Council of Verona: Corruption Game Expansion Review

French author and a soldier in World War I, Georges Bernanos, said “The first sign of corruption in a society that is still alive is that the end justifies the means.” But what if the end is believed to be righteous even though the means may seem unjust? History is written by those who survive to write it, trumping opposing opinions in the process. In this game, corrupting others is essential to victory. Continue reading

Karma Crystals: First Five Games Review

American actor, screenwriter and film director, Sylvester Stallone, said “There’s a natural law of karma that vindictive people, who go out of their way to hurt others, will end up broke and alone.” Clearly Mr. Stallone has never played a cutthroat game of Monopoly. Regardless, there is truth in his statement. In this series of games, what you do to others might comeback to haunt you or lead to victory. Karma is funny that way. Continue reading

Raid the Pantry Game Review

Austrian-born American celebrity chef, restaurateur, and occasional actor, Wolfgang Puck, said “Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors – it’s how you combine them that sets you apart.” In this game, there are only so many ingredients to go around and dishes to make. Cook fast and cook smart to taste victory. Continue reading

Middle Empire Game Review

British politician and statesman, Joseph Chamberlain, said “The day of small nations has long passed away. The day of Empires has come.” Ambition is a powerful motivator that will lead men and women to take questionable risks. In this game, players will build their own empire in a hostile land that seeks to crush them. Continue reading

The Princess Bride: As You Wish Game Review

American science fiction writer, Frank Herbert, said “If wishes were fishes, we’d all cast nets.” Who among us hasn’t wished to be bigger, faster, richer, or be granted more than what we think we have? Wishing is the act of longing and in this game, players will need to decide if what they long for is worth the risk of pursuing. Continue reading

Reversal! Game Review

Former professional wrestler, actor, political commentator, author, naval veteran, and politician, Jesse Ventura said, “Wrestling is ballet with violence.” I could not agree more. The men and women who wrestle in the ring perform tremendous feats of strength and endurance, all timed and rehearsed to depict seemingly violent acts. Wrestlers are a mix of actors and athletes that put on shows where the danger of being hurt is very real, but that’s all part of the allure. Continue reading

AR51 Game Review

Let’s be clear. Your job does not exist. Your employer does not exist. Those alien artifacts and technology you see over there. Those doesn’t exist either. Yes, you exist. Don’t be silly and don’t let your control area get out of .. well .. control. We like to keep things clean and organized here. And by “we”, I mean no one. Now get to work, Agent. Continue reading

Election: Road to the White House Game Review

American syndicated columnist, pundit, author and radio commentator, Cal Thomas, said “One of the reasons people hate politics is that truth is rarely a politician’s objective. Election and power are.” Many share this point of view, but there are still many more who consider politics and politicians vitals gears in the democratic machine, for better or worse. In this game, players pit politicians from different time periods to debate universal concerns. Continue reading

Flip! Game Review

Life has a way of taking your plans and flipping them upside-down. One of the many reasons I wake up in the morning (other than that whole “being responsible’ thing) is my excitement for what the day might bring. Seldom am I disappointed. In this game, your plans all hinge on timing, but don’t be surprised if everything gets flipped around. Continue reading

Friend or Foe Game Review

They came in the night, surprising the young guards who stood watch. You found their bodies the next morning and one of your clan members was missing. Searching your camp, you found proof that your sworn enemy had attacked you. Enraged, you gathered the young and the strong, preparing them for battle. You go now to defeat your foe, weapons drawn and eager for blood. Continue reading

Legends of Adventure Game Review

Legends are not born. Legends are forged in the fires of adversity, hardship, and victory. All the great heroes have overcome tremendous obstacles, risked total defeat, and triumphed in the end. You have lived your life in the shadow of such heroes and now you seek to create your own legend. Today you begin your journey that will either grant you eternal fame or a painful death. Continue reading

Wŭ Xíng Game Review

Chinese Taoist cosmology is structured around five elements that form the basic building blocks of everything around us. The act of creation and destruction begins and ends with these elements, putting them at the center of both the metaphysical and physical world for a practitioner of Taoism. In this game, victory will go to the player who can control the elemental forces. Continue reading