Master of Orion Game Review

Chinese general, military strategist, and philosopher, Sun Tzu, said “To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.” In this game, players engage in combat both directly and indirectly. Players will quickly learn that the journey to victory can be traveled on many roads…in space. Continue reading

Scythe: Invaders from Afar Game Expansion Review

Eastern Europe is in the throes of war. Giant machines known as “Mechs” roam the land, trailed by soldiers and workers who destroy and build in equal measure. Abundance invites bloodshed which leads to desolation and new opportunities for growth. Two new factions now enter this story, both with their own special set of skills, but with the same goals. The seeds of war continue to be sewn… 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

Clash d’Ardèche Game Review (prepublished version)

People visit the countryside to reconnect with nature, unwind, find balance, and most importantly, have fun. They stay at campsites that range from hotels to little more than a dirt path that leads into the trees. Behind each is a person with a business plan who sees the camping season as a hunting season for camper’s wallets. Join the hunt. Continue reading

Fantasy-Opoly Game Review

Monopoly began showing up on gaming tables as early as 1933 and continues to be produced using different themes. You can now play Monopoly that depicts Alpacas and even bacon. Within the gaming community, Monopoly is quietly respected as a means into the hobby, but little else. The newest addition to the themed Monopoly family whisks us away to a realm of fantasy and high mortgage rates. Continue reading

Open Market Game Review

Owning a restaurant is tough. It means long hours, busy days, and very little downtime. It’s also expensive and can lead to financial ruin if you don’t watch your expenses. As an owner of a small popular restaurant, you buy fresh ingredients every day. What you buy is as important as when you buy, since a profit can be made by those who are savvy enough to watch the market. 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

Parkies Game Review

American technology entrepreneur and academic, Vivek Wadhwa, said “The truth is that entrepreneurship is more like a roller coaster ride than a cruise.” Meaningful words in the context of this game where players will take on the responsibility of creating an amusement park, then attracting parkgoers to make money. Each new ride is a gamble, but there are multiple ways to make a profit in this business. 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

Cargo: Dead in the Water Game Review (prepublished version)

American writer George William Curtis said, “It is not the ship so much as the skillful sailing that assures the prosperous voyage.” In this game, players will command a fleet of ships that will traverse the Atlantic ocean in search of goods to buy and sell for profit. But the journey is treacherous, filled with pirates and cutthroat competition. Skillful sailing will win the day, but so will cannon fire. Continue reading