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Why we LOVE this product!
Skyscratchers caught our eye because it pairs a silly theme with real strategy. Getting a gang of escaped cats home sounds lighthearted, but deciding when to take the safe route and when to gamble on a shortcut is the kind of thinking good strategy games are made of.
Games are short enough for a school night, and the artwork is charming.
Two things to weigh: it's a pre-order that's due to ship in November 2026, and at least one early player found the rulebook confusing. If you like supporting new games and don't mind waiting, it's a fun pick.
Description
SKU:
SKY-CORE
Skyscratchers is a strategy game for 2 to 4 players in which you race to lure your group of escaped cats back home, using two actions a turn to draw cards, swap positions and play action cards. It is currently a pre-order that Very Special Games says ships in November 2026.
What's inside
- Base game with illustrated cards and cat pieces
- Rules for 2 to 4 players
How it plays
On each turn you take two actions: draw cards, swap positions or play an action card. You plan routes, weigh risk against speed and try to outmaneuver your opponents. The first player to get all their cats to safety wins. Games take 20 to 40 minutes.
What players learn
- Strategic thinking: balancing short-term moves with a long-term plan
- Risk assessment: choosing between the safest and the quickest route
- Patience: waiting for the right moment to play a card
Good to know before you buy
- Pre-order: this is a pre-order; Very Special Games says it ships in November 2026, so don't count on it for early holiday gifts.
- Age: 10 and up.
- Rules: one reviewer on the maker's site found the manual unclear, so expect a learning game first.
- Value: $34.99 pre-order price at the time of writing.
Who it's for
Families with tweens and teens, cat lovers, and players who enjoy light strategy games.
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About
Very Special Games
Very Special Games was founded in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2019 by Evan Katz and Josh Roberts, two creative collaborators who shared a love of games and a desire to make something different. Their journey began during lunch breaks at a consulting firm, where they experimented with their first game prototype using sticky notes. A few months later, they launched their first game, Charty Party, on Kickstarter, setting the foundation for their independent game company.
Evan and Josh set out to create games that are quick to learn but offer plenty of opportunities for creativity, clever thinking, and repeat play. Their approach combines distinctive concepts, quality components, and humor that brings people together, whether they're seasoned board game fans or simply looking for something entertaining to play with friends.
The company's growing collection includes inventive word games such as Ransom Notes, pun-making challenges like Puns of Anarchy, and unusual strategy games such as Abducktion. Each reflects the founders' interest in making tabletop games that feel fresh, accessible, and memorable.
As a small creative team, Very Special Games also emphasizes thoughtful customer service and building trust with its players. Its mission is simple: create clever, high-quality games that make it easy for people to laugh, think creatively, and enjoy spending time together.
