Boss Monster: Master of the Dungeon Game Review (prepublished version)

You have risen through the ranks, paid your dues, attended all the mandatory training meetings, and even did “extra work” for some of your superiors. Finally, you get the call. You are being given an opportunity to prove your worth as a Boss Monster. As quick as you can, you must create a dungeon to lure in heroes, collect their souls, and make sure your peers do not do better than you. After all, there can be only one final Boss Monster and the competition is downright fierce. Continue reading

If I’m Going Down… Game Review

The food ran out about a week ago. The water, just the other day. That’s it. Game over, man. A sarcastic smile crosses your face as you consider how long and hard you fought the undead only to come down to this: a starved, terribly thirsty, “survivor” who is about to be just another victim. Dang, that’s not the way you wanted it to end. Sad, really. Whatever. That’s loser talk. Fine. If that’s the way it’s going to be, so be it. You’ve got a handful of bullets left and enough spit and vinegar to keep fighting. If you’re going down, you are going to take as many of them with you as possible! Time for the finale! Continue reading

Castle Dice Game Review (prepublished version)

The old king summoned his children before him and looked them over, one by one. They were all strong, noble, and carried themselves as true Princes and Princesses of the Realm. But which among them would be the best to lead the people, manage the kingdom’s precious resources, and protect the population from the barbarian savages? The old king thought and thought and then smiled. He would send his children to different corners of the kingdom, and there, be tasked to raise a castle of their own. Whomever did so to the standards of the king after 7 years would be given the throne. Continue reading

Are You A Werewolf? Game Review

The small village used to be a happy place. The townspeople knew everyone by their first name, doors were never locked, and everyone was friendly towards each other. Then, one night, the body of a poor stable boy was found in the barn, murdered. And the murderer? No one knows for sure, but there are dark whispers that a werewolf is to blame. Now friends are foes, doors are locked during the day and night, and trust has turned to suspicion. And the murders continue… Continue reading

Corporate America Game Review (prepublished version)

It used to be a dog-eat-dog world. Now dogs are out of the picture and giant corporations dominate the top of the food chain. These huge, international companies only focus on two things: making money and influencing others to make more money. It’s all about maximizing profits and to do that you need to get governments to see things “your way”. Make good business deals, befriend politicians, and change the rules of the game so you will always win. Welcome to Corporate America, the land of the bought and sold. Continue reading

Dungeon Heroes Game Review (prepublished version)

Stop me if you have heard this one. A Warrior, a Wizard, a Rogue, and a Cleric walk into a dungeon to get some loot. They find some monsters, beat them up, steal their treasure, and do their best to survive. Now here’s the punchline. An epic adventure of dungeon exploration can be had in less time than it takes you to eat your lunch, pay your bill, and regret eating that 12″ sub with extra bacon. All the components for a quick dungeon crawl, complete with exploration and danger, are here and ready for two players who want to do something constructive while they digest their meal. Continue reading

Do You Know Your Neighbors? Game Review (prepublished version)

While the neighborhood street might look calm and serene, there is trouble brewing behind locked doors and pulled blinds. Gossip, manipulation, and dirty politics are about to explode onto the quiet streets and change the lives of everyone from one end of the block to the other. In order to control the neighborhood you must first control the neighbors. Find out what motivates them and then use it to your advantage. The King or Queen of the Block will be the best player who can trick the others into thinking they are harmless. When the dust settles, all the houses will still be standing, but the dynamics of the community will be changed forever. Continue reading

Decktet Game System Review

Imagine a world where vast kingdoms are ruled not by men, but by beasts. Magic and mystery float through the air like clouds, and sword and shield protect the innocent. An endless world full of adventure and exploration. This is the background for a deck of cards known as the Decktet. The cards it contains mean many things and can tell the future as well as the past, wage wars and create peace, create sunny days at the market or deadly storms at sea. All things are possible through this one deck. Continue reading

Super Showdown Game Review

The City: a great metropolis of people, activity, and commerce, but also a battlefield. Two individuals with super abilities claim ownership to the City’s streets and inhabitants, waging epic battles of brawn and wit. The Champion of the People is ever vigilant and keeps tabs on the greatest Villain the City has ever known, but the City is big. Too big for one super hero to fully defend. This the Villain knows and uses rumors to confuse the authorities and decoys to mislead and slow the super hero down. Soon, the sun will rise and the City will awake to a new day. As dawn approaches, two super rivals prepare for their upcoming showdown! Continue reading

Catan Scenarios: Oil Springs Game Expansion Review

Many welcomed the news that rich deposits of oil were found on the island nation of Catan. With the discovery of such a valuable resource under the feet of Catan’s populace, many believed that a new age of prosperity was at hand. Soon the drilling began and small towns seemed to spring up over night, followed by cities, and then Catan’s first metropolis appeared. Oil did indeed bring wealth, but it also brought environmental problems. The level of pollution levels rose significantly and signs of flooding soon began to appear. Now the citizens of Catan must balance their needs and their wants to obtain victory or risk suffering unspeakable ruin. Continue reading

Rise! Game Review

Before you stretches a land ready to be claimed! The only problem is, there isn’t much land to start with and you have a pesky neighbor who is looking greedily at what little land there is. What should you focus on first? Exploration? Building? Or maybe you’d like to squash the competition and drive your opponent into the sea? Be a warlord or a peaceful explorer. Build architectural marvels or crash them to the ground. All things are possible if you are skilled enough to rise to the challenge! Continue reading

Game Night Fight Game Review

If you have ever played a table top game, be the medium board, dice, or card, you know that the most carefree of games can become a troubled experience. Sometimes people feel picked on, become passive aggressive, and in the most extreme of cases, walk away angry or flip the table in full-out geek rage. Don’t laugh; I’ve seen this happen during a particularly heated game of Candy Land. The point is, games not only bring out the best, but sometimes the worst in people. Who knew it could be so much fun? Continue reading