Terra Proxima Game Review (prepublished version)

English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge, Stephen Hawking said: “I think the human race doesn’t have a future if it doesn’t go into space.” In this game, players are humanity’s greatest hope of finding new resources and homes for the expanding human race. Each player takes on the role of leading ships deeper into the void to find the fabled planet Terra Proxima. The first to plant their flag will win the game, but the race to the center of the galaxy is anything but easy or safe. Continue reading

Travelers of Tryphosa Game Review (prepublished version)

Ancient Chinese philosopher and writer Lao Tzu said: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” In this game, the journey to find your legend begins with the first roll of the dice for your adventuring party. Explore a world full of danger and loot. Meet interesting people with problems only you and your sword can fix. Challenge yourself to find and fight dangerous creatures that magically drop gold when their bodies vanish. The life of a questing adventurer is fraught with peril but has a lot of perks. Continue reading

Evil Corp Game Review

American business magnate and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller said: “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” Which is to say, take risks to become exceptional. Good advice, but in this game, the CEOs you will play misinterpreted Mr. Rockefeller’s wisdom. They are most certainly giving up the good to become great, but by doing so, they are also – purposely – taking evil and selfish paths to obtain power and influence over the market and the world. Join in on the fun as you build your empire and rule the world from your comfy corner office. Continue reading

Long Shot: The Dice Game Review (prepublished version)

American author, Roger Kahn, said: “Horse racing is animated roulette.” Which is to say, you don’t know the outcome until the very end. But it’s that excitement, with the paired horse and jockey, racing as fast as they can with each horse’s step bringing them closer to the finish line, that keeps everyone in the stands at the edge of their seats. In this game of horse racing, players will be placing their bets on their own horses. To win this game, you need to play the race in both the short and long run. Continue reading

Funfair Game Review

The well-known researcher who focuses on why people make choices, Sheena Iyengar, said, “It’s always a thrilling experience to go into a place that offers you a lot of choice. You know it’s like it reminds you of when you’re a kid, and you go to the amusement park and whether it be Disneyworld or Six Flags you know that thrilling moments are there when you first enter, and you know you’ve got all these possibilities for the day and it’s really a wonderful feeling.” In this game, players can build any park they like with the rides they always wanted to have. Let your imagination be your guide as you create the greatest funfair in the world! Continue reading

Beets Bombs and the Blüffs Game Review

American novelist Tom Robbins, reportedly said “The beet is the most intense of vegetables. The radish, admittedly, is more feverish, but the fire of the radish is a cold fire, the fire of discontent, not of passion. Tomatoes are lusty enough, yet there runs through tomatoes an undercurrent of frivolity. Beets are deadly serious.” In this game, Tom is absolutely correct. Plant your beets and hope you get them before your neighbors. But be careful! In the fields are also bombs intended to make quick work of would-be beet thieves! Pick your plants wisely. Continue reading

Cutthroat Ninja Game Review

Japanese martial artist, actor, filmmaker and writer, Sho Kosugi said: “Only a Ninja can stop a Ninja.” And as badass as that sounds, it’s also probably true. Ninja’s approach their target from the shadows and strategize their attack before even drawing their weapon. The only good thing about having a Ninja hunt you is that you won’t have to worry about it very long because you’ll very soon be dead. Which, you know, is convenient and strangely thoughtful. In this game, you and your other Ninjas are all attacking the same target, but only one of you will earn the honor of landing the fatal blow! Continue reading

Strikerz Soccer Card Game Review

Uruguayan journalist, writer, and “global soccer’s pre-eminent man of letters,” Eduardo Galeano said, “In soccer, ability is much more important than shape, and in many cases, skill is in the art of turning limitations into virtues.” In this game, you need not be a star athlete, but you do need to be on the lookout for opportunities to score at every turn. Victory won’t go to the strongest or the fastest here. Victory goes to the shrewdest card player. Continue reading

ElevatorUp Game Review

English poet noted for his war poetry during the Second World War and his wry memoir of the Western Desert campaign, Keith Douglas, said “Life is like an elevator. Up and down, make sure you get off on the right floor.” In this game, players will be riding up and down the elevator with the single intent of controlling the console that determines which floor to visit. Keep your options open, or you will find yourself traveling to a destination that won’t lead to victory. Continue reading

Endangered World Game Review (prepublished version)

Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist Mahatma Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Animal rights and protection have long been a topic of ethical and political conversation. One way to strengthen the need and awareness of this cause is to continue to drive home the message of how fragile our world is and the need for us – as a species – to take a higher level of accountability and responsibility. This game, designed for families, will certainly help even the youngest of geeks understand the need to protect and remind many adults, as well. Continue reading

Dicey Curves: Road Rally Game Review

One of the most successful racing drivers in the history of the sport, Mario Andretti, said, “If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough.” In this game, control is necessary to win with your two-car team, but victory is not given to the fastest. As your team lead, you must manage your resources, timing, and position to take the lead and score the points.  Continue reading

Fairy Season Game Review

Scottish novelist, playwright, and creator of Peter Pan, Sir. James Matthew Barrie wrote, “Every time a child says ‘I don’t believe in fairies’ there is a little fairy somewhere that falls dead.” Yikes. In this game, whether you believe in fairies or not is inconsequential. Your only goal is to protect and save. To do so, you must follow the rules of nature and outthink the goblins (and your opponents). Sound easy? It’s not. This game might not require you to believe in winged sprites, but it will need all your attention if the fairies are to survive. Continue reading