New Review! Chara Games!!!

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About the product/service: As part of the Homeschool Review Crew, I received a free Unauthorized game from Chara Games. Note: That's the name of the game, it's not that someone sent the game without permission. LOL This game is meant to teach about the struggles of the underground Christian church using a social deduction model. Now, I am not huge into games, so I have no idea what that really means, but I do know that this game pits the pastor/church against the state. I am pretty much the absolute worst at learning and teaching these kinds of games, but my kids are totally adept at it. It seems like many of the other kinds of games they play are set up similarly. I tend to stick to card type games, meaning using regular playing cards. This game does use cards, but they are character and "experience" cards. 

Check out this YouTube video to see how to play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhOdlch2XZU

Note about the YouTube video: In the video the cards seem to be in some sort of protective sleeve. The cards don't come that way, but are like normal playing cards. 

What are the pros of this product?
We have it so easy here in America and other countries where there is religious freedom. It's not like it used to be, that's for sure, but we can still worship (or not worship) as we see fit. There are many places around the globe where that just isn't a reality. Christians are being persecuted in record numbers. How do we bring awareness to this issue? Playing a game? Well, at first that might seem a little silly. However, anything that brings awareness to an issue can spark a flame of compassion for those suffering. From there we can make others aware, pray, and maybe even find a way to do something about. This game is a great way to bring the subject up with family and friends. Sometimes people don't like to hear about things that might cause them to feel bad, but we can bring out a game and get the conversation started.

What's not to like? 
Since the game is for 6 to 12 players it can be hard to find enough people available to play. Even with nine of us here, it wasn't easy to find six people who were available. I would suggest bringing the game to a church function or Bible study if your family is small, busy, or just never all home at once. 

Also, each of the character cards is two-sided. You can choose either side to represent yourself. The pastor cards happen to have both male and female pastors. If you happen to believe that the pastoral role is reserved for men, this could be an issue. I would simply suggest that you use the other side of the card. Also, the reality is that some pastors in the persecuted church are female, so it simply depicts reality. I just thought I'd throw that out there. (My kids also thought the female pastor was a little too sexy with her colored hair and tight shirt. Check the cards out yourself below. Also, the male cop is overweight and eating a donut. LOL Stereotypes anyone?)




The Crazy Mom take:
It definitely took some time to figure out how to play. To be honest, I'm still not sure if we really have it down. This is normal for these kinds of games from my experience, though. If you are taking it to a Bible study or something, it would be very helpful to really get an idea of how it works so you don't have to spend all your time figuring it out. 

It was very interesting to look at all the thought that went into the experience cards. It really made me think! Your character can experience everything from learning spiritual truths, to encountering neverending joy, to being wrongly imprisoned or worse. Of course, if you're a police officer you can go so far as to execute someone! It's also really hard to take the side of the state, but there are times you almost have to. Actually, every move is difficult. Of course, other than whoever played the police officer, we all tended to lean toward making moves that helped gain more Christian cards, but sometimes that wasn't so cut and dry. Helping another player can actually put you in jeopardy. In that sense, it parallels what actually happens in the underground church. It can be a bit confusing, but my kids actually had a lot of fun playing it.  


What's the bottom line? $14.99

I am going to give Unauthorized 5 out of 5 smileys!!! :)  :)  :)  :)  :)

Check it out! http://charagames.com/games/unauthorized/

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharaGames/ 
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/CharaGames/ @Charagames

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/unauthorized-chara-games-reviews/



*The Smiley System:

:) I can't really recommend this product.

:)  :) I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

:)  :)  :) This is a good product, but it isn't right for everyone.

:)  :)  :)  :) Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

:)  :)  :)  :)  :) This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!