King of Crime: Bootleg Edition Game Review (prepublished version)

Welcome to the early 1930’s. Prohibition has made it possible for enterprising individuals to make a great amount of money selling illegal alcohol. Of course, the major criminal “Families” have been involved from the start, but their criminal exploits and ambitions far exceed those of the common bootlegger. There are only so many rackets and riches to go around, however, and that means you’ll have to fight for what you earn to keep your “Family” flush with cash! Continue reading

Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities Game Review

The great arena has thrilled and horrified for generations. Within its walls and on its sandy floor, countless brave men and horrific beasts have bled and perished. It is a symbol of strength, a proving ground for future legends, and a visible reminder to enemies the might and brutality of the Roman Empire. Warriors from 3 cities thought lost to Rome have now entered the area. Do they hope to become legends or are they secretly testing the defenses of the empire that hast turned from them? Continue reading

Deck of Thieves (prepublished version)

The Lords and Ladies might rule the land, but it’s the Thief Guilds who control the streets of the cities. A vast network of skilled pickpockets, cutpurses, and tricksters make up the rank and file of every guild. And they all answer to you, Guild Master. Good thing, too, because a new Big Boss is needed to lead all the guilds and that position is only given to the most cleverest and resourceful of thieves. Whoever wins, controls all. Continue reading

The Card Game of Oz Game Review (prepublished version)

Oz is not a happy fairy tale. Politics and intrigue are rampant as power struggles between opposing forces divides the land and its people. It is here that a young girl from Kansas first enters the story as a hapless traveler and later becomes Oz’s greatest hero. Lifted right from the pages of L. Frank Baum’s Oz books, the history of the land and its strange inhabitants are presented to the players to explore and rewrite as they see fit. Continue reading

Influence Game Review (prepublished version)

The art of diplomacy and intrigue is only mastered by those who are truly devoted to the craft. Subtle is the brush that gently paints hints and suggestions into the minds of influential leaders. If done correctly, a single masterful stroke is worth a thousand soldiers and a well-timed flourish of words can bring down castle walls. It is a dangerous game full of lies and treachery, but the rewards are nothing short of the Keys to the Kingdom and worth the risk! Continue reading

Smash Up Game Review

The premise of Smash Up is pretty simple. Take two of the eight Faction decks (that represent iconic heroes of geek culture) and shuffle them together to create a 40 card deck. Use Minions and Actions from that deck to attack and destroy the Bases before your opponent’s do. The faster you destroy a Base, the more Victory Points you earn. The first player to accumulate 15 Victory Points wins the game. Quick. Easy. Fun. Approved! Continue reading

Exodus Trading Card Game Review

They are known as Drifters, individuals who can travel from one plane of existence to another. Some see them as saviors and others as heralds of doom. Wherever they appear, change is certain to follow. From out of nothingness, these Drifters create fantastic creatures of legend and bend the very fabric of reality to their Will. For theirs is the power of creation and destruction, and they eternally battle each other for dominance over all. Continue reading

Jenga BOOM Game Review

Pop quiz, hot-shot! You’ve got less than a minute to carefully move a block from a stack and then balance it on a wobbly tower. What’s the only thought that should be in your head? HA! Trick question, rookie! That answer is “nothing”! This is a game where you only have time to do two things: be quick and precise! Leave your brain at the door, check your gut, and bring your moxie! Continue reading

Little Devils Game Review

The phrase “the devil is in the details” is exceedingly apropos when it comes to this seemingly simple trick-taking card game. Playing the winning card is not always the best action to take and sometimes taking a big penalty is exactly what you need to win. This is a game of thinking in two directions at once and keeping track of the little devils that will determine if you win or lose. Continue reading

Pieces of Eight – Buccaneers Game Expansion Review

Every pirate will eagerly tell you that if a little is good, more is better. This sentiment is the backbone of all that they live and die for. They never have enough rum, gold, or adventure. It drives them into danger and often times rewards them with fortune. Or death. Mostly death. Still, pirate captains are never hurting for volunteers to help man their ships! Continue reading

Pieces of Eight Deluxe Edition Game Review

Every pirate captain’s wish is to earn enough gold to retire. Preferably before they lose a limb, or worse yet, are captured and hung. Be they men or women, these pirate captains know that there is much risk in their daring ventures, but the rewards are too tempting to ignore. If they get enough gold and make a big enough name for themselves, they can retire to a life of luxury. Death at sea is just one of the many risks they are willing to take! Continue reading

What’s Your Cosmo Game System Review

Spelling and math collide in this deck of 100 unique cards. This is not a game, but a game system that invites players to sit down and enjoy a variety of games that will challenge the mind. Big letters and small numbers make the cards easy to read and to identify for the Child Geeks, but the games included are fun for the whole family. With an open invite to create new games, budding game designers can use the cards to create endless fun. Continue reading