Dale of Merchants 3: The Grand Continental Railway Game Review

French novelist, poet, and playwright, Jules Verne, said: “Trains, like time and tide, stop for no one.”. Heavy powerful, trains will travel on their tracks, laboring with their load, no matter the weather. In the world of commerce, the railroad system opened new corridors to profit and opportunity. Prosperity can now be found in distant corners of the land that could only be traveled to by foot. For you, a savvy merchant always on the lookout for new markets, the rails offer a gateway to new riches, but the competition is always fierce. Continue reading

Dracula’s Feast: Cthulhu and Friends Game Expansion Review

Some parties are doomed to fail right from the start. Case in point, Dracula’s latest bash at the castle. First, he had uninvited guests crashing his delightful get-together. Then, just when he thought he had that under control, an ominous knock at the door echoed throughout the castle halls. It looks like Dracula has more unexpected visitors, but this time, these unexpected additions to the party are here to stay. Continue reading

Dale of Merchants Collection Game Review

American economist, Paul Samuelson, said “Economics is a choice between alternatives all the time. Those are the trade-offs.” If that is the case, having more choices certainly seems like a step in the right direction. A case in point is this nice collection of new game enhancements to the Dale of Merchants series that brings more fun in different ways. As always, be careful who you enlist to help you become the leaders of the merchants, but with so many choices, how can you go wrong? Continue reading

Dale of Merchants 2: The Era of Trade Masters Game Review

Czech writer best know for The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Milan Kundera, said “Business has only two functions – marketing and innovation.” In this game, it’s all about getting the goods to market and beating the competition to the punch. You must be creative, innovative, and most of all, flexible. All your plans at the moment might go up in smoke or all your wildest dreams might come true, but way too soo. It’s all about balance, supply, demand, and outthinking your opponent. Continue reading

Fences: The Ranch Game Expansion Review (prepublished version)

Your little farm has grown in size! With your newfound success (and good luck), you have decided to expand your operation to includes animals, making your little farmstead into a fully-functioning ranch. With new goals in mind and opportunities to pursue, you’ll have to manage not only the day-to-day operations of the farmland but the many animals, as well. Do you have what it takes to become the biggest ranch in the area? Continue reading

Scythe: The Wind Gambit Game Expansion Review

The conflict continues with territory lines being drawn and redrawn as heavy Mechs lumber across farmlands and factories dot the horizon, choking the air with their black smoke. Above the churn of war automation and industry flies the Airship, a steam-powered behemoth that defies the rules of nature and allows man to control the skies. The only question remaining is simple: will this new technology bring peace or more war? Continue reading

Monkey: Spell-O-Rama Game Expansion Review

The crazy wizard, Kurgill, is back and he has brought with him a slew of new spells to cause mischief and mayhem. He even brought his mom! Just when you thought it was safe to climb a tree, this expansion adds more falls, traps, and trips to make a monkey’s day on the branch a precarious endeavor. Continue reading

Smash Up: Oops, You Did It Again Game Expansion Review

There are two types of people who go to buffets. Those who like variety and those who like bulk. We could argue that “more does not mean better”, but try having that conversation when presented with 12 feet of assorted desserts. But sometimes you just want a cookie. Is there a best of both worlds? For buffets, probably not. On your gaming table, certainly. This game can be used as a single serving or the first of many, many games to consume. Continue reading

Smash Up: The Bigger Geekier Box Expansion Review

English writer, H.G. Wells, said “The crisis of today is the joke of tomorrow.” For many lovers of board games who have many titles on their multiple shelves (me included), the ongoing crisis is storage. Individual games, no problem. Games with expansions? Many expansions? How the heck do we keep the core game and its expansions in one place? AEG, the publishers of Smash Up, have a BIG solution. Continue reading

Terrible Monster Game Review

Deep in the jungle, an ancient power slumbers. You know where to find it and are making plans to awaken a creature of terror to do your bidding. You are not the only one with such ambitions, however. Now it’s a race to see who will be the master of the monster and who will be the monster’s lunch. 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

Abaddon: Shattered Command Game Expansion Review (prepublished version)

The land was once green and fertile. Now it’s lifeless and pockmarked with craters. It’s in this desolate landscape that men and women fight for survival. Some hunt on foot looking for their enemy, while others pilot giant mechanized battle mechs called Links. From the Command Bunkers, the word goes out that the enemy is approaching. Without hesitation, the soldiers once again charge into war. Continue reading