Tag Archives: Abstract Strategy Games

Abstract Strategy games are often (but not always) theme-less (without storyline), built on simple and/or straightforward design and mechanics, perfect information games, promote one player overtaking their opponent(s), little to no elements of luck, chance, or random occurrence, and can be minimal in design. (source: BGG)

GemPacked Cards Game Review (prepublished version)

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Color can lighten up a room, darken a hallway, communicate feelings, and cause us to pause almost indefinitely when attempting to match the perfect tie with a shirt. Colors can even dictate action, with red telling us to stop, green telling us to go, and yellow urging us to go faster. In this game, mixing colors will allow the player to gain the upper hand, but they can also benefit from breaking colors down to smaller parts for a bigger win. Continue reading →

Less Game Review (prepublished version)

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The decisions we make in our lives are always based on immediate or future concerns. Should I turn left or right to get to the store? Should I save 25% of my paycheck for retirement or only 20%? Life is full of forks in the road. In this game, players must constantly make decisions on how best to move forward, while at the same time deciding their next 2 to 10 moves in the future. Continue reading →

Song-Froggy Game Review

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The best music in the world is the kind that speaks to you on a deep and personal level. Of course, since we are all unique, one person’s favorite song is another person’s ear-bleeding noise. In this game, players will collect frog musicians in an attempt to create the perfect band. To do so, one must mix one part harmony with one part timing. Continue reading →

Vanquisher Game Review (prepublished version)

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Noted poet, novelist, and historian William Gilmore Simms said, “The true law of the race is progress and development. Whenever civilization pauses in the march of conquest, it is overthrown by the barbarian.” In this game, conquest at any cost is the aim. To build their kingdom, players must forge new paths into unknown land, forge alliances, and gather resources as quickly as possible. The race for conquest has begun and woe to those who cannot keep up! Continue reading →

Apotheca Game Review (prepublished version)

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Rumors abound of a secret society of apothecaries who know ancient magics and the key to immortality. You have sought this society out and hope to persuade them to allow you to join their ranks. They are amused by your request and will allow you to demonstrate your skills. The first to appease 3 apothecaries will be allowed to join and have access to unlimited power, among other perks, such as discount wagon parking. Continue reading →

NanoBot Battle Arena

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The belief that “bigger is better” is held by many, but it’s not necessarily an accurate statement. Nanobots are small enough to travel through the human body next to red blood cells and have firepower equal to that of an M1A2 Abrams main battle tank (albeit on a smaller scale). Size, it turns out, is all relative. Continue reading →

Troll Hunt Game Review

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I grew up thinking that Trolls were big, semi-intelligent, and could only be killed using fire. Yes, I was raised on D&D. My Norwegian relatives tell me that Trolls are, in fact, not necessarily evil, but are certainly not very helpful. Everyone seems to have their own point-of-view on Trolls, but one common thread binds them all. No matter where you are from, everyone agrees that Trolls are dangerous. In this game, you will face these monsters, but not directly. Continue reading →

Let Them Eat Shrimp! Game Review

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The ocean has been the subject of songs, poems, and paintings for as long as humanity cares to remember. Some believe it to be our birth cradle and others look upon it as a living force of nature. It’s the home of countless sea life and mysteries. It’s here you will compete to gather fish, fend off sharks, and prove you’re not all wet. Continue reading →

Babylon Gardens Game Review

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The Gardens of Babylon are considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. They are also believed, by some scholars and historians, to be a myth. Regardless, the garden’s location and existence brings to mind exotic plants, intoxicating smells from vibrant flowers, and cool shade among babbling water fountains. In this game, you will be tasked to tend to these gardens and gather the flowers, but do so wisely. A flower picked is a flower earned, but not all flowers are created equal. Continue reading →

Bullfrogs Game Review

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There is a quote in the game’s rule book from Sun Tzu, a Chinese military strategist and philosopher, that sums up this game perfectly. “Just as water retains no constant shape, in warfare there are no constant conditions.” In this game, players will be attempting to capture floating territories. When they do, the very landscape they are fighting on shifts and even disappears. The key to victory in this game is not military might, but the ability to quickly adapt. Continue reading →

Völuspá Game Review

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Creation and destruction are two sides of the same coin. From the ashes of desolation springs the bounty of new life. Nothing can escape this cycle, including gods. Odin has sought to cheat fate, going so far as to lose an eye to see what is to come. Alas, all his efforts have not allowed him or the other gods to escape their inevitable doom. Now Ragnarök has come and with it the end of all things. The only question that remains unanswered is who will rise from the ashes? Continue reading →

Rum Run Deluxe Edition Game Review

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In 1920, it became illegal to order a beer or any alcoholic beverage. Both politicians and church leaders saw Prohibition as a means to get the United States firmly back on the moral track it had jumped from. In contrast, criminals and law-abiding citizens saw Prohibition as a wonderful business opportunity. Men who always lived on the right side of the law now made illegal whiskey in their homes and honest day laborers transported barrels of alcohol under the protective cover of night. Continue reading →