Dawn Game Review

American architect, who has been called a “father of skyscrapers” and “father of modernism,” Louis Sullivan said, “What the people are within, the buildings express without.” In this game, everyone at the table is outwardly working to build a beautiful new town for you to live in. Inside, however, they might not be what they seem. To your right might be those who work to ensure the town prospers or fails. Do you take the hard path and work towards building a new home for all, or secretly hoard your wealth to survive? The choice is yours, but the outcome is up to everyone. Continue reading

Happy City Game Review

English designer and the founder of London-based design practice Heatherwick Studio, Thomas Heatherwick, said, “One great building does not make a great city.” In this game, players not only have one but many beautiful buildings to plan for and build. The goal is simple: make everyone happy! Take the time to build a city that balances population with joy, and you are sure to be the most popular mayor in history. But be careful. There is only so much space for both buildings and the people who will occupy your city. Continue reading

Funfair Game Review

The well-known researcher who focuses on why people make choices, Sheena Iyengar, said, “It’s always a thrilling experience to go into a place that offers you a lot of choice. You know it’s like it reminds you of when you’re a kid, and you go to the amusement park and whether it be Disneyworld or Six Flags you know that thrilling moments are there when you first enter, and you know you’ve got all these possibilities for the day and it’s really a wonderful feeling.” In this game, players can build any park they like with the rides they always wanted to have. Let your imagination be your guide as you create the greatest funfair in the world! Continue reading

Tiny Towns Game Review

Scottish Liberal Democrat politician and a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1983 to 2015, Charles Kennedy, said “Quality of life actually begins at home – it’s in your street, around your community.” In this game, players take on the role of building a tiny town for tiny animals. Careful planning is needed to ensure the community supports itself. Build too fast or build too big, and your tiny town will be a big bust. Continue reading

Hope City Game Review (prepublished version)

American economist, Alan Greenspan, said, “Corruption, embezzlement, fraud, these are all characteristics which exist everywhere. It is regrettably the way human nature functions, whether we like it or not. What successful economies do is keep it to a minimum. No one has ever eliminated any of that stuff.” Crime and chaos are always at our doors. The fabric of society is only as strong as those who work to keep it mended. But even the strongest can fall. What is never lost is hope and hope makes it all possible. Continue reading

Merchants of Freeburg Game Review

Principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, said “Merchants have no country. The mere spot they stand on does not constitute so strong an attachment as that from which they draw their gains.” In this game, the players have no loyalty to the little town of Freeburg, but their fates and fortunes are entwined. To be profitable, one must give. Continue reading

Builders of Blankenburg Game Review

To build something that lasts longer than our own life is a dream that many aspire to. Be it music, art, or a company. You are no different than the rest. You see the little town of Blankenburg as a means to an end. Here you will build and make a name for yourself that will last through the ages! Continue reading

Redneck Invasion Game Review (prepublished version)

American moral and social philosopher, Eric Hoffer, said “The only way to predict the future is to have power to shape the future.” In this game, players seek to shape the city to match their vision of the future. Along the way, they must work with their opponents and make compromises, but they should never lose sight of their goals. Continue reading

Hamlet Builder Pro Game Review (prepublished version)

You have just been sworn in as the region’s newest magistrate. Your first official duty is to organize and lead the efforts to build a small hamlet. Smirking, you gladly accept the challenge, thinking such a task should be easy to accomplish. You thought wrong. Continue reading

Archon: Glory and Machination Game Review

The great city of Cardis is the home of the kingdom’s trade and culture. It’s for this reason the King has appointed several archons to govern and protect the city so it might flourish and benefit the realm. But an archon cannot rule a city alone. They must get help from influential Magisters and earn the trust of the people. Easier said than done. Continue reading

Between Two Cities Game Review (prepublished version)

American businessman James E. Casey said, “One measure of your success will be the degree to which you build up others who work with you. While building up others, you will build up yourself.” Mr. Casey’s statement holds true within the context of this game. You must cooperatively build a city with a partner on your left and on your right. But don’t be too generous. While this game does require cooperation, only 1 player can be the winner. Continue reading

Hoyuk Game Review

The peaceful valley where 5 tribes have sheltered for generations, harvested crops, bred animals, and raised children has a problem. It’s over populated. Land is scarce, but not ambition. Each clan pushes to occupy more and more land to further their own goals, which causes other clans to have less to work with. The pursuit of peaceful coexistence has been replaced by each clans’ ambition for personal power. You must now lead your clan to victory or the valley may no longer be your home! Continue reading