/pic7465204.jpg)
Collection Status
Your Rating
Description
Welcome to Forever Home, the puzzly pattern-building game about second chances for shelter dogs.
Using a combination of tile placement, set collection, and drafting, you and your friends take on the role of shelter workers. Take it in turns to bring dogs into your shelter, complete training cards, and match pups up with new families. You'll be competing for valuable shelter commendations, as well as gaining reputation for training and rehoming the dogs in your care. At the end of the game, the shelter worker with the most reputation wins!
Featuring quick and simple turns; a unique solo mode; and a second advanced side to the player board, Forever Home is a replayable, easy-to-love abstract game.
—description from the publisher
Year Published
2023
Featured Videos
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 16
This page: 16
Sentiment:
pos 12 ·
mix 1 ·
neu 1 ·
neg 1
Showing 1–16 of 16
Video d-5NwPfb9uc
Allies or Enemies game_review at 0:05 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61128 · mention_pk 153628
Click to watch at 0:05 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- cute dog-themed design and charming production
- easy to teach and quick to play
- accessible for new gamers
- multiple play modes (including solo) and variability with commendations and gold cards
- solid thematic resonance with a cozy, inviting feel
Cons
- may not scratch the itch of heavier strategy gamers
- higher player counts introduce more randomness and require adapting strategy
Thematic elements
- dog adoption and care
- dog shelter and adoption/rescue environment
- cozy, wholesome
Comparison games
- Calico
- Planet Unknown
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card-based training goals — draw and utilize training cards to fulfill scoring goals
- end game bonuses — the game ends when seven training cards are completed; chaining possible for efficiency
- end-game condition and chaining — the game ends when seven training cards are completed; chaining possible for efficiency
- movement of tokens — move dogs to adjacent spaces to achieve goals or home placements
- set collection and goal-oriented scoring — score from training cards, homes, and commendations
- tile placement — place dog tiles to align with shapes on your cards
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it has pretty much the best theme
- a best score mode but with the extras it does feel a little bit more worthwhile
- bring people in and make them feel clever
- if you want a cute tile placement game with a lovely theme
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 6Tj2DT_qi6I
CA Couple game_review at 0:16
video_pk 60423 · mention_pk 152819
Click to watch at 0:16 · YouTube ↗
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Array
- Array
- Training dogs to form patterns and place them in homes to maximize points; adoption theme
- Array
- A dog shelter-themed setting spanning city, suburbs, countryside, and foster homes
- Array
- Array
- Array
- positive
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Forever Home: bring a bunch of dogs, train them and find them a forever home
- the table presence in this game is Just mwah I can't get over the art and how cute and adorable it is
- it's a perfect midweight game that you can introduce to people who don't necessarily play games but you can also enjoy it with hobby Gamers
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ALqwUlsn2mY
Wolf Pack Wednesday general_discussion at 0:32 sentiment: positive
video_pk 59642 · mention_pk 152177
Click to watch at 0:32 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- wholesome theme
- compact footprint with strong thematic tie-in
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- adoption, animal welfare, rescue
- modern-day home environment focused on dog adoption
- wholesome, heartwarming
Comparison games
- Lords of Hellas
- Lords of Ragnarok
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Pattern Building — players place elements to form patterns dictated by cards or tiles
- pattern-building — players place elements to form patterns dictated by cards or tiles
- tile placement — tiles or cards are laid out to create and complete patterns
- tile-placement — tiles or cards are laid out to create and complete patterns
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- "the most wholesome themes ever like I loved dog park and forever home"
- "Split Ho is a really fun game how it works is you're trying to meet conditions that are on opposite sides of you"
- "I absolutely love Scythe"
- "I'm very excited with this overall and to compare this versus Lords of helles"
- "Forever Home... Kickstarter is launching September 4th"
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video b6YBZWbzkeU
Board Stupid top_5_list at 34:20 sentiment: positive
video_pk 40956 · mention_pk 124247
Click to watch at 34:20 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- gentle, heart-warming theme
- great for families and casual gamers
- short playtime with meaningful decisions
Cons
- lighter on strategic depth for experienced players
Thematic elements
- light, emotionally warm co-op/+ competitive family game
- Dog rescue and rehoming theme
- wholesome, cozy, hopeful
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Cooperative Game — Players cooperate to save dogs but compete for scoring opportunities
- Cooperative/competitive pacing — Players cooperate to save dogs but compete for scoring opportunities
- Pattern Building — Collect and arrange dogs/cards to score points
- pattern building / set collection — Collect and arrange dogs/cards to score points
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Raiders of the North Sea
- it's a work placement game which does clever very very clever things with workers you have one worker and that is it you place a worker do an action you pick up another one and you do that action
- Cascadia cuz he's I think it's simple as a banger and MH but delivers a lot I like it it's very simple to to put on the table
- Root is a world that I I it's the closest to a board game world I just want to live in
- Pizza Pizza you can't beat Pizza Pizza is always you can't argue with your genetics
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video s6ItQbm6xD0
Unknown Channel game_review at 0:34 sentiment: positive
video_pk 40048 · mention_pk 121076
Click to watch at 0:34 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Beautiful original artwork on many cards that enhances thematic immersion
- Simple rules that are easy to teach to new players while still offering meaningful decisions
- Strong thematic alignment with dog adoption and rehoming, making the theme relatable
- High-quality components and a premium feel that supports broad appeal
- Replayability through pattern-based scoring and variable game situations
Cons
- May not fully satisfy gamer enthusiasts seeking heavy strategy or high difficulty
- Theme and subject matter may be niche for some players who prefer more abstract or combat-focused games
Thematic elements
- Dog adoption and rehoming, with strategic placement of different dog types across varied home settings.
