Gridopolis Game Review

American business magnate, entrepreneur, industrial designer, investor, and media proprietor, Steve Jobs, said, “That’s been one of my mantras – focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.” In this game, light game rules and abstract simplicity create a hotbed of creative focus and strategic engagement on literally multiple levels. Continue reading

Ancient World Multi Game System Review

Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist, George Bernard Shaw, said “If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience.” Which is to say, if we are unable to learn from the past, how can I make a better future? And yet, the past has so much to teach and is worth going back to. Yes, it’s great to live in the moment, but it’s worth glancing back and seeing how far you’ve come. In this collection of ancient themed games, a modern take is given on timeless lessons that are worth learning and enjoying, but the way the lesson is learned is always changing. Continue reading

HoliMaths X Game Review (prepublished version)

Math is one of those things that some children dread or hate. Both are strong negative feelings and unfortunate. Math is all around us and understanding it is the first step to mastering it. And what is the best way to learn anything? By playing games, of course. Continue reading

Mr. Game! Game Review

For every rule book there is a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) sheet. For every typo on a card there is an errata list. Mistakes are made and not every corner can be covered. Game designers go out of their way to ensure that their game has rules that can be followed and understood. Well, not every game designer. This game, for example, was purposely left with holes. Continue reading

Karma Crystals: First Five Games Review

American actor, screenwriter and film director, Sylvester Stallone, said “There’s a natural law of karma that vindictive people, who go out of their way to hurt others, will end up broke and alone.” Clearly Mr. Stallone has never played a cutthroat game of Monopoly. Regardless, there is truth in his statement. In this series of games, what you do to others might comeback to haunt you or lead to victory. Karma is funny that way. Continue reading

What’s Your Cosmo Game System Review

Spelling and math collide in this deck of 100 unique cards. This is not a game, but a game system that invites players to sit down and enjoy a variety of games that will challenge the mind. Big letters and small numbers make the cards easy to read and to identify for the Child Geeks, but the games included are fun for the whole family. With an open invite to create new games, budding game designers can use the cards to create endless fun. Continue reading

Decktet Game System Review

Imagine a world where vast kingdoms are ruled not by men, but by beasts. Magic and mystery float through the air like clouds, and sword and shield protect the innocent. An endless world full of adventure and exploration. This is the background for a deck of cards known as the Decktet. The cards it contains mean many things and can tell the future as well as the past, wage wars and create peace, create sunny days at the market or deadly storms at sea. All things are possible through this one deck. Continue reading

Pentology Game Review

Pentology is a modern day version of the traditional playing cards but with a firm footing in fantasy. To that end, Pentology is not a game in itself; no more or less than a deck of traditional deck of playing cards. It provides all one needs to be freely creative to design and play their own games. The sky is the limit with this gem and I couldn’t be happier. For so little, it delivers a seemingly endless variety and replay. Continue reading