SKUNK’D Game Review (prepublished version)

Every family has a “family game.” One that they either created themselves from scratch or taken from another game. Either way, the results are something familiar enough to easily allow anyone to learn how to play and unique enough to be a particular part of a family’s collective memory. This game does just that by taking a tried and true game many have played and adding a personal touch passed down through generations. And like all loved things, they only become more significant and grow when shared with others. Continue reading

Shut Up, Cat! Game Review (prepublished version)

English humorist, satirist, and author of fantasy novels, best known for his Discworld series, Terry Pratchett said, “In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.” If you have ever owned a cat or even been around one for any length of time, you know that these four-legged domesticated pets have an air of superiority and a level of confidence that far outweighs their abilities. To say they are willful creatures is a gross understatement to extreme extremes. That said, they are also lovable and compassionate. In this game, the family’s beloved cat makes a lot of noise when the rest of the family attempts to sleep. Good luck trying to change the cat’s mind that it’s quiet time. Continue reading

Living Well is the Best Revenge Game Review

English poet, orator, and priest of the Church of England, George Herbert, is credited with saying “Living well is the best revenge.” Then again, English historian, writer, and member of parliament Edward Gibbon said, “Revenge is profitable, gratitude is expensive.” In this game, players will be taking on the role of children being treated poorly by other children. Demoralized, teased, and made to feel bad. Childhood can be hell. But in this game, hell is what you bring back and visit upon those who have wronged you. So don’t take it on the chin! Pay back the wrongs you suffered in the darkly comedic dice-rolling game. 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

Marvel Dice Throne: Scarlet Witch v. Thor v. Loki v. Spider-Man Game Review

We live in a golden age of comic book heroes! There are movies and TV shows, cartoons and comic books, video games, and board games available to us to dive deeper into our superhero love. The Dice Throne line of games makes its debut entry into the exciting world of Marvel heroes by pitting four well-known characters into a battle royal. While each is a powerhouse on their own, able to tackle most foes easily, it’s a different outcome each time these superheroes (and villains) combat one another. If anything is certain, nothing is certain until the very last dice is rolled. Continue reading

Kadoova Dash Game Review

American playwright and screenwriter Tennessee Williams said, “Luck is believing you’re lucky.” In this game, you’ll need to believe that and keep believing it as the dice work for you and against you, random card draws reward you or penalize you, and your opponents do everything they can to slow you down. The only way you will be successful is if you keep your eyes focused on the prize, keep rolling those dice, and think your luck will change for the better. Continue reading

Nerdy Inventions Game Review

American speaker, author, and toy-maker Roger von Oech said: “Necessity may be the mother of invention, but play is certainly the father.” In this game, players will attempt to create as many inventions as possible using what little tools they have available to them. The more they invest, the more choices they have to invent new things. The game is as much a race as it’s a creative exercise in playing at being the nerdiest inventor who ever lived. Continue reading

Twinkle Game Review

American actress, model, and singer, Marilyn Monroe, said: “We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle.” But not all stars can be the brightest. In this game, players will build constellations, using dice to represent stars. While one of the goals is to shine the brightest, it isn’t the only path to victory. Build your constellations with purpose, and you’ll end up owning the heavens. Continue reading

Long Shot: The Dice Game Review (prepublished version)

American author, Roger Kahn, said: “Horse racing is animated roulette.” Which is to say, you don’t know the outcome until the very end. But it’s that excitement, with the paired horse and jockey, racing as fast as they can with each horse’s step bringing them closer to the finish line, that keeps everyone in the stands at the edge of their seats. In this game of horse racing, players will be placing their bets on their own horses. To win this game, you need to play the race in both the short and long run. Continue reading

Dicey Curves: Road Rally Game Review

One of the most successful racing drivers in the history of the sport, Mario Andretti, said, “If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough.” In this game, control is necessary to win with your two-car team, but victory is not given to the fastest. As your team lead, you must manage your resources, timing, and position to take the lead and score the points.  Continue reading

Kingdomino Duel Game Review

You have won the realm, but now you must rule it, and to do so, you must divide it among your loyal royals. And while you want to reward each for their service, you know that each royal will not provide you the same level of prestige you seek. “Divide and conquer” was your motto when on the battlefield, leading your troops. Now you must do the same with the politics of the land. Some would say it was easier to fight and bleed for the realm in times of war than manage it during times of peace. Continue reading

Dragonrealm Game Review

The Roman poet, Ovid, said, “The bold adventurer succeeds the best.” In this game, players will take on the role of brave adventurers who leave the comforts of the local tavern to go venture in dark and dangerous locations. Along the way, they will find treasure and more than enough goblins that are causing mischief. But if the adventurer is bold, if their heart is pure, and those dice do their job, they will return to the tavern with stories to tell and much gold to spend. Continue reading