Rock Paper Scissors BANG! Game Review

The simple hand game Rock Paper Scissors has long dominated playgrounds, playing fields, and basketball courts. It’s a fast way to quickly determine a winner if a mutually agreed upon approach cannot be determined. For example, who gets the last piece of pie, who gets to kickoff, and who will pick up the bill. It’s also a game that requires its players to think ahead, read their opponent, and predict what they should do next based on what they know or think they know. In this game, the same applies, but the approach is very different. Continue reading

Reflection Game Review

Aidan Gillen, an actor currently best known for his role as Petyr Baelish in the HBO Game of Thrones series, said “I don’t do a lot of reflecting. I’m usually about getting on with it.” Some of us stop and reflect on our choices and what it means, while others clearly do not. Regardless of your personal approach to life, this game is all about reflecting. Expect hindsight to smack you in the face a few times. Continue reading

Mage Wars: Druid vs. Necromancer Game Expansion Review

Magic is dangerous in the hands of any who take it to extremes. The Druid and the Necromancer are two such students who have taken their magical devotion to zealot like levels. The Druid knows that only life must continue at any cost. The Necromancer knows only that death is the inevitable end that he attempts to hasten for all existence. Two opposing mages with two opposing powers that are destined to meet and destroy each other. Continue reading

Fish to Fish Game Review

Milton Berle said, “If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?” And why do I have no hair on my head, for that matter? Regardless of your personal opinion on evolution, which some see as a theory and some as a scientific fact, two thing are for certain. Change happens and we must change to adapt. We adapt to overcome and to move forward. In this game, you will transform one fish into another, but be fast! Take too long and you’ll find that change oftentimes rolls over those who cannot adapt quickly. Continue reading

Mixed Motives Game Review

President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.” This is exactly what Mixed Motives is about. You and your opponents are all attempting to complete different hidden motivations. There is no set path to victory and you might have to get others to unwittingly help you win the game. It’s all about subtle manipulation, bluffing, and misdirection. Be careful who you trust and don’t let anyone know your true motives! Continue reading

Empires of Zidal Game Review

Martin Scorsese said, “I love studying Ancient History and seeing how empires rise and fall, sowing the seeds of their own destruction.” But what path did empires take that led them to their ultimate demise? Did they become too decadent? Were they burdened with a faulty economy? Did they have poor political relationships both inside their own walls and without? All of these and more are possible causes that have led great nations to rise and fall. Now it’s your turn to create an empire. Build it wisely or it will surely crumble under its own hubris. Continue reading

Disc Duelers Game Review

When I was a little geek, I played Paper Football with my friends during our lunch breaks and out on the playground. The game required a sharp eye, a cool head, and surprisingly strong finger flicking skills. This was my first tabletop Action/Dexterity game and continues to be one I enjoy today. There is something about games that allow you to physical interact with your opponent and game bits that I find satisfying. In this game, you need to be able to duck and dodge, using strategy and tactics to win. Much better than Paper Football. Continue reading

Tsuro of the Seas Game Review

Legends and myths of sea monsters abound. Throughout human history, mankind has looked at the sea and dreamed of what might await us over the horizon. New land? The edge of the word? Monsters? Even today, when we can go to the Moon and launch probes into outer space, much of our world’s oceans are unexplored! The deep blue still fills us with wonder and with dread. Below its surface is the unknown that looks up at us from its dark depths, waiting… Continue reading

Get Bit! Squid Die Game Expansion Review

You can hear the splashing of water and the screams of your fellow castaways as you swim like mad to the rescue boat. You have already been bitten by one of the sharks, but your will to survive and fear drives you on. Ahead of you is the ship and its crew who shout words of encouragement. You pause a moment to catch your breath and scream in terror as you see a giant squid come to the surface. Becoming a pirate was a poor life choice… Continue reading

Get Bit! Deluxe Game Review

You have been trapped on the small island surrounded by endless ocean for what feels like years. You and the other shipwrecked crew are surviving, but every day is a struggle. Then, on the horizon, a ship is spotted! You light your signal fires and the boat approaches! Now all you have to do is swim to the ship, but the water is full of man-eating sharks! Steeling your nerves, you plunge into the surf in a desperate attempt to survive. Continue reading

Walk the Plank! Game Review

Pirates are brave, laugh at danger, and above all else, follow instructions no matter how insane they sound. The Captain has gathered you on deck. In a loud voice, he explains that he has one too many pirate crew members and is looking to downsize. And by “downsize”, he means toss those pirate he doesn’t think too highly of into the ocean. Time to test your pirate skills and luck! Continue reading

Monster City Planners Game Review

A city planner has much to consider. They must take into consideration traffic, sewer systems, and maintaining existing infrastructure. It’s a complicated balancing act where the new must fit in with the old on a tight budget. Of course, the rampaging monsters and giant robots don’t help much. But then again, a giant squid destroying a city block is a lot cheaper than hiring bulldozers. Continue reading