The #UpsideDownChallenge Game Review

Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, said, “Everything that happens, happens as it should, and if you observe carefully, you will find this to be so.” In this game, what you observe everyday is turned – literally – upside down. The sky is at your feet, the table is hanging from the ceiling, and left is most certainly right. Prepare to enter a world where even the easiest of tasks like writing a word becomes a legendary chore. It’ll be challenging, to say the least, but to win you only need to observe your new temporary reality with its wacky flip-flopped rules. Continue reading

Top Tale Game Review (prepublished version)

American spiritual teacher, psychologist, and author, Ram Dass, said, “Each of us finds his unique vehicle for sharing with others his bit of wisdom.” Humans learn by observing and listening. There was a time when everything you knew was passed down to you verbally or through physical instruction. This was later enhanced with books that captured ideas that could be shared again and again. Now we have the internet that allows us to share pretty much everything. And yet, we still yearn for the quiet moments where we can just sit and talk. In this game, taking a moment to pause, share, and laugh is the player’s only goal. Continue reading

House Guests from Hell Game Review

American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, said, “Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.” Now imagine the worst possible house guest you are unlucky enough to have in your home. They will not leave. All they do is complain. They are giving you heartache and headaches. Time for this individual to go! But you need to get them out of the house delicately. You cannot burn bridges, after all. To solve this uncomfortable dilemma, you are going to need very creative solutions. Continue reading

Stringamajig Game Review

French fashion designer best known for his signature high-heeled stiletto shoes, Christian Louboutin, said, “I am very bad at drawing. Seriously. I can draw shoes. That’s about it.” Drawing is an art form and a talent a few have made into a career. Not to toot my own horn, but I have drawn a damn good stick-person (which no one is willing to pay for). In this game, your artistic skill – present or not – will be tested as you attempt to use a bit of uncooperative string to illustrate a simple word. This is a game full of creativity and hilarity. An artist you need not be, but you best bring your patience. Continue reading

Letter Jam Game Review

English novelist and essayist, journalist and critic, George Orwell (whose real name is Eric Arthur Blair – fun fact), said: “Language ought to be the joint creation of poets and manual workers.” In this game, players will work together to put together a series of clues – both seen and unseen – to help each player solve their word puzzle. It’s a game that takes communication and teamwork, guessing and deduction, and, most importantly, is specific to each player’s vocabulary skills! Continue reading

The Rank Game Review (prepublished version)

Brazilian lyricist and novelist Paulo Coelho, said “Writing means sharing. It’s part of the human condition to want to share things – thoughts, ideas, opinions.” Writing is but one form of how we share. We also share ideas, thoughts, and feelings through music, art, a conversation, and even through a light touch on someone’s shoulder when we pass them by. Of all these many ways we communicate with each other, how well do we know the person we are speaking and listening to? This game looks to answer that question. Continue reading

Spyfall and Spyfall 2 Game Review

Australian-born actress, Freya Tingley, said: “I really wanted to be a spy. I guess it’s a bit like acting, where you play a role.” To be a competent spy, you must hide in plain sight, listen intently, and be well-versed in the art of misdirection. Your survival depends on it! In this game, one or more spies will be hiding among the players. The goal is simple: find the spy, but nothing is as easy as it seems. Continue reading

Danger: The Game Review

American comedian, actor, juggler and writer, W.C. Fields, said “The world is getting to be such a dangerous place, a man is lucky to get out of it alive.” For many of us, our daily lives are full of predictable situations and outcomes. The most dangerous experience we’ll have are more of an annoyance than actual threat to life and limb. In this game, prepare to be put in very bad situations that you’ll have to quickly determine how best to get out of using your imagination, wit, and lot of persuading. Continue reading

Pick Your Poison Game Review

American television personality, author, and psychologist, Dr. Phil McGraw, said “Eighty percent of all choices are based on fear. Most people don’t choose what they want; they choose what they think is safe.” In this game, the players are never in jeopardy of being harmed, but that won’t change the difficulty of making a choice. Pick your poison from two horrible scenarios. Your decision will decide the game and playing it safe is not an option. Continue reading

Poobah Game Review

Best selling self-help book author, Karen Salmansohn, said “Choose to focus your time, energy and conversation around people who inspire you, support you and help you to grow you into your happiest, strongest, wisest self.” Communication is key to our species’ survival. From the very first hand motion telling another Neanderthal that a giant tiger was nearby to a child telling their parents that their stomach hurts. Without communication, we cannot share, grow, or assist. Making a game out of this essential skill further strengthens bonds with friends and family. Continue reading

Vertellis (Standard and Family Edition) Game Review

English philosopher, physician, and Father of Liberalism, John Locke, said “Any one reflecting upon the thought he has of the delight, which any present or absent thing is apt to produce in him, has the idea we call love.” Pause for a moment and reflect. What do you like best? What makes you laugh? Who do you enjoy spending time with? Your answers and those from others might surprise you. Continue reading

Sheeple Game Review (prepublished version)

American spiritual teacher, author, and philosopher, Vernon Howard, said “A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.” Very true, and in most situations, I think this approach is valid. But not here. In this game, you desperately need the approval of others and the only way to do that is to think like them. Easy? Not at all because you need to be uniquely the same. Wrap your mind around that! Continue reading