Imperial Harvest Game Review (prepublished version)

The Royal Strawberry is believed by many to be the most perfect thing in existence. Nations have gone to war for just a taste of this magical fruit. When the Emperor came to power, he constructed a giant wall around the last known place the Royal Strawberries grew and tasked heroes to protect the garden. But outside the garden walls, the Northern Raiders plotted to enter the garden and steal the Royal Strawberries for their own! The garden is about to get “berry” competitive. 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

Tiny Epic Defenders Game Review

After the Great War, the land and its people were broken. From the ashes arose a new ideal and hope. The surviving races would gather and build a great city where all could live in peace. In less time than it took to destroy the kingdom, a new one was born. At its center was the Capital City which stood like a beacon to guide the lost. But beyond the border of the newly healed lands, something festered. Darkness looked upon the kingdom and felt hate in its heart. 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

Kill the Overlord Game Review

Milton Friedman once said, “Hell hath no fury like a bureaucrat scorned.” This game epitomizes Mr. Friedman’s sentiment. One player is the Overlord, an individual with absolute power, and they have but one goal: take out the trash. In this case, the “trash” if everyone in their court, from the lowliest servant to the most seemingly loyal patron. The only way to survive the mass execution is to ensure someone else gets “the chop” before you. Politics can be a deadly business. Continue reading

Runecast Game Review (prepublished version)

You lived a life of adventure and danger. As expected, you died young, but with honor. Songs are sung of your deeds and you feast for eternity in the halls of Valhalla. But there is trouble in Midgard and Loki’s mad mind is causing chaos and havoc. Odin himself has sent you back to Midgard to fight Loki’s minions and bring order to the world. You might have the blessings of the gods, but such trivial flatteries are nothing to a good blade. Continue reading

Dreaming Spires Game Review

Socrates said, “The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance.” In the spirit of Socrates and his passion to challenge people’s thinking (which ultimately lead to his death), schools, colleges, and universities have been formed. Students of all ages and from all walks of life have met under roofs of thatch, mud, wood, metal, and marble for centuries to learn. You are now tasked to create a college that will house the greatest scholars so young minds might be challenged, nurtured, and released into the world in hopes of making it a better place. Continue reading

Empires of Zidal Game Review

Martin Scorsese said, “I love studying Ancient History and seeing how empires rise and fall, sowing the seeds of their own destruction.” But what path did empires take that led them to their ultimate demise? Did they become too decadent? Were they burdened with a faulty economy? Did they have poor political relationships both inside their own walls and without? All of these and more are possible causes that have led great nations to rise and fall. Now it’s your turn to create an empire. Build it wisely or it will surely crumble under its own hubris. Continue reading

Overlords Game Review

Again and again, the dark forces were beaten back by the Champions of Light. Sulking in their shadowy domains after their most recent defeat, they bickered among themselves. Each blamed the other for their consistent failure to conquer the lands. One Dark Lord believed the problem was lack of leadership and recommended that a new leader, an Overlord, be chosen. All agreed, but who should lead? Continue reading

Tiny Epic Kingdoms Game Review (prepublished version)

Michel de Montaigne said “ambition is not a vice of little people”, nor is it for a tiny kingdom. Your lands are small, but you have big dreams. From your castle, you can see your territorial border and the lands beyond. They could be yours if you have the wit and the skill to claim them. Your people look to you to lead and inspire. Guide your subjects to a prosperous future and forge your kingdom into a mighty empire! Continue reading

Four Tribes Game Review

It’s a time of war, famine, and death. You have fought hard, but to no avail. Victory remains elusive, but there is hope. If you could win the favor of the village elders who control key routes along a river used for trade, you could control the flow of goods and resources used by your foes. Turning your army to the north, you make haste to the river. Your spies have informed you that your enemy plans the same tactics and only one can win. Continue reading

Vampire Empire Game Review

It began with the disappearance of a child. Some blamed wolves while others suggested the child just wandered off. But you know better. The city is full of secret places and dark alcoves where evil waits to pounce on the innocent. The old castle that overlooks the city might hold friends who can help you or the very fiends you are attempting to kill. You must be smart to survive and the prey you hunt have survived for hundreds of years. Continue reading