Dwarves Inc. Game Review

Chinese Confucian philosopher and writer Xun Kuang said, “A person is born with a liking for profit.” And if that is true, the fantasy dwarven race is perhaps the epitome of this ideal. Driven by the desire to acquire wealth and maximize their riches, the dwarves dig deep into the earth to find rare jewels and metals. In this game, players will be helping, hindering, and manipulating both the economy of the dwarves and each other. But, do it right, and you’ll walk away with a jingle in your pocket and a smug look of satisfaction on your face. Just don’t be greedy, or your greed will limit your share of the wealth. Continue reading

Land Vs. Sea Game Review

American actress and filmmaker Angelina Jolie said, “Anytime I feel lost, I pull out a map and stare. I stare until I have reminded myself that life is a giant adventure, so much to do, to see.” The players will collectively build their map full of continents and islands, oceans and lakes in this game. The inhabitants of the newly found land are depicted on each tile placed, building the world and the mystery of what the new world is like. Explore, but do so with intent, as the player who explores strategically and tactically will win the day! Continue reading

Ultimate Werewolf: Extreme Game Review

American biologist and professor of Integrative Biology, Tyrone Hayes, said: “The secret to a happy, successful life of paranoia is to keep careful track of your persecutors.” In this game, players will need to defend themselves from a persecuting mob while trying to root out murderous werewolves or be the very thing that is causing the chaos and hide among the villagers. This is a classic game of social deduction, bluffing, and survival. So sit down with your friends, open this box of cards, and get ready to create great memories and damage a few relationships along the way. Continue reading

Floriferous Game Review

Your garden is abundant with color! Insects softly buzz as you walk on the garden path between the rows of bountiful flowers. You pick a Mum or two to make a beautiful arrangement back in your summer cottage, enjoying the peace and tranquility. This game aims to relax and create beauty as you move through a shared garden full of spectacular flowers and lovely statues. Gather the right colors and types of flowers as you traverse your garden to create beautiful arrangements and possibly win the game! Continue reading

Fishing Race Game Review (prepublished version)

The fishing industry is highly competitive and dangerous. It’s also highly lucrative. The risks are often outweighed by the wealth one can obtain by having a single successful season. But like all resources, there are limits to availability. In this game, all the players will be simultaneously attempting to catch as many fish as possible. Time is limited, and so is the supply of fish! Continue reading

Happy City Game Review

English designer and the founder of London-based design practice Heatherwick Studio, Thomas Heatherwick, said, “One great building does not make a great city.” In this game, players not only have one but many beautiful buildings to plan for and build. The goal is simple: make everyone happy! Take the time to build a city that balances population with joy, and you are sure to be the most popular mayor in history. But be careful. There is only so much space for both buildings and the people who will occupy your city. Continue reading

GoodCritters Game Review

The Italian-born gangster who operated mainly in the United States, Lucky Luciano, said, “There’s no such thing as good money or bad money. There’s just money.” This game is about getting the cash you feel is rightfully yours using whatever methods you believe are right or wrong. This is an exercise in bribes and bluffs, making quick friends and bitter enemies. In the end, it’s all about getting paid, but how much are you willing to pay? Continue reading

Nerdy Inventions Game Review

American speaker, author, and toy-maker Roger von Oech said: “Necessity may be the mother of invention, but play is certainly the father.” In this game, players will attempt to create as many inventions as possible using what little tools they have available to them. The more they invest, the more choices they have to invent new things. The game is as much a race as it’s a creative exercise in playing at being the nerdiest inventor who ever lived. Continue reading

Gaming in Style: E-WIN Gaming Chair Review

The French dramatist and one of the three great playwrights of 17th-century France, Jean Racine, said, “On the throne, one has many worries; and remorse is the one that weighs the least.” We had a chance to test-drive a throne – a gaming throne – to see if Monsieur Racine knew what he was talking about. Although, we must say, after the time we have spent on it, we are of a mixed mind. Continue reading

Breakneck Derby Game Review

American author, Roger Kahn, said: “Horse racing is animated roulette.” In a race where man and beast merge into one galloping form, the crowd on their feet in eager anticipation, and the cumulation of dreams and hopes ending or beginning at the finish line; horse racing is always exciting. In this game, players will take on the role of one or more jockeys, guiding their horse around the track. But be sure not to just focus on getting ahead. Instead, this race will require players to think, strategize, and jump to the lead when the small window of opportunity opens. Continue reading

Twinkle Game Review

American actress, model, and singer, Marilyn Monroe, said: “We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle.” But not all stars can be the brightest. In this game, players will build constellations, using dice to represent stars. While one of the goals is to shine the brightest, it isn’t the only path to victory. Build your constellations with purpose, and you’ll end up owning the heavens. Continue reading

BaristaCat Game Review (prepublished version)

American lawyer and statesman who served as the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, said, “If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee.” It amuses me to think how difficult a customer President Lincoln would have been if he had a coffee shop nearby. I mean, come on dude, make up your mind. But nothing compares to the customers in this game that demand their coffee meow and won’t leave until they get it. So do what you can to please the customers, but keep in mind at all times that you need to get paid, too. Continue reading