Thinkocrats: Country Comps Game Review

Italian polymath of the High Renaissance known for his paintings and creative mind, Leonardo da Vinci, said, "Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets." In this game, statistical information about 52 countries that comprise 93% of the world economy, 82% of the world population, and 73% of the Earth's landmass are provided in an easy to read and compare values. Learning about the world has never been so easy! Leonardo would be proud.

Varia Game Review

Japanese martial artist and founder of the martial art of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, said, "When life is victorious, there is birth; when it is thwarted, there is death. A warrior is always engaged in a life-and-death struggle for Peace." In this game, peace is only granted the dead. Players will take on the role of a mighty warrior who is highly skilled in their specific field of combat. Battles are head-to-head and toe-to-toe. The only weapons they have are the few items they bring with them and their wits to outmaneuver their foe.

Top Tale Game Review (prepublished version)

American spiritual teacher, psychologist, and author, Ram Dass, said, "Each of us finds his unique vehicle for sharing with others his bit of wisdom." Humans learn by observing and listening. There was a time when everything you knew was passed down to you verbally or through physical instruction. This was later enhanced with books that captured ideas that could be shared again and again. Now we have the internet that allows us to share pretty much everything. And yet, we still yearn for the quiet moments where we can just sit and talk. In this game, taking a moment to pause, share, and laugh is the player's only goal.

House Guests from Hell Game Review

American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, said, "Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days." Now imagine the worst possible house guest you are unlucky enough to have in your home. They will not leave. All they do is complain. They are giving you heartache and headaches. Time for this individual to go! But you need to get them out of the house delicately. You cannot burn bridges, after all. To solve this uncomfortable dilemma, you are going to need very creative solutions.

Dragonrealm Game Review

The Roman poet, Ovid, said, "The bold adventurer succeeds the best." In this game, players will take on the role of brave adventurers who leave the comforts of the local tavern to go venture in dark and dangerous locations. Along the way, they will find treasure and more than enough goblins that are causing mischief. But if the adventurer is bold, if their heart is pure, and those dice do their job, they will return to the tavern with stories to tell and much gold to spend.

Traintopia Game Review

Co-founder of Pixar and president of Walt Disney Animation Studios, Edwin Catmull, said, "Driving the train doesn't set its course. The real job is laying the track." In this game, players take on the responsibility of doing just that. They will build an extensive network of rails, stations, and sites to see along the way. The goal is to connect, but more importantly, connect with a purpose and to provide value. A lesson we can all benefit from, both at and away from the gaming table.