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

Maul Peak Game Review

The land is awakening. News has reached the ears of the Grizzar that the kingdoms south of their snowy realm are being attacked by giant beasts never seen before. They take these stories as a warning but have no fear. Their use of magic and attunement to the spirit realm has always kept them safe in the past. But something is different. The snow doesn’t fall as it once did, and noises echo in the mountains that none recognize. The Grizzar begin to fear that the stories of fanciful creatures might not be tall tales after all. Taking staff and axe in hand, they face whatever must come with a warrior’s heart. Continue reading

Skulk Hollow Game Review

The world was once populated by towering creations that shaped the land. Mountains and valleys, lakes and rivers. These are the visible evidence of their works and their Power. Long have these ancient creatures slept – known as Guardians by some and legendary monsters by most. And in legend and myth, these monolithic nightmares might have remained if it weren’t for the rumblings in the earth and the sitings of unnatural things in the wilderness. Now a Kingdom prepares to battle an ancient Guardian to survive, and a long-dormant creature of nature awakens to find a new enemy. Which side wins is up to you. Continue reading

Museum Suspects Game Review

Places of culture and antiquity are true treasures. These collections of great art and artifacts are lovely, cared for, and displayed for all to observe, wonder about, and enrich their understanding of the world. For some, however, looking and learning aren’t enough. They must possess that which is behind glass and bar. They do it for the thrill and the money, for priceless artwork is genuinely a concern for an elite few with the funds to pay the thief for their trouble. That’s why it’s up to you, detective, to find the culprit who stole from the local museum. Find them, and you find the stolen goods. Are you clever enough to catch the thief? I hope so because time is short! Continue reading

P’achakuna Game Review

An American writer who has published over 27 novels and even penned a story of Wonder Woman comics, Jodi Picoult, said, “Men—you can’t live with them, and you can’t legally shoot them. So I tossed out my husband eight years ago and got a llama instead. Best decision I ever made.” While I won’t get into the specifics about the pros and cons of either sex, I will confidently say that Llamas are pretty badass. They are intelligent, hard workers and can spit at a target over 10 feet away. How can you not respect that? In this game, you’ll be packing your Llama and trekking the Andes. Only with their help will you be able to deliver the goods. Continue reading

GoodCritters Game Review

The Italian-born gangster who operated mainly in the United States, Lucky Luciano, said, “There’s no such thing as good money or bad money. There’s just money.” This game is about getting the cash you feel is rightfully yours using whatever methods you believe are right or wrong. This is an exercise in bribes and bluffs, making quick friends and bitter enemies. In the end, it’s all about getting paid, but how much are you willing to pay? Continue reading

BaristaCat Game Review (prepublished version)

American lawyer and statesman who served as the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, said, “If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee.” It amuses me to think how difficult a customer President Lincoln would have been if he had a coffee shop nearby. I mean, come on dude, make up your mind. But nothing compares to the customers in this game that demand their coffee meow and won’t leave until they get it. So do what you can to please the customers, but keep in mind at all times that you need to get paid, too. Continue reading

Dale of Merchants 3: The Grand Continental Railway Game Review

French novelist, poet, and playwright, Jules Verne, said: “Trains, like time and tide, stop for no one.”. Heavy powerful, trains will travel on their tracks, laboring with their load, no matter the weather. In the world of commerce, the railroad system opened new corridors to profit and opportunity. Prosperity can now be found in distant corners of the land that could only be traveled to by foot. For you, a savvy merchant always on the lookout for new markets, the rails offer a gateway to new riches, but the competition is always fierce. Continue reading

Dale of Merchants Collection Game Review

American economist, Paul Samuelson, said “Economics is a choice between alternatives all the time. Those are the trade-offs.” If that is the case, having more choices certainly seems like a step in the right direction. A case in point is this nice collection of new game enhancements to the Dale of Merchants series that brings more fun in different ways. As always, be careful who you enlist to help you become the leaders of the merchants, but with so many choices, how can you go wrong? Continue reading

Dale of Merchants 2: The Era of Trade Masters Game Review

Czech writer best know for The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Milan Kundera, said “Business has only two functions – marketing and innovation.” In this game, it’s all about getting the goods to market and beating the competition to the punch. You must be creative, innovative, and most of all, flexible. All your plans at the moment might go up in smoke or all your wildest dreams might come true, but way too soo. It’s all about balance, supply, demand, and outthinking your opponent. Continue reading

Endangered World Game Review (prepublished version)

Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist Mahatma Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Animal rights and protection have long been a topic of ethical and political conversation. One way to strengthen the need and awareness of this cause is to continue to drive home the message of how fragile our world is and the need for us – as a species – to take a higher level of accountability and responsibility. This game, designed for families, will certainly help even the youngest of geeks understand the need to protect and remind many adults, as well. Continue reading

Big Bad Fables Game Review (prepublished version)

American entrepreneur, animator, voice actor, and film producer Walt Disney said, “All cartoon characters and fables must be an exaggeration and caricatures. It is the very nature of fantasy and fable.” Stories capture our imagination and serve to not only entertain, but to teach. Embedded in the stories we were told as children are lessons to learn. Danger and hope lurk in our nursery rhymes and fables. There are monsters and heroes. In this game, the Big Bad Wolf is out-and-about, but safety can be had if a sturdy house is built. Continue reading