Res Publica: 2230 AD Game Review (prepublished version)

Stephen Jay Gould, an American paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, and historian of science said, “Evolution is a process of constant branching and expansion.” In this game, the players will be attempting to expand their influence across the universe through trade and aggressive tactical moves. Growth and evolution is necessary for the alien races to survive. The only alternative is extinction. Continue reading

Elemental Clash: Legendary Legacy Game Expansion Review

The mists of time have parted and the legendary heroes and horrors of the past have found their way to the present. Magic has sundered the threads of time and now all that is old is new again. New magic and magic users have been reported in the land, disrupting the balance of power. While many are concerned, you see an opportunity. Power, be it old or new, can be harnessed and controlled. Continue reading

Evolution: Flight Game Expansion Review

Mankind has observed birds since they first looked in the sky. From that moment, the hearts of man have been filled with rapture and longing, for birds encapsulate a kind of freedom that can never be ours. But the sky and those things that fly in it are not immune to the same problems as earthbound creatures. Claws and teeth are equal to talons and beak. Hunting grounds exist both underfoot and above our heads. Continue reading

Noble Treachery: The Last Alliance Game Review

Chinese Communist revolutionary and founding father of the People’s Republic of China, Mao Zedong, said “Politics is war without bloodshed while war is politics with bloodshed.” In this game, the King has died without naming an heir. The war of succession is now fought openly among the noble houses, using both diplomacy and the sword. Continue reading

Luck O’ the Dice Game Review

American playwright, critic and writer of film scenarios Channing Pollock said, “The only good luck many great men ever had was being born with the ability and determination to overcome bad luck.” In this game, the roll of the dice might be random, but players always have a choice. A quick scan of the table will show the player how far behind they are and how hard they need to push their luck to change the game’s outcome. Continue reading

Granny Wars Game Review

You love your grandma and would do anything for her. When she came to you, expressing concern about other senior rivals, you began a campaign of subterfuge and sabotage on her behalf. It has been working well, but you now realize that other children and grandchildren are waging their own private campaigns. The streets of the retirement community are filled with suspicion. The grannies are at war, and no one is getting milk or cookies until the battle is resolved! Continue reading

Dragonwood Game Review

Dragonwood is a large forest that lies south of the kingdom. Rumors say it’s a place of magic and danger that none should venture into. It was the home of the elves and their magic and power still remains. Which, of course, sounds awesome to any adventurer looking to get rich and make a name for themselves! Gather your party and venture forth! Here’s hoping you don’t get eaten…or worse. Continue reading

Greatest of All Mountains Game Review (prepublished version)

Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and wilderness preservation advocate John Muir wrote, “The mountains are calling and I must go.” The mountains call to many. They are seen by some as places of spiritual and supernatural power and by others as muses for poems and paintings. They are home to countless animals and aspiring vistas. Visible from miles away, but impossible to fully take in. In this game, you get to make one. Continue reading

Vanquisher Game Review (prepublished version)

Noted poet, novelist, and historian William Gilmore Simms said, “The true law of the race is progress and development. Whenever civilization pauses in the march of conquest, it is overthrown by the barbarian.” In this game, conquest at any cost is the aim. To build their kingdom, players must forge new paths into unknown land, forge alliances, and gather resources as quickly as possible. The race for conquest has begun and woe to those who cannot keep up! Continue reading

Foodfighters Game Review (prepublished version)

James Grover Thurber, a celebrated cartoonist, author, journalist, and playwright, wrote “The most dangerous food is wedding cake.” I wonder what he would say if he ever came face-to-face with a piece of broccoli holding a spear or a murderous slice of bacon! In this game, the players get to experience a food fight on a whole new level. Continue reading

Rukka Game Review

It has been reported that playing with blocks is a great way to pass the time as a toddler and fundamental to cognitive, intellectual, physical, social-emotional, and language growth. All from just stacking blocks. In this game, we return to our roots and blocks, but our ability to be easily amused has since waned. Continue reading