- A modern dog adoption ecosystem spanning shelters, suburban homes, foster environments, and countryside locations.
- Descriptive and observational, emphasizing warmth, charm, and the emotional arc of finding forever homes.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Compound Scoring — Points are awarded for achieving predefined patterns or alignments across the homes, rewarding diversification and strategic placement.
- drafting — Players draft dog cards from a shared pool, shaping the pool of available dogs to place in homes.
- end game bonuses — Additional points for achieving thresholds such as most dogs in training or most re-homed dogs, incentivizing specific strategic goals.
- End-game Bonuses — Additional points for achieving thresholds such as most dogs in training or most re-homed dogs, incentivizing specific strategic goals.
- pattern-based scoring — Points are awarded for achieving predefined patterns or alignments across the homes, rewarding diversification and strategic placement.
- Placement and zoning — Dogs are placed into different homes (shelter, suburbs, foster, forever home), affecting scoring opportunities and end-state distribution.
- Round variability / dynamic board state — The rules or scoring emphasis change each game (e.g., emphasis on same-type placements in suburbs or any dog in foster), driving replayability and strategic adaptation.
- Set diversity and location scoring — End-game or round-based bonuses for most diverse dog types across homes and for wide distribution of dogs among home types.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Forever home is a Charming game that's beautiful and that I believe will bring new people into the hobby.
- the cards are gorgeous
- the gameplay is simple yet has some depth
- the components are great as well
- I don't think I'll be pulling this out for my gamer Enthusiast group but I do look forward to bringing new people a hobby with Forever Home
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video _mnKbsa0aGs
Board Game Garden general_discussion at 5:59 sentiment: positive
video_pk 34109 · mention_pk 101543
Click to watch at 5:59 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- lovely theme
- easy to teach/learn
- short solo playtime (~20 minutes)
Cons
- solo-focused experience may limit appeal for some
Thematic elements
- warm, heartwarming canine care
- dog adoption and fostering
- abstract with theme-driven storytelling
Comparison games
- Cascadia
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card drafting — Draft dogs/cards and place on a grid to satisfy scoring regions and card effects.
- card drafting and grid placement — Draft dogs/cards and place on a grid to satisfy scoring regions and card effects.
- Compound Scoring — Score based on dogs in four regions and color-based scoring conditions.
