I found Dog Collector to be an enjoyable game, especially when I am used to much heavier and lengthier games. It was a refreshing change of pace to learn and teach a light game after teaching heavier games to my little geeks. In fact, I think the game somewhat recharged our batteries. Continue reading →

Lords of Waterdeep is a new game from Wizards of the Coast based on the harbor city of Waterdeep in the Dungeons & Dragons world of Forgotten Realms. At its core, it’s an Americanized version of popular European worker placement games such as Agricola and Stone Age. Players take on the roles of Lords and are trying to hire adventurers to complete quests and to expand the city by purchasing new buildings. Continue reading →

MERC is a complicated combat game that provides a tremendous amount of customization, giving the players an opportunity to adjust their strategy and tactics as the game unfolds. There is a lot to manage during a game that can take up to 2 hours to complete, but the end result is very rewarding. Add in the randomization when a game is set up and you have a unique cooperative combat game with near limitless replay value! Continue reading →

If you are looking for a fun and fast paced auction game where players can interact with each other and nothing is ever a “sure thing”, look no further than Sucker. This game is most certainly not a lemon, although you will feel bitter towards other players who steal your Buyers. Then again, all is fair in love and car sales. Continue reading →

Application Crunch is a good game that is going to be a hit for parents and families, a surprise to game elitists who will gladly acknowledge its creativity, and a fun and worthwhile way to educate the next generation of college going geeks. Fun, interesting, engaging, and balanced, this game delivers an excellent lesson in personal time management, goal setting, and achievement wrapped up in an enjoyable game. Simply outstanding and very impressive. Continue reading →

This perennial classic has had a number of facelifts in an attempt to make it a continued hit at family game tables. This newest version enters the 21st century by giving the game board a new coat of paint and introduces the Apple iPad as the center of focus. Gone is the classic spinner, replaced by a virtual spinner now on the iPad. But it doesn’t stop there. Continue reading →

I like Deception Dice for two reasons. First, it is easy and fast to teach, but provides an engaging game experience. Second, it is a game that gamers and non-gamers can all play as equals without any prior game knowledge or experience needed. Games that challenge me and are fun to play with mixed groups always makes me smile as it allows me to share my hobby with others who might not want to play games, normally. Continue reading →

Hey, That’s My Fish! (or, H!TMF) is a very simple game to learn. In reality, it is an abstract game, with perfect information. As such, it would provide a great stepping stone for games such as Chess. Take a look past the “cuteness” and you’ll find a vicious little abstract that plays up to four people in 20 minutes! I’m all over that! Continue reading →

The vast ocean rolls and swells from horizon to horizon. Navigating these waters are ships of war and they are on the hunt. Somewhere just out of sight is the enemy. Once they are spotted, torpedoes and guns are loaded; made ready to fire when ordered. As the ships approach, the admirals of the fleet know that skill and skill alone will win the day. Continue reading →

Wind Power is a great game. Simple, elegant, challenging, and sometimes impossible. Depending on the players you are engaged with, the wind paths will be very uniform or a crazy and twisted mess. This is part of the fun and the magic of the game. You need to view the game at the 1 foot level and the 50 feet level all at once. The short and long-term gains will add up and will let a player be offensive and defensive at the same time. Do check out this wonderful card game that will blow your mind and leave you winded. Continue reading →