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

Gudnak Game Review

Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher, and writer who lived during the Eastern Zhou period (771–256 BC), Sun Tzu, said, “Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.” In this game, you control an army of a single faction focused on war for its own purposes. You build your forces and bring them to the field, combining groups to push hard against your enemy’s stronghold and control the land. But beware. While you may have built your army from scratch, know that your opponent has also done so. Ultimately, victory won’t go to the stronger army but to the more innovative player. Continue reading

Pocket Samurai Game Review

The life of a Samurai was one of stark contrast. One aspect of their life was the arts and a ridge code of honor focused on enriching and deepening one’s life. The other aspect was the sword, a brutal weapon designed to cut people down, take life, and cause suffering. The Samurai walked this path of duality, a living symbol of honor and horror. In this game, you must move purposefully and strike fast before your opponent takes your life. But strike with purpose and principle. Failure to do so will result in wasted effort and, perhaps, life. 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

Stealing Scenes: Action! Game Review

In this game of movie magic, each player takes on the role of a would-be Hollywood Star! There are few opportunities to highlight your talent, meaning you have to act quickly to get the director’s attention. Competition, as you can imagine, is fierce. Being a pretty face in a city of pretty people isn’t enough. You must bring your talent and energy, play it big, and don’t look back! Success is given only to those with skill and dedication to do all they can to get the part. Continue reading

Witches of the Revolution Game Review

People traveled to America for the promise of freedom from religious and political persecution. Of the many thousands who made the journey, hidden among them were witches, practitioners of magic, and guardians of secrets. In small villages and remote towns, their Covens grew. When the call to battle came, and every citizen of the new land was asked to take up arms against England and King George III, the witches and their Covens answered the call. The revolution began, and even witches played a part in the war to come from the shadows.  Continue reading

Quest Adventure Cards Game Review

American author and television host Marcus Sakey said, “For me, the best moments in storytelling are the ones where I feel I’m discovering something.” In this game, the epic adventure played out with cards in front of the players is both a record of a journey taken by all the players and the intent of a specific quest of one player. As the game unfolds, more stories are told, some with victories and some with pitfalls. Ultimately, the best stories are those with twists and turns that always lead to adventure. Continue reading

Don’t Get Stabbed! Game Review

It’s hard being a homicidal killer. You must do a lot of planning and keep your wits about you because victims make your job challenging. They are always running around, screaming, trying to get away, and generally not very cooperative. Worse yet, they can gang together and try to work against you! How is that fair? Oh, well. No one told you being a masked murderer was going to be an easy job. Best get to stabbing! Continue reading

Trove Game Review

The dungeon was dark and deep. The risks were significant, as was the treasure. As you explored the twisting paths and murky depths, many friends and foes fell. Thankfully, you survived and now have a big treasure bag for your trouble! But before you celebrate, you must pour out the contents and go through each piece of loot, dividing it up with the surviving members of your party. However, not every shiny gold piece and interesting artifact comes for free. Sometimes, there are curses and other nasty surprises. Luckily, you still have a few surviving hirelings to do your bidding. Good luck dividing up the trove of loot! Continue reading

A Cure for What Ails You Game Review (prepublished version)

Medicine in the 1800s was a loosely defined and highly rudimentary practice of dangerous chemical components, ignorance of the human body, and a lot of guesswork. This was when medical professionals were still trying to figure out how best to serve, and charlatans easily duped the sick with promises of quick cures and miracles. It’s here, at this time, that the players find themselves setting up shop in New Orleans, Louisiana. The population is extensive, and there are graveyards right outside the backdoor. There are plenty of opportunities to practice medicine and the quick con. Just ensure your questionable approach to healing doesn’t put too many patients six feet under. Continue reading

Spicy Game Review

In this game, players will attempt to bluff their way to the winner’s circle by balancing truth with fiction, creating an evergrowing possibility that their little lies and cheats will blow up in their faces. Telling the truth is always best, but it won’t grant you victory. What will is keeping a straight face and not sweating when the heat is cranked up via the competition. Continue reading