Tag Archives: Abstract Strategy Games

Abstract Strategy games are often (but not always) theme-less (without storyline), built on simple and/or straightforward design and mechanics, perfect information games, promote one player overtaking their opponent(s), little to no elements of luck, chance, or random occurrence, and can be minimal in design. (source: BGG)

Mapmaker: The Gerrymandering Game Review (prepublished version)

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Ancient Roman statesman, orator, lawyer and philosopher, Marcus Tullius Cicero, said “Nothing is more unreliable than the populace, nothing more obscure than human intentions, nothing more deceptive than the whole electoral system.” He died, by the way, for political reasons, so we can properly assume he knew what he was talking about. In this game, physical death by sword is not a possibility, but a political death is only a vote away. Continue reading →

Senshi Game Review

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Master Kahn, a character in the TV show Kung Fu, said “In striving for an ideal, we do not seek rewards. Yet trust does sometimes bring with it a great reward, even greater than good.” In this game, all the players are competing to be the best, but by doing so, they also reward their peers through their efforts. There can be only one master of the temple, but if one is to master all, players must learn that a selfish path is the slow way to victory. It’s better to share the wisdom then to leave others in the dark. But only to a certain degree… Continue reading →

On Their Merry Way Game Review (prepublished version)

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Robin Hood and his Merry Men have a job to do. They must steal from the rich so they can provide for the poor. This is a surprisingly easy task, as Merchants tend to be tired after traveling for days carrying heavy loads and easily fall for traps. Guards are always a nuisance, but not a threat. To help make things more interesting, Robin Hood will reward one member of his gang of thieves a great prize if they can bring in the most profit. Let the games begin. Continue reading →

Element Game Review

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Mahavira, and revered holy figure in Jainism, said “The most important principle of the environment is that you are not the only element.” In this game, players will be moving their wise sages across a board, controlling the elements in an attempt to master their environment. However, such mastery does not come easy and requires attention to their surroundings. Change is constant, but not without structured order. Continue reading →

The Arrival Game Review

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The land of Erin is green and full of promise. At least that is what it looked like from the ships anchored off shore. Once the tribes set foot on the island, they discovered a dark secret. Terrible monsters dwell here and move to push the explorers back into the sea. But ambition and the thirst for adventure is a powerful motivator, as is greed. Now the tribes fight not only for survival, but also dominance over each other in this new land. One must question who the real monster is… Continue reading →

Show & Tile Game Review (prepublished version)

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Nobel Prize poet and playwright, Sir Derek Alton Walcott, said “The English language is nobody’s special property. It is the property of the imagination: it is the property of the language itself.” Words have meaning, and once spoken, bring forth mental images to those who listen. In this game, players will be spelling words not with letters, but with shapes. Continue reading →

Herbaceous Game Review

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Eighteenth century poet, Minnie Aumonier, wrote “When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden.” Many find solace when they bend a knee and dig their hands in cool earth, planting seeds and growing abundance. But gardening can be intimidating and requires a great deal of patience. In this game, players will exercise their green thumb and plant a herb garden, one of the best and easiest ways to get into the gardening habit. But don’t rush it. Continue reading →

PeltaPeeps Game Review

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American Protestant clergyman and academic leader, Douglas Horton, said “The art of simplicity is a puzzle of complexity.” We, as a species, tend to over engineer things. We take small problems and create large solutions. The real trick is to solve big problems with simple solutions. Can it be done? This game aims to prove that it can. Continue reading →

The Ancient Game of SeraQetra Game Review

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In ancient days, mankind once believed that it was possible to obtain god-like status through rituals, rites, and deeds. The longing to be bigger and better than what we are is part of us all. Whom among us has not wished to be taller, smarter, better looking, or richer? In this game, the highest status above all things can be obtained, but only through diligence, cunning, and strategy. Continue reading →

Demon Espionage Game Review (prepublished version)

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Satan has fallen and now a power struggle rages across the domains of Hell. Absolute power can be obtained by collecting souls. Two opposing forces, one who wants to reinvent Hell and the other who wants to keep it as it is, now battle for control. Whose side you are on is obvious, but not your opponent. Are they friend or foe? Do they side with you or seek your downfall? Continue reading →

RESISTOR_ Game Review

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On our planet are two sleeping computer giants. These supercomputers command and control a vast amount of explosive and lethal military might. Their one objective is to keep their country safe. How they go about that is up to the computer, but one thing is for certain. In order to win the war, you have to survive it. Continue reading →

Cartography Game Review

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Military strategist and philosopher, Sun Tzu, said “All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.” In this game, very little remains in shadow. This forces players to hide their true intentions in plain sight of their foe. While that is difficult in and of itself, the true challenge lies in knowing when to strike. Continue reading →