Petra: Era of Prosperity Game Review

The Great City of Petra was established by road-harden nomadic traders who wanted to end their wandering to create a central trading hub. It would quickly become the center of trade in the region and earn those who wandered its streets and dealt in the markets great wealth and influence. But this is not the story of Petra as it was, but how Petra might have come to be. Take command of your nomadic tribe and guide your camels across the desert to create trade routes, build monuments, and secure a future for the great city yet to be. All will live in prosperity once Petra is built, but only one tribe will significantly contribute to the city’s success. Continue reading

Earth Rising: Twenty Years to Transform Our World Game Review (prepublished version)

American author, philosopher, naturalist, scientist, ecologist, forester, conservationist, and environmentalist Aldo Leopold said: “Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.” In this game, humankind and our planet are out of balance. Poverty and unsustainable practices are causing our resources to diminish, humanity to hurt, and our planet to wither. But all is not lost. Take on the role of an ecological hero and help humanity rise to save our Earth. Just know you cannot do it yourself. This is a team effort that will take everyone to succeed! Continue reading

36 Stratagems Game Review

The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) brought about great social stability and governmental order. In short, peace and growth, but at a price. There are always forces at work that impede progress and reform. As a political leader, your ambition to rule will conflict with others. Something worth ruling is worth fighting for. Continue reading

March of the Ants: Minions of the Meadow Game Expansion Review (prepublished version)

English nature writer, Richard Jefferies, wrote “It would seem that the ant works its way tentatively, and, observing where it fails, tries another place and succeeds.” Ants are industrious and tenacious, never losing site of their goals. With this expansion, players are given additional opportunities and pathways to explore, but also new dangers to avoid. Nothing comes easy in the world of ants. Continue reading

March of the Ants Game Review

American author, poet, and many other things, Henry David Thoreau, said “It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?” Which is to say, work for the sake of work is meaningless without a goal. In this game, players will put their ants to work and there is much to keep them busy, but victory will go to the player who has a plan. Continue reading

Middle Empire Game Review

British politician and statesman, Joseph Chamberlain, said “The day of small nations has long passed away. The day of Empires has come.” Ambition is a powerful motivator that will lead men and women to take questionable risks. In this game, players will build their own empire in a hostile land that seeks to crush them. Continue reading

Hamlet Builder Pro Game Review (prepublished version)

You have just been sworn in as the region’s newest magistrate. Your first official duty is to organize and lead the efforts to build a small hamlet. Smirking, you gladly accept the challenge, thinking such a task should be easy to accomplish. You thought wrong. Continue reading

Monarch Game Review (prepublished version)

It was a somber moment. Surrounding the dying Queen were each of her daughters. They had grown from helpless babes to strong young women. The Queen knew that each of her children would rule the land wisely, but there was only one throne. In her last moments, she told her daughters that the kingdom would go to the princess who brought the most prosperity and glory to the people. Then she passed quietly and peacefully. The Queen is dead, but a new queen will soon rise. Continue reading

Hoyuk Game Review

The peaceful valley where 5 tribes have sheltered for generations, harvested crops, bred animals, and raised children has a problem. It’s over populated. Land is scarce, but not ambition. Each clan pushes to occupy more and more land to further their own goals, which causes other clans to have less to work with. The pursuit of peaceful coexistence has been replaced by each clans’ ambition for personal power. You must now lead your clan to victory or the valley may no longer be your home! Continue reading

The King’s Abbey Game Review (prepublished version)

The Dark Ages were a time of war and sickness. As the economy and trade declined, so did the intellectual exchange of ideas. Civilizations became separated and closed off, defending themselves the best they could from raiders and other hostile forces. In the midst of these dark times, abbeys became hubs of a more civilized existence. Trade and prosperity was common, which often drew unwanted attention. You are tasked to improve your abbey and defend it. All the while, the world grows ever darker beyond your walls. Continue reading

Village in a Box Game Review

Congratulations! Your selfless service to the Crown and to the Kingdom have not gone unnoticed! You are hear by given a noble title a, a small castle (with a lovely view of the surrounding countryside), and several miles of land. With much excitement, you quickly bow to the King and travel to your new home only to find it in a state of total disrepair. The peasants are unhappy, the castle is leaning, and winter is soon approaching. If you want to keep your new home and make a name for yourself, you best clean up your lands, feed your people, and do it quickly. Continue reading

Island Siege Game Review

The voyage to the New World was fraught with danger and death. When the colonists arrived, they thought the worst was behind them. They were wrong. They are now under attack and they must quickly build forts with strong walls to protect their homes and lives. These are dangerous and desperate times and it’s up to you to lead your colonist. Victory can only be obtained through military or economic might. Choose your path. Continue reading