It’s Carnival time in Venice. The sights and sounds of jubilation hide the many secret dealings among its fanfare and color. Wearing masks and cloaks to blend in with the party goers, suspicious characters move about making plans to sabotage and usurp. But the chaotic nature of the celebration makes it difficult to gleam the truth. If you are to be successful, you must learn what you can without giving yourself away in the process. Continue reading
Financial journalist and author B.C. Forbes said “Work is the meat of life, pleasure the dessert.” Dessert is often seen as the “reward” for finishing a meal and used as leverage by parents around the globe to motivate their children to eat their dinner. In this game, you will be tasked to serve desserts to a collection of finicky guests. The trick to satisfying each guest’s sweet tooth is in the cards. Continue reading
The story of the heroic outlaw, Robin Hood, tells of one man’s attempt to bring down tyranny and rescue those who are victims of it. While Robin Hood’s exploits and those of his band of followers are well-known, there is another tale that is seldom told. The merchants that seemingly went about their business everyday at the market were also waging their own war against the unjust laws set by the Sheriff. Now you can join the struggle and make some money in the process. Continue reading
Amber can be used in jewelry, perfumes, and medicines. No wonder merchants are willing to risk the open road and dark forests to bring their amber to the market. But the roads have become more dangerous as of late. Monsters and supernatural creatures can be found stalking travelers. Sighing, you start walking. No one ever said a merchant’s life was easy. Continue reading
The philosopher, scientist, orator, and author Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is power.” I believe this to be true and so do many others. In this game, the more you learn, the more options you have. But knowledge and power come at a price. Continue reading
The ocean has been the subject of songs, poems, and paintings for as long as humanity cares to remember. Some believe it to be our birth cradle and others look upon it as a living force of nature. It’s the home of countless sea life and mysteries. It’s here you will compete to gather fish, fend off sharks, and prove you’re not all wet. Continue reading
Actor Gary Oldman said, “I’m almost incapable of lying. I’d be a terrible spy.” But lying is not necessary if you are never noticed, let alone caught or questioned. In this game, you will subtly influence different countries as your opponent does the same. You can only focus your attention in so many places and you must do all you can to avoid drawing too much attention to what you are attempting. Remember: if your opponent knows what you are doing, you are doing it wrong. Continue reading
Henri Bergson said, “There is no greater joy than that of feeling oneself a creator. The triumph of life is expressed by creation.” Be it paintings, sculptures, music, movies, or dance, we create something not from nothing, but from pieces of ourselves. Feelings, fears, and hopes can all be blended and presented for others to perceive and ponder. Using The Offbits, the individual is asked to do one simple thing: create. But creation is more than just rearranging bits. It’s also an act of self-exploration. Continue reading
The infamous Edward Snowden said, “I’ve been a spy for almost all of my adult life – I don’t like being in the spotlight.” Which is to say, spies don’t like to be recognized or be watched. In this game, players will need to discover secrets and keep information hidden as best they can. The winner is the first to accomplish their mission, which will require memory skills and a penchant for hindering opponents. The trick is to stay underneath your opponents’ radar while remaining visible to all. Continue reading
Fictional character Indiana Jones taught me two things: history is cool and there is no problem in this world that a bullwhip can’t solve. Also, satchels (or man-purses) are cool. In the real world, archaeology is not about running around, fighting evil forces, and recovering cursed artifacts. Boring. Luckily, this game is. Continue reading
Carl Sagan said, “Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” Meaning all forms of life are destined to blink into existence and then just as quickly blink into oblivion. Rather dire thinking, really, but not necessarily incorrect. Survival is the fight against extinction, the daily battle to continue and thrive. In this game, you will help new species of animals grow and become strong by taking from the weak. But balance is all important, for without balance, even the strong will fall. Continue reading
The Gardens of Babylon are considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. They are also believed, by some scholars and historians, to be a myth. Regardless, the garden’s location and existence brings to mind exotic plants, intoxicating smells from vibrant flowers, and cool shade among babbling water fountains. In this game, you will be tasked to tend to these gardens and gather the flowers, but do so wisely. A flower picked is a flower earned, but not all flowers are created equal. Continue reading