- scoring via multiple regions — Score based on dogs in four regions and color-based scoring conditions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Hadrian's Wall is my favorite game of all time
- I love the theme, it warms my heart
- The end of the first chapter broke my heart
- Portals is an abstract strategy game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 9K2pxtJs4nk
Unknown Channel game_review at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 32939 · mention_pk 97608
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Deep decision space with many factors for tile placement
- Engaging dog-and-home theme with family appeal
- Variable objectives per game create replayability
- Training cards add strategic choices and scoring depth
Cons
- Possibly slow with higher player counts
- Theme may not appeal to non-dog lovers
- Fiddly setup or tracking of multiple objectives could be tedious
Thematic elements
- Finding forever homes for dogs; domestic life
- Modern suburban neighborhood focused on dogs and homes
- Abstract/puzzle-like, with outcome driven by pattern matching and set completion
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card-driven_scoring — Training cards provide end-game points and strategic options
- Compound Scoring — Training cards provide end-game points and strategic options
- Pattern Building — Complete lines or patterns on the board to move dogs to homes
- pattern_completion — Complete lines or patterns on the board to move dogs to homes
- set collection — Assemble color-coded sets to score points and unlock card values
- set_collection — Assemble color-coded sets to score points and unlock card values
- tile placement — Place dog tiles to satisfy card-based patterns and home objectives
- tile_placement — Place dog tiles to satisfy card-based patterns and home objectives
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- There are a lot of factors to consider when placing each tile
- The overall feel of this game is less about competition and more about putting dogs in their forever home
- The trading card can also be worth points at the end of the game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video s64uEqU7OBw
Our Family Plays Games (OFPG) gateway_games_roundup at 18:43 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11220 · mention_pk 33012
Click to watch at 18:43 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- promotes adoption and rescue themes
- thematic to pet adoption
- from makers of Dog Park
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- dogs
- rescue
- animal welfare
Comparison games
- Dog Park
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I think I would wait yeah September maybe a little bit after September because I know people gonna rush in there and get everything
- gateways don't grow old for me no they don't I like Gateway games I like simple games sometimes
- I can just go on and do other games so I love the Gateway Games
- we don't need no more bad boys you know they gonna come
- if this is your mindset that I'm gonna come to these big conventions and take things no no we don't need no more bad boys
- I have Discerning tastes
- we are advertising Buffalo but they're doing it right
- I was blown away by it
- It's a Wonderful game it is a wonderful game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video f0U_acVAZpU
Unknown Channel game_review at 0:16 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 7700 · mention_pk 22759
Click to watch at 0:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Lovely theme focusing on dog rescue
- Solid family-friendly design
- Core gameplay is simple and fun
- Good variety of scoring cards
- Different training cards enable quick wins
Cons
- Scoring is complex and can feel grindy to tally
- Can slow down pace and reduce the speedy play experience
Thematic elements
- Animal rescue; finding, training, and rehoming dogs
- Dog rescue centers; modern day
- family-friendly, light, optimistic
Comparison games
- Dream Home
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action economy — Two actions per turn, with the possibility to take them twice.
- card management — Managing training cards and using them efficiently.
- Compound Scoring — Different scoring cards/regions with unique objectives and potential multiple instances.
- drafting — Drafting dogs from a central display onto your board.
- Pattern Building — Scoring involves matching shapes/colors to patterns on cards.
- pattern/formation — Scoring involves matching shapes/colors to patterns on cards.
- set collection — Players collect sets of dogs by color/types to score points.
- set scoring — Different scoring cards/regions with unique objectives and potential multiple instances.
- tile placement — Placing dogs onto a training board to unlock scoring patterns.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the best thing about this game is the core gameplay is really simple and quite fun
- however, I've telegraphed my big issue with the game early on and it's the scoring
- it is by far the most complex part of the game and I feel it actively trips Forever Home up
- first of all the theme of Forever Home is a lovely one
- the components and overall direction are pleasant, and for a game that's heavily focused on scoring I'm pleased that there's a good variety of scoring cards to use
- almost everything in the game makes it a solid recommendation for family game night
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video nEbfRnVEnN8
Broken Meeple review sentiment: neutral
video_pk 6204 · mention_pk 18373
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
- Dog-themed game
- Cute theme appeal
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- dogs
- pet adoption
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I just acquire a couple of games that I was interested in a couple of review copies here and there
- the Expo was still good fun but they do need to work on utilizing the space and getting those costs down
- a game that I kind of have a hit and miss relationship with you know some of it I like
- I immediately decided it was the first one I was going to gun for on the Friday
- when it gets released later in the year at Essen I believe oh man do I want this game fast
- Shut Up And Take My Money
- it's kind of on the levels of something like lost ruines of arac for me
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video SbslypJ1K6c
OS Board Games top_10_list at 13:51 sentiment: negative
video_pk 5669 · mention_pk 16874
Click to watch at 13:51 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
negative
Pros
- adorable theme about finding homes for stray dogs
Cons
- puzzle-y in execution but lacks novelty
- theme outweighed by gameplay weaknesses
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a really, really good game
- I absolutely love this game
- it's an amazing game
- this is one of my most favorite solo games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video UalH5uL4kFI
Chairman of the Board top_10_list at 9:49 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5543 · mention_pk 16484
Click to watch at 9:49 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Surprisingly strong puzzly experience
- Elegant efficiency mechanics with evolving scoring
Cons
- Short play time may feel undercooked to some
- House rules recommended to extend play for longer sessions
Thematic elements
- placing dog tokens to satisfy scoring cards
- dog-themed village puzzle
- efficiency puzzle with pattern building
Comparison games
- Citrus
- Cascadia
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Drafting tokens — Draft tokens to place on a grid for scoring.
- Pattern Building — Score by satisfying scoring cards and morphing patterns.
