Belle of the Ball Game Review (prepublished version)

To socialites, it’s very important to be seen at the right time, at the right place, wearing the right apparel. Just as important is who you are seen with. When it comes time to organize a large social gathering, getting the best caterer is just as important as getting the right guests. In this game, you must compete with other socialites to claim people of importance in hopes of creating the perfect party. The stakes could not be higher. Everyone of importance is watching and gossiping. Continue reading

Fluxx: The Board Game Review

It’s in our nature to attempt to control the uncontrollable. It’s a hopeless venture. We define and categorize the unexplainable, create rules that can be broken, and lie to ourselves to create new truths. One could say this is a rather bleak way to look at things, but I find it fascinating. How else can one navigate the tempest to obtain control without first defining their place in the chaotic maelstrom? In this game, chaos is an agent of change and a path to victory. Continue reading

Wig Out! Game Review

We all want to be unique individuals, despite also wanting to fit in. How can we standout while at the same time wrap the warm protective arms of the status quo about our shoulders? It’s a conundrum, but not entirely impossible. In today’s age, fashion tends to be the medium in which an individual celebrates their individuality. Be it clothes, fragrance, and even hairstyles. But uniqueness can be drowned out by the masses and attempting to recognize one person in a sea of faces is darn tough. Continue reading

Mad Rush Rally Game Review

You’ve built your car and are ready to race! Pulling your vehicle up to the starting line, you size up the competition. Pfff! Amateurs! You don’t see any car packing a bomb thrower or a mounted extendable arm. This is going to be easy! Then you notice that the next car over has a caged squirrel in the front passenger seat. The squirrel turns, locks eyes with you, and frowns menacingly. Hmm, you think, this might be an interesting race after all. Continue reading

Fastrack: NHL Edition Game Review

Hockey is one of those games that you don’t need to know how to play to enjoy. A typical hockey game is a blur of ice and flying sticks. Keeping an eye on the puck proves to be very difficult at times as it whizzes back and forth between players. Sometimes the game is a ballet of synchronized procession and sometimes a brutal brawl of punches. The ice rink might be cold, but the games are always hot. Now you can put the heat on your coffee table, too. Continue reading

Bocce Dice Game Review (prepublished version)

Sophocles once said, “The dice of Zeus always fall luckily.” That might very well be true for the Greek god of the sky and thunder, but hardly a common occurrence for us earthbound mortals. Luck is an invisible but ever-present force that gamers know all too well. One moment you’ll be the lead dog and the next moment you’ll be behind the pack. In this game of fickle dice and dexterity, you can make your own luck…and bitter rivalries! But it’s all in fun. Continue reading

Slapshot Game Review

The air is cool and the ice is smooth. All around you scream the fans and before you sits your team. They look up to you, their Team Manager, and wait for your words of wisdom before taking the ice. You have worked hard to create the best team possible, trading players and drafting new ones. A quick look at the opposite team tells you they think they have the advantage, but a game is not won until it’s played. And, baby, you can play a mean game of ice hockey. Continue reading

IncrediBrawl Game Review (prepublished version)

Remember having intense conversations with friends at school about which toy character would dominate another if put into the boxing ring? I do. I spent way too much time thinking about why Soundwave would kick the metal butt of Megatron, and how Snake Eyes would be the clear winner if he fought Storm Shadow. Now we can put these types of debates to rest and determine the final answer by pitting classic characters into a battle royal to the finish! Continue reading

Shuriken Game Review (prepublished version)

Every 10 years, the Ninja Clans gather to select one among them to be the Master of Clans. The selection process is simple. All the clans will select their most skilled Ninja and silently infiltrate the most secure area in the world: the Royal Palace. There, the clans will duel for one evening, unseen and undetected by the Royal Guard. When dawn breaks, one clan will emerge supreme. From this clan, the Master of Clans will be selected and lead for another 10 years. Continue reading

Yoiso Flowers Game Review

The discipline of Horticulture is one part dedication and one part admiration. Flowers and other plants not only require time and attention, but also represent the colorful vibrancy and fragility of life. You don’t need to be a flower or gardening enthusiast to enjoy the smell of a Rose, the exploding colors of a Carnation, or the majesty of the Bird of Paradise. Take a moment to stop and smell the flowers, and ponder the best way to claim a beautiful victory in this colorful card game. Continue reading

Peril Game Review

You know someone at the table is out to get you. As paranoid as that might sound, it’s the truth. Hiding behind a false mask of friendship, one of your numbers is an assassin. But who could it be? Your grandma? But she looks so innocent. Ah, it must be your brother! No, maybe not… Perhaps your friend who keeps smiling at you? What is he so happy about? The heck with this, you’re going to take him out before he takes you out! Continue reading

Wrong Chemistry: Scientist Game Expansion Review

Oh, sure, it’s fun finding new elements, but sometimes it isn’t the act of discovery that drives a scientist. Sometimes it’s the heat of competition and being recognized as the best of the best of the best…of the best. Now players can team up with a famous scientists to assist in their lab work. Just keep in mind that the extra helping hand is offered only once. Use it wisely to gain the advantage and claim the prize! Continue reading