For all of us who like to yell at the TV, Digital Editor Tamzin Meyer provides an insightful rundown of the best board games based on beloved game shows

Redbrick Digital Editor
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If you are anything like me and love to scream at the television with all the ‘right’ answers, convincing yourself that you have what it takes to beat the chaser or win a grand cash prize then you are most certainly going to love this compilation of game show themed board games.


The Chase

The Chase has to be one of the most iconic quiz shows to ever exist. With its first episode airing in 2009, the show has become a huge part of British culture. Bradley Walsh is practically a part of the family at this point. Due to its enormous popularity, there is no wonder that a board game has been created in which you can have a go at beating the chasers ‘if you think you’re clever enough.’ The game comes with cardboard counters of each chaser – best of luck going against The Beast – and even a contestant panel. The structure of the TV show is recreated and you can compete to make it through cash-builder rounds before qualifying to take on the chaser. The questions are of a similar style to those asked on the show and really test out your general knowledge. After playing this game I was convinced I had what it took to win the real show so if you want any quiz game practice before thinking about becoming a contestant on the real thing, this board game is an excellent place to start. The Chase is on.


The Cube

This game brings out everybody’s competitive side

Yet again, another legendary ITV game show has been converted into a board game. Differing from a typical quiz show format with the usual trivia questions, those of you who are familiar with The Cube will know that the game involves a series of challenges in order to win cash prizes; these progressively get more difficult as the amount of money at stake rises. Iconic challenges from the show have now been reduced down to a much smaller size so that you can have fun playing them at home. This game brings out everybody’s competitive side as you try to count the number of coloured squares on an included electronic device or try to aim a small red ball into a cube. It sounds easy but trust me, it is a lot harder than it looks. If you are easily frustrated then perhaps steer clear of this one but if not, it provides a fun take on the classic game show. Just be careful not to lose any of the components because there are quite a few in this one.


Tipping Point

If you feel like you have mastered the 2p machine at the arcade then perhaps it is time to widen your horizons. Think big. Think… Tipping Point – The Board Game. I love the concept of the show and always wonder what it would be like to be a contestant but thanks to the family board game, everybody can get the chance. This game involves a working Tipping Point machine (cool right?), lots of counters (be careful of the riders) and of course, question cards. The aim of the game is to have the most counters and go on to test your luck of hitting the jackpot – all you have to do is be mildly decent at general knowledge. It is a great game to play with friends and family and will have you smiling for hours.


Tenable

The game concept is super enjoyable and allows you to geek out on the best categories in trivia

This daytime game show is perhaps not as well known as the others yet both the show and the board game are extremely addictive. It will have you saying ‘Oh I should have known that’ once the answers are revealed. For anybody who is unaware of the concept of Tenable, contestants are given a category e.g. The 10 most recent Adele songs, and then you earn money (or hypothetical cash in the board game’s case) based on how many correct answers you are able to give. The actual board game is a very similar idea to the game Tension, with players being able to slide panels to reveal the answers. The game concept is super enjoyable and allows you to geek out on the best categories in trivia.


Pointless

It seems like BBC game shows have not had the same popularity when it comes to being made into household games, however, Pointless deserves to be praised. I am sure I do not have to explain the rules of Pointless – the title is quite self-explanatory. You have to provide an answer in the hope that as few of the surveyed people as possible also thought the same as you. Now the latest rendition of the Pointless game is pretty cool and completely updates the way we play, incorporating modern technology. The game allows you to play part of the game on your smartphone which helps keep the traditional board game modern and will certainly keep children and teenagers engaged. Traditional question cards and a board are still included so do not feel like these have been completely abandoned; the mobile phone aspect is a fun way of watching the points decrease just like they do on the show. Enjoy the suspense and get ready to test yourselves. 


Check out more Redbrick articles about the delights of British TV here:

The Next Doctor: Who’s Who?

Even The Fans Wanted The X Factor To Be Axed

Joe Lycett’s “Planned Protest”: Is This the New Way to Become Viral?

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