- Pattern building / scoring cards — Score by satisfying scoring cards and morphing patterns.
- Token removal and reallocation — Scoring cards cause tokens to be moved to scoring pools.
- Token/Chit Drafting — Draft tokens to place on a grid for scoring.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is a jeweling game
- self-contained box so that you're not paying paying to win this style game
- these type of games aren't generally for me
- the rules are quite fiddly
- extremely simple rule set
- one of the best styles of games like this that I've seen
- instantly fell in love with it
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video E7ZIoGY_H00
Unknown Channel general_discussion at 1:08:43 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3134 · mention_pk 9225
Click to watch at 1:08:43 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- family-friendly theme
- retail release
- accessible rules
Cons
- some may find relatively light
Thematic elements
- family-friendly cooperative play about rehoming dogs
- dog shelter rescue
- heartwarming, accessible
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative play — players cooperate to find homes for dogs
- set collection / card-driven actions — cards drive actions and dog adoption outcomes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Final Girl Series 3 Kickstarter is live right now they hit their funding goal in 37 minutes
- we hit our funding goal in 37 minutes
- the table is the heaviest table of all the tables in all of the world
- I am going to another full-time job in the board game industry
- Oogie Boogie will be in the mix
- Snow White – The Muppets version is great
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video c6whWG6Tc20
Board Game Buys general_discussion at 1:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2824 · mention_pk 8254
Click to watch at 1:24 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- favorable prior review by host
Cons
- limited detail available in transcript
Thematic elements
- patterns and scoring in a compact package
- family-weight, abstract puzzle
- light, approachable
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- pattern/placement — place elements to form scoring opportunities
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I think this game is really cool
- this is a very simple kind of family weight puzzly game
- it's a very fantastic game
- the rules are absolutely horrendous
- I really love this game and I've played it a few times now and I think the balance is fine
- Luke from the Broken Meeple thinks this game is really imbalanced
- the row system where the positioning of your characters is important
- one of the best two-player games I've played in some time
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video srGGs9fwmSE
Unknown Channel game_review at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1502 · mention_pk 4331
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Simple two-action system with depth through pattern-building
- High production quality and appealing artwork
- Satisfying symmetry and timing of pattern completion
- Fast-paced with scalable player counts
- Variability through changing objectives and board setup
- Encourages planning and efficiency without heavy rules
Cons
- Very quick length at two players; may feel short
- Interaction is mostly passive; not a highly competitive game
- Not a groundbreaking design; may feel familiar to seasoned players
Thematic elements
- Rehoming and pattern recognition through dog tokens
- Dog shelter environment across city, suburbs, countryside, and foster homes
- Abstract puzzle with pattern matching and rehoming mechanics
Comparison games
- Rosio
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Endgame category scoring — Scores determined by distribution of dog types across homes at game end.
- Pattern Building — Players place dog tokens to complete patterns on training cards; patterns can be mirrored or flipped.
- pattern-building — Players place dog tokens to complete patterns on training cards; patterns can be mirrored or flipped.
- Rehoming mechanic and end-game scoring — Points are earned by completing training cards and rehoming dogs into various homes; end-game scoring tallies categories on a board.
- Token-drafting from central reserve — Take dog tokens or training cards from central display, with replenishment after selection.
- Token/Chit Drafting — Take dog tokens or training cards from central display, with replenishment after selection.
- Two-action turn structure — On a turn a player may take two actions; actions include drafting a token, drafting a training card, or moving a token.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I appreciate the Simplicity of this game with some layers of depth here
- I love that symbiosis between the different patterns you can build
- definitely one of the surprises for the year for me
- very smooth gameplay no rules ambiguities
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Dc0CGeDOE5A
Unknown Channel top_5_list at 3:59 sentiment: positive
video_pk 778 · mention_pk 2277
Click to watch at 3:59 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed to positive
Pros
- dog-theme is charming and approachable
- quick playtime
- family-friendly
Cons
- theme can feel abstract for some players
- mechanics may feel repetitive over time
Thematic elements
- fostering and adopting dogs to score points
- dog adoption and care themes; families and homes
- light-hearted, approachable
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- hand management — cards in hand determine how you score; you balance day-to-day actions
- set collection / card interaction — you collect dog cards and score based on breed fits and placements
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's called Forever home so instead of fishing for fish you're fishing dogs
- it's like a farm it's foster home
- Cyber Punk is a real time game which means we do actions on a strict time limit
- it's one of the best Real Time games I played
- this is a deck building race game
- it's a point salad game
- it has revived my belief in Euro games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–16 of 16