Jungle Ascent Game Review (prepublished version)

It is said a mighty and long-lost civilization of great wealth and power took all their treasure and knowledge and put it on a very high shelf where no other civilization could reach it. And there is stayed while all the smaller and less advanced civilizations looked up and wanted it much like a 3-year-old wants a cookie. Centuries later, brave explorers have found the proverbial shelf on which the treasure was placed. It was located on the very top of the Cliff of Frab, which was located in the deepest part of the most remote jungle of the world. Now, standing below the cliff, a team of explorers looks up and begins to ascend its dizzying heights. In their hearts they know that only one can claim the treasure, and so, they race to the top and let nothing stand in their way! Continue reading

Take It or Leave It Game Review

As the dice tumble and change, so too does the fortunes of the players. A single roll of the dice might provide much opportunity or nothing of value. With the use of cards that can shift the dice and change the outcome, all the players must race to collect the dice values and colors they need before they are altered and made useless. This is a game of timing, of judging how much risk is acceptable so as to make big points, and getting what you can before someone else does! Get in, get out, take it, or leave it! Continue reading

Abacan Game Review

In this abstract game, every move counts and counts and counts again. Keep track of the beads and determine your odds of success as you quickly shift one to three beads from one side to another. Be smart, be careful, and be sure that the beads you move will not leave you well outside the winner’s circle when the game ends. Continue reading

Pathagon Game Review

It has been said that the shortest distance between any two points is a straight line. This is an incorrect statement in a non-Euclidean universe and in the game Pathagon. The shortest distance is exactly what each player is attempting, but with limited game board space, players must quickly find alternative routes and make constant adjustments. This is a game that depends on a player to act and react at the same time. As the paths are built and destroyed, it becomes clear that the only way to connect the two points is to bridge it with mind power. Continue reading

The Great Heartland Hauling Co. Game Review (prepublished version)

The nation might stretch from sea to shining sea, but it’s the black ribbon of asphalt that keeps it tied together. On these roads travel the men and women who keep commerce and goods flowing. There is always a demand to be met and the only way to do so is to get it there as efficiently as possible. Every trucker is attempting to do just that, but there are only so many goods to go around. Keep your eyes on the road and the prize, as you attempt to be smarter and faster than your competition. Continue reading

Dragon’s Bard Game Review (prepublished version)

The only things standing between a dragon’s wrath and the people of the Kingdom is a bard. But not just any bard, the Dragon’s Bard. This individual wanders the lands in search of great stories about great people doing great deeds. He collects them, memorizes them, and then makes the journey to the dragon’s lair. There, he tells the tales he has learned to the great and powerful Khrag, a dragon of legend who is to be feared. If Khrag is pleased by the tales, the Kingdom is saved for a time. If the dragon is not entertained, the lands will burn. Continue reading

Baldrich’s Tomb Game Review

The old adventurer sitting at the inn table looks tired, worn, and beaten. He tries to smile, fails, and instead just looks at his mug of warm ale. He says there’s a treasure to be found that he will pay you to find. He’d get it himself, but he’s in no shape to do so and not as young as he once was. He’ll pay you up front and you are welcome to keep all the treasure you find along the way. When you ask him what the catch is, he mumbles something about a crumbling tomb, monsters, and a rampaging ghost. You shrug. A jobs a job and you could use the gold. Time to go make a living the hard way. Continue reading

Wits & Wagers Party Game Review

Think you know the answer to everything? Doubtful and not even needed in this game, Mr. Smartypants! All you have to do is guess what could be the right answer! But your brain isn’t done yet! After you make a guess, you’ll be asked to review all the guesses and determine which one is the best! Maybe the right answer is there before you or maybe not. Doesn’t matter! You just need to determine which guess is the closest without going over the correct answer. That’s a lot of guessing! Smarts aren’t needed here; just really good hunches. Continue reading

Cthulhu Fluxx Game Review

Cthulhu Fluxx is the newest addition to the Fluxx family of card games from Looney Labs. This time around, the players will not only be playing for victory, but also to keep their sanity! The Elder Gods are starting to break through and it is up to the players to drive them back! Of course, sometimes the goal is to also fall deeper into madness! Cthulhu has awakened and Yog-Sothoth means to devour the world! Time to find some ancient artifacts and send those Elder Gods back to the dark and remote corners of existence! Continue reading

Diggity (Second Edition) Game Review

There’s gold in those hills! You can feel it in your bones and taste it in the air! But you have to dig for it and that is going to take work, skill, and luck. But you can’t do it alone, either. Other miners will want in on this opportunity, but the gold will go to the miner who has the best tools to extract it, not the miner who finds it. Keep a sharp eye out for the glint of riches and keep your shovel at the ready! Time to go get rich! Continue reading

Pixel Lincoln Game Review (prepublished version)

Great Scott! Dastardly ne’er-do-wells have tinkered with the very fabric of time and space! The balance of existence is at risk and only one man can save us! Calling President Lincoln; you are needed! Equipped with only his wits, surprisingly amazing athletic ability, and a beardarang that defies logic, Lincoln boldly brings the fight to the enemy! If he succeeds, we are saved! If he fails, say good-bye to reality and what promised to be an important political career. Continue reading

Halfling Heist Game Review

The Cockatrice Corral is known for two things: its outstanding menu that has culinary snobs feinting out of pure joy and the very high probability of anyone stepping through the door getting into a fight. It’s the food that keeps the clientele coming back, despite the very real chance they might leave with fewer teeth thanks to a lucky punch from another tavern patron. For a small band of Halflings, a visit to the Cockatrice Corral means a free meal, but not without risk. Being small has many advantages, but it also means you can be easily stepped on. The things some Halflings do for a really good Snot Goblin Stew… Continue reading