Bad Karma Game Review

The actions we take either further our own goals or the goals of others. Some believe the more we give, the more we will receive in this world and the next. Karma is like a celestial accountant, keeping track of all that we do and writing little tick marks in various columns. In this game, you are doing all you can to cook the celestial accounting books to balance in your favor. Continue reading

Dr. Eureka Game Review

Emmy-nominated host of the television show Brain Games, Jason Silva, said “Creativity and insight almost always involve an experience of acute pattern recognition: the eureka moment in which we perceive the interconnection between disparate concepts or ideas to reveal something new.” In this game, creativity must be pushed by the need to shout EUREKA first! Continue reading

Tradewars: Homeworld Game Review

We have mapped the universe and know two things. First, it’s vast. Second, it’s mostly empty, but not devoid of life. Resources can only be found on certain planets and a race’s homeworld is more akin to a lifeboat than a throne. Survival is dependent on how hard you make it for others to kill you. 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

Ghostbusters: The Board Game Review

Some believe that ghosts exist, while many others remain skeptical. Still, few of us will venture into an abandoned house or graveyard at night. What are we afraid of? In 1984, four scientists decided to capture our fears once and for all, but there was one unforeseen problem. Once you capture ghosts and fears in a box, many more manifest to take its place. Continue reading

Horrible Hex Game Review

One of the joys of playing games against opponents sitting across from you is attempting to figure out what they are thinking. If you can, you know what moves to make and how to win. In this game, what your opponent wants is clearly in front of you. What is not clear is how they will attempt to claim their prize or how you can avoid helping them win the game. Continue reading

The Goonies: Adventure Card Game (prepublished version)

The Goonies is a movie I remember fondly from my childhood. I have watched it many times throughout the years and have shared it with my kids, too. The movie captures the wonder, excitement, and danger of being a child…with pirates…and crooks. Will the game? Let’s find out. Continue reading

The Road to Ruin Game Review

Whatever caused the dead to rise and hunt the living swept over the world like a prairie fire. In less than a week, whole cities were abandoned except by those who could not leave or were already part of the undead. What remains of the living hides in holes and is barely surviving. The alternative is not pleasant. Continue reading

Legends of Idunia Game Review

A mutinous crew have tossed you and two companions overboard. You are now adrift in a small boat with nothing but ocean to be seen. Death will come soon, but fate is fickle and easily misinterpreted. Adventure awaits you on a distant shore growing larger on the horizon. Continue reading

Hot Pursuit Game Review (prepublished version)

New York City is full of hopes, dreams, and corruption. Behind each brightly lit street is a shadowy alley where anyone can make a backstreet deal. The line between “good” and “bad” is blurred once you start compromising your values and justifying your actions. In this game, you’re only interested in clues. You’ll let the newspapers cover whatever passes as “truth”. Continue reading

The Manhattan Project: Chain Reaction (prepublished version)

Your nation’s greatest fear has been realized. Reports have come in that suggest neighboring countries are making weapons capable of total destruction. Without losing another moment, the highest powers in the land charge the workforce to make weapons. Mining operations and factories appear overnight, scientists refine formulas, and the labor force marches to the beat of war. Continue reading