Jump Gate (Fourth Edition) Game Review

Business magnate and investor Elon Musk, best known for Tesla and SpaceX, said, “I think we are at the dawn of a new era in commercial space exploration.” Yes, soon, you can expect trucks, traffic jams, and giant floating billboard signs in space. In this game, a recent technological breakthrough allows humans to travel great distances in seconds, allowing for quick jumps to neighboring galaxies long thought unreachable. Such a wonder allows us to explore distant reaches of space like it was our backyard. And explore we do, not only with a great sense of wonder but for a need for profit. After all, owning a spaceship that can bend the fabric of space isn’t cheap, people. Continue reading

Triple Scoops Game Review

I scream! You scream! We all scream for ice cream! This frozen dairy goodness has been associated with good times and hot days for time immemorial and for a good reason. We live in a golden age with so many flavors and toppings that everyone can find something they love. In this game,  you’ll take on the role of an ice cream shop employee who has to meet the demands of the many customers filing through your front door. Don’t freeze up and get scooping! Continue reading

Armor Up Game Review

There is a dragon at the gates! The village is burning! The King is demanding all the knights rush out and fight the dreaded beast! There is no time to plan. You only have a few minutes to get to the armory and grab whatever is at hand. Good thing you know your way around a sword and shield, but being rushed never feels good. Having only minutes to decide, you grab your gear and pray it’s enough to take down the giant monster burning your beloved kingdom. Continue reading

Cryptozoology for Beginners Game Review

A spiritual teacher who introduced American Buddhism, including the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, Vedanta, and Mysticism, Frederick Lenz, said, “Our field trips are an opportunity for you to enter into the world of mystical power.” While that might have been the case with Mr. Lenz, in this game, you’ll be taking a field trip to spot cryptids, creatures believed to live out in the wild but are widely unrecognized as being “real” by the larger scientific community. Not to be dissuaded, you and your fellow students hop aboard the bus, cameras ready and notebooks open to capture your thoughts. Good luck to you, cryptid-watcher! Just be careful not to get too close. Bigfoots can be grouchy. Continue reading

Let’s Call the Exorcist Game Review

American musician, best known as the co-founder, bassist, and primary songwriter of the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, Nikki Sixx said, “If you don’t deal with your demons, they will deal with you, and it’s gonna hurt.” In this game, you will be possessed by mischievous demons or one of the many innocents who bump into trouble. However, in this game of hidden identities and switching roles, your effort to clear the way for the “good guys” could be an effort for the wrong party. Continue reading

Avatar: The Last Airbender Fire Nation Rising Game Review

The Fire Nation continues to raid neighboring kingdoms and lands aggressively. Those who stand against this onslaught are quickly put down. A small group of heroes, led by the legendary Avatar, fight the Fire Nation on multiple fronts. But this is not a battle you can win alone. You must work with others, plan your strategy, and execute your tactics cooperatively. Do it right, and you’ll stay one step ahead of the Fire Nation, restoring Balance. Do it wrong, and Ruin will undoubtedly come to the world. Continue reading

Battle Bodies Game Review

Aliens have abducted humans over the centuries and are now battling them in their arena. However, they are not content to have any old battle. They have taken the abducted and separated them so they can mix, match, and build their perfect warrior. You are one of those aliens, and you have at your disposal many disembodied people to put together as you wish to build – literally – your perfect soldiers. Enter the arena and battle! Continue reading

Bag of Chips Game Review

American celebrity fitness guru, entrepreneur, and former New York City Ballet dancer Mary Helen Bowers said, “Even if you’re having a snack, enjoying it in a beautiful teacup or on a lovely plate makes it feel like more of an event.” Players will enjoy this colorful game of risk and reward with friends at their table. The game is genuinely “snack size” in length and table space requirements, but will it leave our players feeling full and satisfied or make them crave something more substantial? Continue reading

Monster Kegger Game Review (prepublished version)

American author and Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame instructor of pool and carom billiards, Robert Byrne, said, “Partying is such sweet sorrow.” Truly, throwing a party and being at a party takes work. You have to be energetic, personable, and approachable. Or not, and sit in the corner sulking while everyone around you has fun. In this game, you must try to keep everyone at your party happy, and the only way to do that is to ensure you have the right food and drink available. The catch? Your guests are monsters and have particular likes and dislikes. You and your opponent are competing to see who can throw the best party for these monsters! Continue reading

Psychopath Game Review

American author Alice Sebold wrote in her book The Lovely Bones, “Murderers are not monsters, they’re men. And that’s the most frightening thing about them.” In this game, one player will take on the role of such a monster. They will hunt and attempt to take out a small group of Campers who had the misfortune of choosing a seemingly abandoned camp as their party spot. The Campers are being stalked by a madman, but they can survive if they organize and fight back or attempt to be rescued. One thing is for sure, the line between hunter and hunted can quickly become blurred, and survival of the fittest often comes down to the right card at the right time. Continue reading

Dulce Game Review

Beloved American cartoonist and creator of the comic strip Peanuts, Charles M. Schulz, said, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” Oh, how very true. Whatever mood I am in or the day I am having, a delicious piece of chocolate brings a smile to my face. In this game, players are tasked to build cafes that will sell their delicious confectionaries, but their approach must also balance the need to grow the necessary ingredients and then ship them out for use. This game will challenge the players to make tough choices to make sweet deals. Continue reading

Fragments and Fakes Game Review

Regardless of one’s belief, the existing religious-based documentation influences modern-day faith and the faithful. Church doctrine, ceremony, and even an individual’s definition of morality are based on manuscripts and letters written by individuals long ago. It’s of little wonder why men and women today dedicate their personal and professional lives to seeking out documentation and examining its authenticity. Such information can change the minds and spirits of the faithful. You are such an individual in this game, and searching for truth is a messy affair. Continue reading