German theologian, philosopher and mystic, Meister Eckhart said, “What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action.” In this game, a player must consider where to put their time, energy, and finances. If done correctly, they will reap points to win the game when the harvest is taken in. The key is to know the difference between effort spent and effort wasted. Continue reading
Sheep tend to be unlucky and accident-prone, second only to chickens in their uncanny ability to be eaten by predators. You knew this when you decided to become a shepherd, but failed to realize that wolves were your direct competition. With the help of your trusty hound, you must protect your sheep, but feel free to put your opponent’s sheep in danger. Continue reading
Te Kuiti, New Zealand is the self-proclaimed “Sheep Shearing Capital of the World”. With more sheep than people, it takes a lot of energy to make sure animals stay where they should. Miles and miles of fences stretch to keep the sheep safe and secure. Sheep, however, are not big on fences… 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
When the Pigs invaded the Chicken’s coop, it was just the beginning. Soon the Goats were involved, followed by the Cows. The farm was at total war with itself and every animal was forced to pick a side. The generals of each army believed victory was as good as theirs, but only if they could control the fields. This farm has gone to the animals and these animals have artillery. Continue reading
Will Rogers said, “The farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn’t still be a farmer.” A rather useful point-of-view in life and for this game. Farming is hard work. The energy you spend today could be wasted effort tomorrow. Bad weather, animals, and insects can ruin a good days work or the family farm. A farmer is continually forced to make tough choices, sacrifice, and hope for the best. You won’t be losing your livelihood in this game, but do stay on your toes. Farmnation is no stroll in the garden. Continue reading
A number of farms are self-sustaining enterprises. Farming families will plant food to feed themselves and their livestock. Their livestock, in turn, will provide eggs, milk, and meat. New seeds will be planted and new livestock will be born. The success of a farm is based on the farming family’s hard work and sacrifice. In this way, a farm is run like a company with every person and animal playing an essential role. Let’s see how good a farmer you are! Continue reading
Community gardens are all the rage in larger populated areas. Several families can share a plot of well-tilled soil to grow their own fresh vegetables. Of course, there is only so much dirt to go around, and to be perfectly honest, some vegetables are more important than others. Hmm, maybe sharing with others wasn’t such a good idea. Continue reading
Growing tomatoes is an art form. You need just the right amount of sun, the right amount of rain, and the right amount of barbed wire and explosives to keep the hungry critters at bay. After all, it doesn’t matter how much time and energy you put into the process of growing a big, fat tomato if the next animal to crawl or fly by can take a bite. A farmer must be diligent! A farmer must be prepared! But most of all, a farmer needs the right tools and a lot of smarts. Do you have what it takes to be a tomato farmer? We’ll see… Continue reading
Being a farmer is not an easy life. You are forever at the mercy of nature and must risk it all in hopes of having a yield big enough to sell within a fickle market to make a profit. Farming is not for the thin-skinned or weak of heart, as land disappears, competitors are always looking for a weak spot, and there is little you can do to protect yourself other than mentally prepare for the worst. For those who are strong and lucky enough, the rewards are worth the struggle. You must be smart, savvy, quick, and able to take a punch. If you are, welcome to Farmageddon, the war in the farm fields. If not, try to get a job in the retail market. I hear they are hiring. Continue reading
Agricola (Latin for “farmer”), designed by Uwe Rosenberg and published in English by Z-Man Games in 2008 (following the runaway success of the German edition published the previous year), is a thrill-a-minute worker placement game about farming. Okay, I admit that the theme itself is not the most exciting one, but if your little geek can play this game, then your child has the makings of a true Gamer Geek. And that is truly exciting! Continue reading
Ah, Tuscany. Considered by many the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance where great thinkers and artists would gather. Its landscapes are the subject of countless paintings, poems, and dreams. It is here you find yourself with a dream of your own and a strong desire to make it a reality. With just a little bit of money, dedication, and a head for business, you will work to make your mark. Leveraging the cycles of nature to grow the prefect grape and make the greatest wine, you open your winery doors in hopes that Tuscany will prove to be all that you had dreamed it would be. Continue reading
