Looking for a light, family-friendly card game with a charming theme and great artwork? Bear W/ Me, or Bear With Me, might be just the game to add to your collection. This delightful game from Sweet & Small, created by a talented developer, blends simple mechanics with engaging strategy, making it a great pick for kids and adults alike.
This is a Kickstarter Preview: Be sure to sign up for updates from the developer to stay informed about the latest news and updates to the campaign
Overview of Bear With Me
Bear With Me is a set collection game designed for 2-4 players (though you can play with up to 8 if you add a second deck), making it a great game to enjoy with family and friends. The goal is to collect sets of three matching bears, or a bear paw as it’s called, with the first player to complete three sets triggering the end of the round. At the end of each round, players score their bears, and the one with the most points wins the coveted honey pot!
What’s in the Box?
The game comes in a compact package, making it easy to take on the go. Inside, you’ll find:
A deck of beautifully illustrated bear-themed cards
Rulebook with simple, easy-to-follow instructions
How to Play
Each player starts with a hand of cards, drawing and playing them in turns.
Cards are placed face up in the center of the table, and players take turns drafting cards that help them make sets in their hands.
The objective is to assemble three matching bears to form a set.
The first player to complete three sets triggers the end of the round.
Players then tally up their bear points, and the highest score wins the honey pot!
What Makes Bear With Me Fun?
Balanced Luck and Strategy: The game still has elements of luck based on the cards you draw and what appears in the middle, but this acts as an equalizer, making it great for a family card game.
Charming Theme and Art: The cozy bear theme and adorable characters make this a visually engaging game.
Improves on Classic Kids’ Games: Bear With Me is an upgrade to classics like Go Fish and Old Maid, offering more strategy and engagement.
Smart Decision-Making for Kids: The drafting mechanic presents kids with just enough decision space to practice taking the right cards. Players can’t take cards that negatively impact their opponents, but they often face choices where one option completes a set of three, while another adds to a different set or has a higher point value. This encourages kids to make thoughtful drafting decisions, a skill that will be useful in many other games.
Approachable Yet Challenging Math: While easy for older kids, it provides a great way to practice math skills. It was a fun challenge for my 8-year-old, though my 5-year-old struggled with the scoring. For younger kids, we simply play where the first to three sets wins.
Flexible Playtime: You can choose to play a quick game, racing to just one honey pot, or a full game where the first player to win three honey pots is declared the ultimate winner. This flexibility is especially helpful when playing with kids, allowing you to fit in a game whether you have 10 minutes or a longer session available.
Family-Friendly: The game is suitable for kids and adults alike, making it a great pick for game nights.
Who Is This Game For?
Fans of set collection games like Rummy or Go Fish
Families looking for a game that kids and adults can enjoy together
Players who appreciate cozy, beautifully illustrated themes
Should You Back This on Kickstarter?
Backing Bear With Me on Kickstarter comes with some exciting extras that make it even more appealing. Here’s why you should consider supporting this campaign:
Exclusive Rewards: The Kickstarter edition includes stickers featuring the bear characters, making it a great collector’s item.
- Discounted Price – with higher discounts the earlier you back (so sign up to be notified the day it goes live).
Stretch Goals: A potential expansion is planned as a stretch goal, meaning the game could grow with even more content if enough backers join in.
Support an Indie Publisher: By backing this campaign, you’re helping bring a high-quality, charming card game to life and supporting the creators at Sweet & Small.
Meet the Developer: Sweet & Small
Bear With Me is brought to you by Sweet & Small, a passionate indie publisher dedicated to creating family-friendly games that bring people together. Their focus on charming artwork and engaging mechanics makes them a name to watch in the tabletop gaming world!
Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Marvel Champions: The Card Game
Final Thoughts
Bear With Me is a delightful and engaging card game that takes familiar mechanics and adds depth and charm. Whether you’re playing with younger kids or using it as a light strategy game for older players, it’s a fantastic addition to any collection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does a game of Bear With Me take?
A typical game lasts about 15-30 minutes, making it great for quick game sessions.
Is this game suitable for younger children?
Yes! The game is accessible for kids, but the math elements may be challenging for those under 6. For younger players, you can modify the rules to focus on collecting three sets first.
How many players can play?
The game is designed for 2-4 players, but can be played with up to 8 with two decks.
Where can I buy Bear With Me?
You can preview Bear With Me on Kickstarter and stay updated on its launch by visiting this link.
Where can I view the game’s disclaimer and privacy policy?
You can view the game’s disclaimer and privacy policy on our official website to understand the terms and conditions.