Austrian-born American celebrity chef, restaurateur, and occasional actor, Wolfgang Puck, said “Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors – it’s how you combine them that sets you apart.” In this game, there are only so many ingredients to go around and dishes to make. Cook fast and cook smart to taste victory. Continue reading
Carl Sagan said “The universe seems neither benign nor hostile, merely indifferent.” Stars are born and die. Galaxies expand and collapse. It’s a dance of creation and destruction that is played out eon after eon on a cosmic level. But there is order to the chaos. For each cause there is an effect and after every death there is new life. Sadly, nothing lasts forever… Continue reading
Martin Scorsese said, “I love studying Ancient History and seeing how empires rise and fall, sowing the seeds of their own destruction.” But what path did empires take that led them to their ultimate demise? Did they become too decadent? Were they burdened with a faulty economy? Did they have poor political relationships both inside their own walls and without? All of these and more are possible causes that have led great nations to rise and fall. Now it’s your turn to create an empire. Build it wisely or it will surely crumble under its own hubris. Continue reading
American Christian minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., said, “Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.” If it hurts you to think – to furrow your brow and concentrate critically – then I have a game here you should avoid. This is a puzzler – a quest – to navigate as a team through treacherous terrain and dangerous turns. Only the bravest and most emotionally stable need to apply to play this video game inspired tabletop challenge. Continue reading
In this game, players take on the role of a horse jockey and must use their wit and skills to navigate an unknown course filled with obstacles of mixed difficulty, all the while pushing their horse to be the lead. From the very start, it is a close race and victory is never certain. Continue reading
French judge, man of letters, historian, and political philosopher, who went simply as Montesquieu, said, “An empire founded by war has to maintain itself by war.” In this game, the war you wage is one of commerce and finance, building corporations into financial empires through subterfuge, hostile takeovers, and flat-out destroying the infrastructure of your competition. All of this, mind you, is set in a world where steam power rules and science fiction is a reality. Tighten your cufflinks, holster your Tesla pistol, and sheath your Samurai sword; it’s time to go to work. Continue reading
English actor, Benedict Cumberbatch, said “I’ve always wanted to play a spy because it’s the ultimate acting exercise. You are never what you seem.” In this game, it’s self-evident who everyone is: spies and backstabbers all. The goal is espionage, bluffing, and sabotaging. Players must be ruthless but never lose their cool or wit. Play your cards right, and you’ll win. It’s all about balance in a game that is intended to unnerve you. Continue reading
Shakespeare’s stories have survived centuries of cultural change and yet still remain relevant. It is a true testament to Shakespeare’s ability to write stories about our human nature that we continue to republish his work, create movies from his stories, and pay scholars to ponder his words. It was only a matter of time before geeks got their hands on his work and made it a game. Honestly, surprised it took this long. Continue reading
Great Scott! Dastardly ne’er-do-wells have tinkered with the very fabric of time and space! The balance of existence is at risk and only one man can save us! Calling President Lincoln; you are needed! Equipped with only his wits, surprisingly amazing athletic ability, and a beardarang that defies logic, Lincoln boldly brings the fight to the enemy! If he succeeds, we are saved! If he fails, say good-bye to reality and what promised to be an important political career. Continue reading
To be a goblin means two things. First, you’re blessed with the inability to truly understand or appreciate danger. Some would consider this a fault, but goblins consider themselves to be very brave. Second, goblins have wonderful kings who tell them what to do. For example, charge a dragon. Having such wise leaders means goblins don’t have to think much, which is good, because thinking hurts. Get ready to lead your goblins to victory and certain chaos. Continue reading
Your little farm has grown in size! With your newfound success (and good luck), you have decided to expand your operation to includes animals, making your little farmstead into a fully-functioning ranch. With new goals in mind and opportunities to pursue, you’ll have to manage not only the day-to-day operations of the farmland but the many animals, as well. Do you have what it takes to become the biggest ranch in the area? Continue reading
American architect, who has been called a “father of skyscrapers” and “father of modernism,” Louis Sullivan said, “What the people are within, the buildings express without.” In this game, everyone at the table is outwardly working to build a beautiful new town for you to live in. Inside, however, they might not be what they seem. To your right might be those who work to ensure the town prospers or fails. Do you take the hard path and work towards building a new home for all, or secretly hoard your wealth to survive? The choice is yours, but the outcome is up to everyone. Continue reading
