In Dark Horse, by Knight Works, the players take on the roles of opportunists that are looking to carve their own little piece of paradise out of the Old West. There is great fortune to be had but only a few know how to get it. Even fewer know how to keep it. Opportunity and treachery are around every corner and knowing when and where to focus attention is going to be the real test. Wield your influence wisely, reveal little, and watch your opponents carefully.
A children's game about marriage and relationships? Not exactly. Samarkand: Routes to Riches is a "train game" in camel's clothing, with low complexity and short playing time. A good choice for younger school-aged children with enough to keep adult gamers interested. Expand your trading routes across the Orient...at least it's not the Mediterranean!
Games like this always make me happy as they keep me engaged. I also enjoy the game for its simple but necessary risk taking. A player can always elect to take the "safe path", but this is not going to win any games. There is just enough need to take some risk to make the game feel a bit tense without feeling stressful. If you are looking for a fun family game that plays fast, challenges, and entertains, do give Ugh! a try.
Zip Zap, by Gamewright, is a fast-paced card game where the players are attempting to discard their hand as quickly as possible. There is no turn order and each player needs to pay attention to the table, to the other players, and their own cards at all times. Match colors and discard numbers in sequential order whenever possible, but watch out for the Zap! In a blink of an eye, your winning streak could come to a crashing halt!
Ultimate Driver 300 Deluxe is a card game that puts the player in the driving seat and sets them down the track on a high-speed race where only one player can be the winner. The game is entertaining without being taxing, is fun without feeling like work, and allows players to be social and play at the same time. The game is very straightforward, but it made me smile, allowed me to have fun with my little geeks, and I would gladly play it again for these reasons.
A king and kingdom is nothing without a castle. From the high walls, lords and ladies look out upon the land they rule and at the people they protect. But for some lordlings, the walls that surround their holdings is not enough. The truly ambitious seek to expand their territory and control. Their walls of power and of stone begin to stretch and travel outward, encompassing more and more land. It falls to you, the Lord's castellan, to build such a castle. A challenge made all the more difficult by your rivals competing for your lord's favor.