pieces. The dramatic flair of shouting “Go Away Monster!” and tossing the monsters into the pit adds a fun and playful element that both children and adults enjoy.

Pros

Develops Fine Motor Skills: Players practice reaching and grasping pieces from the bag.

Encourages Shape Recognition: Identifying shapes helps children develop their cognitive skills.

Fosters Cooperation: Players can help each other complete their boards.

Fun and Engaging: The game’s interactive elements, like shouting at monsters, make it enjoyable for the whole family.

Cons

Limited Complexity: The game may become too simple for older children as they grow.

Out of Print: The game is currently out of print, making it harder to find new copies.

Personal Thoughts on Go Away Monster!

Go Away Monster is an ideal game for children aged 3 and up, teaching essential skills like shape recognition, fine motor skills, and cooperation in a fun and interactive way. It’s perfect for families looking for a game that is both educational and entertaining. While it may not offer the complexity that older children or adults seek, it fills a wonderful niche for young children who love adventure and imaginative play. If you’re looking for a game to help your little ones conquer their fear of nighttime monsters, this is a great choice. However, due to its current out-of-print status, it might require some searching to find a copy.

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