Block Builders Game Review

By | |
Leave a comment

One of the earliest toys many of us played with as kids were simple building blocks. We’d stack them on top of each other to build a tower and giggle hysterically when they toppled over. There was a simple joy in that kind of play that we have a hard time recapturing as adults. In this puzzle solving game, we get a chance to play with blocks again, but this time, there’s a twist. Or better put, a hinge. Get your mind ready and dust off your imagination. It’s time to play. Continue reading →

City Center Game Review

By | |
Leave a comment

According to Jane Jacobs, an American-born Canadian writer and activist with primary interests in communities, urban planning, and decay, “There is no logic that can be superimposed on the city; people make it, and it is to them, not buildings, that we must fit our plans.” If such is the case, then all that we live in and around is ours to control and define. This includes traffic jams. In this game, planning and timing is essential for success! Continue reading →

Mage Wars: Conquest of Kumanjaro Game Expansion Review

By | |
1 Comment

Kumanjaro is a place of endless savannahs and ancient jungles. The Johktari people have called this vast wilderness home since the beginning of time. When the strangers came to their shores, they were at first welcomed as friends. It later became clear that the friendly visitors were selfish invaders, determined to strip the land of its gifts. Now the Johktari fight for their home and to preserve their way of life against an empire set on colonization and control. Continue reading →

UFO Hunter 2nd Edition Game Review (prepublished version)

By | |
Leave a comment

Only crazy people talk about government cover-ups and conspiracies in public. No sane individual would want to draw that kind of attention to themselves with so many unfriendly alien eyes watching. You know all about the stealth helicopters and the mind control. You have learned to read the real story between the lines in the newspapers. Soon, you’ll have enough evidence to expose it all, but not yet. This is a game of hunting for facts and being hunted. Be careful. Continue reading →

That’s It! Game Review

By | |
Leave a comment

Sometimes, there are multiple answers to a single question. For example, if I were to ask you what tool is found in a tool box, the number of correct answers is more than I care to count. But what if I were to tell you that I’m only looking for one specific tool that answers the question? Well, now, that’s a bit different, isn’t it? In this game of logical deduction and quick wit, players will be asked a question that has many correct answers but only one that is right! Continue reading →

Fantasy Frontier Game Review (prepublished version)

By | |
Leave a comment

By royal decree, all men and women of able body and means are to immediately assist the Crown and Country explore and claim the wilderness across the frontier. For too long, we have waited behind our walls and looked out across a land that is ours by right. The Queen now asks all her loyal subjects to be brave and find new land to colonize for future generations. Several well-known airship captains have been drafted to help in the effort. Now, take to the skies, and claim our birthright! Continue reading →

Belle of the Ball Game Review (prepublished version)

By | |
3 Comments

To socialites, it’s very important to be seen at the right time, at the right place, wearing the right apparel. Just as important is who you are seen with. When it comes time to organize a large social gathering, getting the best caterer is just as important as getting the right guests. In this game, you must compete with other socialites to claim people of importance in hopes of creating the perfect party. The stakes could not be higher. Everyone of importance is watching and gossiping. Continue reading →

Fluxx: The Board Game Review

By | |
2 Comments

It’s in our nature to attempt to control the uncontrollable. It’s a hopeless venture. We define and categorize the unexplainable, create rules that can be broken, and lie to ourselves to create new truths. One could say this is a rather bleak way to look at things, but I find it fascinating. How else can one navigate the tempest to obtain control without first defining their place in the chaotic maelstrom? In this game, chaos is an agent of change and a path to victory. Continue reading →

Wig Out! Game Review

By | |
Leave a comment

We all want to be unique individuals, despite also wanting to fit in. How can we standout while at the same time wrap the warm protective arms of the status quo about our shoulders? It’s a conundrum, but not entirely impossible. In today’s age, fashion tends to be the medium in which an individual celebrates their individuality. Be it clothes, fragrance, and even hairstyles. But uniqueness can be drowned out by the masses and attempting to recognize one person in a sea of faces is darn tough. Continue reading →

Craniatics Puzzle Game Review

By | |
Leave a comment

We keep our body strong by running, lifting weights, and doing other exercises. This helps us stay healthy and look crazy good in a swimsuit. But we can’t take our brains to the gym. Or can we? Working with puzzles is the equivalent to putting your brain on a treadmill. By forcing your brain to think differently, new neural pathways are created and the dust that has settled on your mind is removed. Grab your water bottle and let’s do some heavy brain crunches! Continue reading →

Examplary Game Review

By | |
2 Comments

The human brain learns by example and association. Something new is put in front of you and your brain immediately starts to think, “oh, this is like (insert thing here)!” This is how we learned NOT to pet saber-toothed tigers and to avoid hiding underneath mammoths. In short,we learn through observation. The more we observe and experience, the more we can personally relate to the world around us. Time to test how closely you’ve paying attention! Continue reading →

Obligatory Gen Con 2013 Summary

By | |
6 Comments

Let me first preface this summary by stating how incredibly tired I am. Gen Con is not so much an event as it is a trial of the mind and body. A geek is constantly bombarded by sounds, sights, and odors. Very little sleep is had, bad (but tasty) food is eaten in terribly unhealthy portions, and the smells from the Indianapolis sewer system hit you like a pissed off boxer every time you walk outside. Regardless of the mental and physical onslaught, I keep coming back as do the thousands I had the pleasure to mingle with at Gen Con this year. Continue reading →