Evolution (Second Edition) Game Review

Carl Sagan said, “Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” Meaning all forms of life are destined to blink into existence and then just as quickly blink into oblivion. Rather dire thinking, really, but not necessarily incorrect. Survival is the fight against extinction, the daily battle to continue and thrive. In this game, you will help new species of animals grow and become strong by taking from the weak. But balance is all important, for without balance, even the strong will fall. Continue reading

Babylon Gardens Game Review

The Gardens of Babylon are considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. They are also believed, by some scholars and historians, to be a myth. Regardless, the garden’s location and existence brings to mind exotic plants, intoxicating smells from vibrant flowers, and cool shade among babbling water fountains. In this game, you will be tasked to tend to these gardens and gather the flowers, but do so wisely. A flower picked is a flower earned, but not all flowers are created equal. Continue reading

Livestock Uprising Game Review

When the Pigs invaded the Chicken’s coop, it was just the beginning. Soon the Goats were involved, followed by the Cows. The farm was at total war with itself and every animal was forced to pick a side. The generals of each army believed victory was as good as theirs, but only if they could control the fields. This farm has gone to the animals and these animals have artillery. Continue reading

Safebreaker Game Review

It was the perfect plan. Each of you learned one part of the combination to the safe so as not to arouse suspicion. Your plan worked and between all the members in your gang of thieves, you have the means to open the safe. But there’s a problem. None of you want to share what’s inside. If you were to learn what your partners know, you could open the safe yourself and keep it all! Continue reading

Vici Game Review

A solider uses his sword and shield in battle to survive. A general uses all the swords and all the shields to conquer. You are the general of a large army of battle trained and hardened soldiers. Your goal is to crush your opponent who has camped on the other side of the valley. As you gaze across the large stretch of land into the enemy camp, you can’t help but feel that your opponent is looking back at you. Smiling, you return to your tent to rest. Tomorrow you go to war. Continue reading

Order Up Game Review

Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay said, “Kitchens are run on emotions. I may get upset. But the most important thing is, it’s not personal.” That might very well be, but when emotions run hot, the orders start flying in, and chaos erupts, a kitchen becomes a pressure cooker. In this game, all the players are attempting to get orders out the door as fast as they can, but there are only so many plates of ingredients to be had. The player who works the fastest and is the most aggressive will win, but don’t expect to make many friends along the way. Continue reading

Top Promoter Game Review

Legendary boxing promoter Don King said, “I don’t promote boxing, I promote people. Boxing is a catalyst to bring people together.” In this game, players will be doing the same. It’s not about the boxing, it’s about the people and the money it attracts. As a boxing promoter, you need to work with other promoters to create engaging boxing matches, but you don’t want your boxer to lose. Losers don’t take home paychecks. Continue reading

Hylaria Game Review (prepublished version)

Buddha reportedly said, “Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.” In this game, what you say and don’t say will be listened to, dissected, analyzed, and interpreted to mean something you most likely didn’t intend. Which might or might not have been your plan. Above all else, never say what you mean, but mean what you say though gestures, acting, whistles, fart noises, and so on. Pretty sure Buddha is now rolling his eyes. Continue reading

Earth Encounters Game Review (prepublished version)

Regardless of the counter-measures and fail-safes put in place, the MicroV has escaped. This deadly alien life form is invisible, intelligent, and will do anything to survive. Records show that a ship was stolen and is headed towards a remote planet in the Milky Way known as “Earth” by its inhabitants. You are being sent to find, capture, and return MicroV before it devours all life on Earth. But to do that, you will need the help of the earthlings. You must prove to them your superior intellect before they will take you seriously. Continue reading

Portholes Game Review

When the fully automated prison was opened, its governing AI was hailed as the greatest thing ever created. That was over 100 years ago. The AI, KAL 9000, is now old and slow. The prison population has been cut back to reduce the amount of demand on the AI, but it’s still being taxed. After it’s latest update, KAL 9000 divided by zero and decide that the most logical thing to do was to blow up the prison. As an inmate of LUNA-2, you have this one chance to get out before everything explodes. Continue reading

Wizards of the Wild Game Review (prepublished version)

In a remote region of the world there is an ancient circle of stones. There the talented and the foolhardy meet under the full moon to demonstrate their magical abilities. Some come to learn, but most come to dominate. In the world of magic, only the strong survive and flourish leaving the weak to bicker over whatever scraps of power remain. You have ventured to the circle of stones to prove your worth. Stepping into the circle, you see you are not alone. Continue reading

Zoo Webs Game Review (prepublished version)

Vusamazulu Credo Mutwa said, “Nature is everything and you are a part of nature.” Some believe we are all connected, which is an interesting notion. Some believe we are all individual islands of solitude, which is just depressing. I’m personally in the middle, believing every living thing shares a common bond, but are independent of the biomass. In this game, you’ll connect animals, insects, fish, and birds in a “web of life”, matching common characteristics to very different creatures. Continue reading