Urgency Game Review

It turns out there were geeks in the most ancient of times. Case in point, a board game was unearthed during an excavation at the ruins of the ancient city of Ur that dated back to 2600 BCE. Through several other discoveries, the complete board game was found, including the rules and the pieces. This is great, but this ancient game needed a modern spin. Enter Urgency that takes an ancient way of playing a game and gives it a fresh new take that will leave you feeling renewed, despite playing a ridiculously old game. Continue reading

Earth Rising: Twenty Years to Transform Our World Game Review (prepublished version)

American author, philosopher, naturalist, scientist, ecologist, forester, conservationist, and environmentalist Aldo Leopold said: “Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.” In this game, humankind and our planet are out of balance. Poverty and unsustainable practices are causing our resources to diminish, humanity to hurt, and our planet to wither. But all is not lost. Take on the role of an ecological hero and help humanity rise to save our Earth. Just know you cannot do it yourself. This is a team effort that will take everyone to succeed! Continue reading

Letter Luck Game Review (prepublished version)

American magazine columnist, author, lecturer, and playwright, Marilyn vos Savant said: “When our spelling is perfect, it’s invisible. But when it’s flawed, it prompts strong negative associations.” In this game, your spelling, no matter how perfect, will be limited to what random rolls of the dice provide. If you feel lucky and have the vocabulary to back it up, sit down, roll the dice, and guess a word or two. Continue reading

Karma: The Board Game (prepublished version)

American self-help spiritual author and motivational speaker Wayne Dyer said: “How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.” Karma is a way to look at the universe through a spiritual lens of cause and effect that influences one’s ability to evolve via enlightenment and through levels of existence. Or, in this case, play a trivia game. Traverse the spheres, challenge yourself with questions, and earn the reward to reach the ultimate enlightenment. Continue reading

Terra Proxima Game Review (prepublished version)

English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge, Stephen Hawking said: “I think the human race doesn’t have a future if it doesn’t go into space.” In this game, players are humanity’s greatest hope of finding new resources and homes for the expanding human race. Each player takes on the role of leading ships deeper into the void to find the fabled planet Terra Proxima. The first to plant their flag will win the game, but the race to the center of the galaxy is anything but easy or safe. Continue reading

Travelers of Tryphosa Game Review (prepublished version)

Ancient Chinese philosopher and writer Lao Tzu said: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” In this game, the journey to find your legend begins with the first roll of the dice for your adventuring party. Explore a world full of danger and loot. Meet interesting people with problems only you and your sword can fix. Challenge yourself to find and fight dangerous creatures that magically drop gold when their bodies vanish. The life of a questing adventurer is fraught with peril but has a lot of perks. Continue reading

Evil Corp Game Review

American business magnate and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller said: “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” Which is to say, take risks to become exceptional. Good advice, but in this game, the CEOs you will play misinterpreted Mr. Rockefeller’s wisdom. They are most certainly giving up the good to become great, but by doing so, they are also – purposely – taking evil and selfish paths to obtain power and influence over the market and the world. Join in on the fun as you build your empire and rule the world from your comfy corner office. Continue reading

Long Shot: The Dice Game Review (prepublished version)

American author, Roger Kahn, said: “Horse racing is animated roulette.” Which is to say, you don’t know the outcome until the very end. But it’s that excitement, with the paired horse and jockey, racing as fast as they can with each horse’s step bringing them closer to the finish line, that keeps everyone in the stands at the edge of their seats. In this game of horse racing, players will be placing their bets on their own horses. To win this game, you need to play the race in both the short and long run. Continue reading

Funfair Game Review

The well-known researcher who focuses on why people make choices, Sheena Iyengar, said, “It’s always a thrilling experience to go into a place that offers you a lot of choice. You know it’s like it reminds you of when you’re a kid, and you go to the amusement park and whether it be Disneyworld or Six Flags you know that thrilling moments are there when you first enter, and you know you’ve got all these possibilities for the day and it’s really a wonderful feeling.” In this game, players can build any park they like with the rides they always wanted to have. Let your imagination be your guide as you create the greatest funfair in the world! Continue reading

Beets Bombs and the Blüffs Game Review

American novelist Tom Robbins, reportedly said “The beet is the most intense of vegetables. The radish, admittedly, is more feverish, but the fire of the radish is a cold fire, the fire of discontent, not of passion. Tomatoes are lusty enough, yet there runs through tomatoes an undercurrent of frivolity. Beets are deadly serious.” In this game, Tom is absolutely correct. Plant your beets and hope you get them before your neighbors. But be careful! In the fields are also bombs intended to make quick work of would-be beet thieves! Pick your plants wisely. Continue reading

Cutthroat Ninja Game Review

Japanese martial artist, actor, filmmaker and writer, Sho Kosugi said: “Only a Ninja can stop a Ninja.” And as badass as that sounds, it’s also probably true. Ninja’s approach their target from the shadows and strategize their attack before even drawing their weapon. The only good thing about having a Ninja hunt you is that you won’t have to worry about it very long because you’ll very soon be dead. Which, you know, is convenient and strangely thoughtful. In this game, you and your other Ninjas are all attacking the same target, but only one of you will earn the honor of landing the fatal blow! Continue reading

Strikerz Soccer Card Game Review

Uruguayan journalist, writer, and “global soccer’s pre-eminent man of letters,” Eduardo Galeano said, “In soccer, ability is much more important than shape, and in many cases, skill is in the art of turning limitations into virtues.” In this game, you need not be a star athlete, but you do need to be on the lookout for opportunities to score at every turn. Victory won’t go to the strongest or the fastest here. Victory goes to the shrewdest card player. Continue reading