Isaiah Berlin said, “To understand is to perceive patterns.” This game takes it one step further. In order to be competitive, you must perceive patterns. Recognizing patterns is not enough to win, however. You must also have a fast mind and an even faster hand. This is a game that throws the players into a chaotic battle to quickly build, identify, and claim patterns that everyone works on simultaneously. Think fast and play fast to win! Continue reading
When I was a little geek, I played Paper Football with my friends during our lunch breaks and out on the playground. The game required a sharp eye, a cool head, and surprisingly strong finger flicking skills. This was my first tabletop Action/Dexterity game and continues to be one I enjoy today. There is something about games that allow you to physical interact with your opponent and game bits that I find satisfying. In this game, you need to be able to duck and dodge, using strategy and tactics to win. Much better than Paper Football. Continue reading
I believe Golf is fundamentally flawed. You have to pay to play a game that is all about taking a walk, while attempting to hit a very small ball into a very small hole with a metal stick. To me, that’s the very definition of insanity. Many believe differently, however. Oddly enough, I have no problem playing Golf-like games. For example, Disc Golf or this game, which is all about chucking small cards. Continue reading
Marcus Aurelius said, “Look beneath the surface; let not the several quality of a thing nor its worth escape thee.” We are immediately drawn to BIG, BOLD, and FLASHY things. Kind of like a moth to a flame. It’s only after our mania subsides that we take stock and realize that all that glitters is far from gold. In this game, expect to be swept up in the excitement of the bid and then immediately feel buyer’s remorse. Continue reading
The Mountain of the Monkey King is in chaos. Being a wise demigod, the Monkey King decides that the best way to restore order is to focus the attention of his monkey subjects. He ponders for a moment and then decides that a contest is in order. All the petty jealousies and anger will be set aside as his subjects attempt to win their demigod’s favor by throwing coconuts! To the victor, a great reward is promised! The title of “Ruler of the Mountain”! Continue reading
It’s tough being a Mad Scientist! Everyone fears you, the pay is lousy, and you spend most of your time either avoiding angry peasants or chasing off nosy kids. One would be wise to avoid the profession altogether if it weren’t for the fact that the benefits are awesome! Creepy castle, eccentric lab assistants, and let’s not forget your very own “build-and-control” creature! Of course, finding the bits for your creature can be a problem, especially when you have competition! Continue reading
During the 1840’s through the 1940’s, the United States was experiencing a lot of industrial development and modernization in urban areas. Lumber was a necessary component for the nation to grow. Men took to the forests and worked long days to supply the necessary materials for towns and cities to come to life. It was dangerous and difficult work. Now you get a chance to see how good you could have been as a lumberjack. Do you have what it takes to be the best? Continue reading
Hockey is one of those games that you don’t need to know how to play to enjoy. A typical hockey game is a blur of ice and flying sticks. Keeping an eye on the puck proves to be very difficult at times as it whizzes back and forth between players. Sometimes the game is a ballet of synchronized procession and sometimes a brutal brawl of punches. The ice rink might be cold, but the games are always hot. Now you can put the heat on your coffee table, too. Continue reading
Sophocles once said, “The dice of Zeus always fall luckily.” That might very well be true for the Greek god of the sky and thunder, but hardly a common occurrence for us earthbound mortals. Luck is an invisible but ever-present force that gamers know all too well. One moment you’ll be the lead dog and the next moment you’ll be behind the pack. In this game of fickle dice and dexterity, you can make your own luck…and bitter rivalries! But it’s all in fun. Continue reading
Micro Monsters, by Ares Games, is a quick action/dexterity based game of control and conquest that is played out in a pocket universe. The players will be leading a small army of even small monsters into battle, jumping them (literally) into the fray. Careful and thoughtful placement of the monsters is needed to always be as offensive as possible while never making yourself an easy target. Continue reading
Our final review of 2011 Kinderspiel des Jahres (Children’s Game of the Year) nominees examines this game of bubble, bubble, toil and (above all) trouble! Magician’s Kitchen is a dexterity game with magnets – enough said? Sure, it sounds cool, but you know what would have been even cooler? Lasers! Magnetic lasers, even! Still, there is enough meat here for children, but not quite enough to keep adults engaged. Continue reading
The second of three reviews of Kinderspiel des Jahres (Children’s Game of the Year) nominees looks at Monster-Falle (“Monster-Trap”). This riotously fun cooperative dexterity game requires players to work in pairs to trap monsters, and there is no question that this will be a strong contender for the award. The additional dimension of cooperating with your neighbor makes this game a rare gem, indeed. Continue reading
