Filibuster Game Review (prepubished version)

American author, politician, U.S. Ambassador and public conservative figure, Clare Boothe Luce, said “They say women talk too much. If you have worked in Congress you know that the filibuster was invented by men.” As a political tool, a filibuster can best be thought of as a blunt instrument, at best. Its single goal is to talk a political debate to death. In this game, there is a lot of killing…of political policies. Continue reading

Pocket Ballpark Game Review (prepublished version)

American professional baseball catcher, manager, coach, and (in my opinion) one of the greatest philosophers the world has and will ever know, Yogi Berra, said “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.” If you are a lover of baseball, you know you have it on the brain constantly. Now you can play the game you love wherever you go. Continue reading

Endogenesis Game Review (prepublished version)

You were one of the first. You saw the dawn of creation and have drifted among the stars for eons. You were content to simply observe and learn, but then something changed. You got bored. The more you knew, the more you started to feel you were missing something. Curious, you began visiting new realms and realities. You became stronger. Curiosity was replaced by greed and you became hungry for power. Now you fight for domination over all forms of reality, no longer content to simply watch. You want to rule. Continue reading

The Curse of Misfortune Lane Game Review (prepublished version)

Every town has its secrets. Its dark past. Your town is no different. Except for one very important detail. Every 13th of Friday, a curse is let loose that brings nightmares to all who live on Misfortune Lane. No more. You and your friends at school have decided to break this curse. But being a kid that no adults listen to, what can you do? Not much, perhaps, and the monster in the shadows is counting on it! Continue reading

Mapmaker: The Gerrymandering Game Review (prepublished version)

Ancient Roman statesman, orator, lawyer and philosopher, Marcus Tullius Cicero, said “Nothing is more unreliable than the populace, nothing more obscure than human intentions, nothing more deceptive than the whole electoral system.” He died, by the way, for political reasons, so we can properly assume he knew what he was talking about. In this game, physical death by sword is not a possibility, but a political death is only a vote away. Continue reading

Evil Overlord Game Review (prepublished version)

Contemporary American crime writer, Patricia Cornwell, said “I believe the root of all evil is abuse of power.” In this game, abusing power by any means possible is the name of the game. You are a lesser lord of evil, but what you really want to be when you grow up is an Evil Overlord, the supreme ruler of all of things “not good or even remotely great”. But there’s a catch. You are not the only one with ambition and the hordes of evil at your command can be cantankerous. Oh, well. If it was easy, you’d most likely wouldn’t want the job. Continue reading

Heroes and Treasure Role-Playing Game Review (prepublished version)

German-American developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst, Erik Erikson, said “The playing adult steps side-ward into another reality; the playing child advances forward to new stages of mastery.” Role-playing games challenge people to create concrete solutions from abstract ideas. Imagination in such games is an invaluable tool. Children have an incredible imagination, and now thanks to this game, they have an opportunity to explore new worlds with their family. Continue reading

GROWL Game Review (prepublished version)

The woods surrounding the village are dark, deep, and old. Children are taught not to go near it and only the bravest (or the most foolish) adults venture into its depths. The wood hides something that stays in the shadows, but not any longer. There have been animal attacks in the village and rumors are starting to be whispered from ear to ear that a werewolf is responsible. Villagers no longer trust one another and everyone is a possible enemy. Continue reading

No Escape Game Review (prepublished version)

The Titan space station was considered a modern marvel. A place for brave men and women to live in safety as they traveled through the darkness of space. Sadly, budget restraints required some “creative thinking” when it came to building the station. Corners were cut, loopholes were found, and some safety inspections were ignored. Now the inhabitants of the station are running for their lives, looking for a way off before they crash into the planet or explode. Did I mention only one player will survive? Yeah, they could only afford one escape pod… Continue reading

On Their Merry Way Game Review (prepublished version)

Robin Hood and his Merry Men have a job to do. They must steal from the rich so they can provide for the poor. This is a surprisingly easy task, as Merchants tend to be tired after traveling for days carrying heavy loads and easily fall for traps. Guards are always a nuisance, but not a threat. To help make things more interesting, Robin Hood will reward one member of his gang of thieves a great prize if they can bring in the most profit. Let the games begin. Continue reading

Dungeon Brawl Game Review (prepublished version)

You have survived the terrors of the dungeon and defeated the final boss. Before you lies a treasure pile just waiting to be plundered. But wait. Why should you share this with your so-called friends? Didn’t you deliver the final stroke that killed the dragon? Wasn’t it you who made sure the rest of the party survived? You should have the majority of the treasure! Now to convince the others… Continue reading

Dragon Keepers Game Review (prepublished version)

Dragons are sacred beasts. They embody magic, strength, and benevolence. Tribes of warriors and mystics have dedicated their lives to protect these beasts from those who would harm them. You are such an individual and you have trained your whole life to be the sword and shield for these magical creatures. Your greatest allies are other Keepers who have sworn to protect the dragons and the dragons themselves. Continue reading