Spirits of the Wild: Awakening Game Review

In every culture and from humanity’s earliest days, we have looked at the natural world around us and seen the supernatural. Even to this day, with all our modern technology, we feel the hairs in the back of our neck rise at the very thought of walking alone in a dark wood. In our collective myths, legends, theologies, and superstitions, the Spirit World has been said to live in our own, a parallel to our everyday reality, as an unseen force that influences us, for good or ill. Such places feel a bit too close in the deepest parts of nature. In this game, you’ll be tapping into the spirits of animals, focusing on their unique talents and abilities to meet your own goals. Continue reading

House Mouse Game Review

Early Latin playwright, Titus Maccius Plautus, wrote, “A mouse does not rely on just one hole.” In this game, players will be taking on the role of a mouse who explores a home kept by some very slobbish owners. Around every corner is a treasure to be found and carried back to the mouse’s nest to be lovingly displayed and highly coveted by their fellow mice. Be warned, however, that not everything you find will be of value but will take up precious space. Continue reading

The Big Cheese Game Review

Tom Wilson, American cartoonist best known for his Ziggy cartoons, said, “I wouldn’t mind the rat race – if the rats would lose once in a while.” In this game, you have to work your little rat butt off in hopes of catching the favorable eye of the retiring CEO. And while hard work usually pays off, you are not alone in your attempt to please the Big Boss. Others are in hot pursuit of the opportunity to earn clout and favor. Get ready to earn that promotion and be the next Big Cheese! Continue reading

Tails On Fire Game Review

Jeremy Taylor, a cleric in the Church of England in the 1600s, said, “Love is friendship set on fire.” This is not a bad way to suggest that passion can introduce new levels of energy and activity, both physically and emotionally, if a friendship takes a dramatic turn. This game aims to create as much fire as possible through clever card plays and sneaky thefts with you and your friends. The game ends when all the fire is out and only one player has captured all the heat! Continue reading

Hungry Monkey Game Review

Once upon a time, a hungry monkey lost some of his food. Rather than call it quits and get on with his day, he decided to ask for help by manipulating other animals in the jungle, tricking them into assisting the monkey in finding its missing breakfast. Or so the story goes. In this game, you’ll be looking to get rid of your cards as fast as possible, leaving nothing on your plate. Do so, and you win. But victory will not be yours if you still have a card in hand or in front of you. Are you hungry to earn a place in the winner’s circle, or will you let someone else steal your tasty success? Continue reading

One Two Many Rabbits Game Review

Your farm is a great success! Rich soil, abundant sunshine, and nourishing rains have helped create the most successful carrot patch ever recorded! But with your great success comes a terrific headache. Every rabbit surrounding your farm is hungry and eagerly looks to raid your carrot patches until nothing is left. Time to take care of these rabbits! Gather them into groups or take care of them one at a time. Just do it fast, or you’ll end up losing it all. Continue reading

Sweet and Spicy Game Review

Our culinary evolution continues to push the boundaries of what spices can be blended to create new and interesting tastes. Of great importance to chefs around the globe is to keep their meals interesting, if not altogether nutritious. One way to do so is to create an edible that is both sweet and spicy. It makes you go “yum” and then “ouch!” In this game, the sweet little kitties will be playing and making you laugh, but they have an agenda. Behind their cutness burns the fire of their competitive nature. Enjoy the fun, but don’t get scorched by the heat. Continue reading

Animal Poker Game Review

American Rock musician Tom Sholz said, “Sometimes I actually start to think human life is just as cheap to corporate America as animal life, so long as there are big profits to be made.” In this game, players will compete to climb the corporate ladder by stepping on the backs of others to reach the highest office in the company: the CEO. Along the way, they’ll have to outplay and outwit every other player attempting to get the big promotion, along with competing directly with the current CEO. If you want to win in this game, you best be ready to fight like a highly ambitious animal with a deep desire for stock options and a healthy 401K. Continue reading

Fish & Katz Game Review

I am currently a cat owner. I have had the pleasure of having dogs as pets, and I can confidently say that these two animal companions are different in a few key ways and similar in most others. Case in point, I have never met a dog or a cat that wasn’t eager to eat whatever I had. Dogs are more upfront about their intent and interest, with them begging at the table. Cats are much more subtle, feigning disinterest and then suddenly pouncing on unattended food. I am not ashamed that I have been bested more than once by my cats as they stole a bit of chicken or took off with a cracker. They are super crafty. In this game, you must be as quick and nimble as a cat to ensure the delicious fish you want doesn’t get into the wrong paws. Continue reading

Snatch It! Game Review

American writer, humorist, and essayist Mark Twain said, “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest first.” A valid approach to avoiding procrastination and focusing on what is critical. In this game, the critical action of the day is to eat your fill as the frog. The pond is busy but small, meaning you’ll have to be clever and quick to get your fill. Jump to the sky, flick that tongue, and hope to catch as much as possible before your opponents steal your lunch. Continue reading

KubeLord of Frogs Game Review

The origins of the children’s game Leapfrog can be traced back to the late 16th century. It’s still played today and is an excellent example of a game that has withstood the waves of time and popularity. And yet, this game – while still played at its most basic and traditional level on playgrounds worldwide – is subject to updates and derivatives of its own. Case in point, this game takes the basics and adds a new twist that creates a game that is both familiar and challenging to play. What is old is new again, it would seem, as games hop through time and onto your gaming tables. Continue reading

Shut Up, Cat! Game Review (prepublished version)

English humorist, satirist, and author of fantasy novels, best known for his Discworld series, Terry Pratchett said, “In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.” If you have ever owned a cat or even been around one for any length of time, you know that these four-legged domesticated pets have an air of superiority and a level of confidence that far outweighs their abilities. To say they are willful creatures is a gross understatement to extreme extremes. That said, they are also lovable and compassionate. In this game, the family’s beloved cat makes a lot of noise when the rest of the family attempts to sleep. Good luck trying to change the cat’s mind that it’s quiet time. Continue reading