Castle Panic: Big Box Game Review

Humanist, Sufi, and Humanitarian, Abhijit Naskar said in his book of collected poetry, Yarasistan: My Wounds, My Crown, “Either live or don’t, there is no playing safe.” In this game, you don’t have time to play it safe. You and your fellow players must work together to keep a tide of hungry monsters outside your castle gates. To do so, you must command your army and strategically manage the horde of creatures outside your walls while tactically adjusting your targets each round. This is not an easy game to win, but it’s an easy game to love. Continue reading

Dawn Game Review

American architect, who has been called a “father of skyscrapers” and “father of modernism,” Louis Sullivan said, “What the people are within, the buildings express without.” In this game, everyone at the table is outwardly working to build a beautiful new town for you to live in. Inside, however, they might not be what they seem. To your right might be those who work to ensure the town prospers or fails. Do you take the hard path and work towards building a new home for all, or secretly hoard your wealth to survive? The choice is yours, but the outcome is up to everyone. Continue reading

Flank!: Battle for Fairfield Game Review (prepublished version)

The peaceful village of Fairfield lies in a lush valley surrounded by healthy farms and livestock. Those who live in the village are prosperous and happy. However, two armies hungrily eye the village, coveting it as their own. Now Fairfield has become the epicenter of chaos and violence where once only peace and tranquility were found. The two armies will fight to the end to possess the village, but which will win, and what will be the valley’s fate after the swords stop clashing? That is up to you, but only if you win the day. Continue reading

Land Vs. Sea Game Review

American actress and filmmaker Angelina Jolie said, “Anytime I feel lost, I pull out a map and stare. I stare until I have reminded myself that life is a giant adventure, so much to do, to see.” The players will collectively build their map full of continents and islands, oceans and lakes in this game. The inhabitants of the newly found land are depicted on each tile placed, building the world and the mystery of what the new world is like. Explore, but do so with intent, as the player who explores strategically and tactically will win the day! Continue reading

Twisted Game of War Game Review

American politician and women’s rights advocate Jeannette Rankin said, “You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake.” Unlike real war, in this game of quick skirmishes and battles, there will always be a winner. But as you’ll soon read, not everyone who played felt like they spent their time wisely, including the winners of the game. Continue reading

Slide Quest Game Review

American Christian minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., said, “Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.” If it hurts you to think – to furrow your brow and concentrate critically – then I have a game here you should avoid. This is a puzzler – a quest – to navigate as a team through treacherous terrain and dangerous turns. Only the bravest and most emotionally stable need to apply to play this video game inspired tabletop challenge. Continue reading

Crypt Game Review

The King is dead! Long live the King! His passing is a hurtful blow to the realm and to your wallet. The King promised you a number of his treasures, but those are now safely entombed with the remains of the fallen lord. Well, nuts to that! You will get what is rightfully yours! You hatch a plan to raid the crypt and steal back that which was stolen from you using your loyal servants. Unfortunately, your siblings have the same idea. Continue reading

Tales of Danger: Days of Discovery Game Review

Portugal 1290. The known world is divided up and ruled by kings and queens, each looking for opportunities to extend their kingdoms and influence. You are an explorer, a sailor, and adventurer. You have found what appears to be an unknown chain of islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. If your charts and information is correct, these islands will serve as a foothold into the unknown world! But first, you must convince the royal powers that such a trip is worth taking, then find a crew and a sea worthy boat. Then, finally, take the voyage itself to the fabled “Land of Danger”. Continue reading

On Their Merry Way Game Review (prepublished version)

Robin Hood and his Merry Men have a job to do. They must steal from the rich so they can provide for the poor. This is a surprisingly easy task, as Merchants tend to be tired after traveling for days carrying heavy loads and easily fall for traps. Guards are always a nuisance, but not a threat. To help make things more interesting, Robin Hood will reward one member of his gang of thieves a great prize if they can bring in the most profit. Let the games begin. Continue reading

Village Pillage Game Review (prepublished version)

There was a time when you looked out your window and were content to see the small cottages and your fellow villagers passing by. But that time has come and gone. Now you dream of your village being the center of trade, commerce, and a military power. Very ambitions, indeed. A feat that might very well be possible – easy even – if it weren’t for the other nearby villages who had the same idea. Continue reading

Saga of the Northmen Game Review

In the time of the Dark Ages, kingdom borders were drawn with ink and defended by blood. The Northmen traversed the landscape and icy waters to raid the southern kingdoms, forcing new alliances and bloody battles. But wealth was also discovered and the exchange of ideas through trade routes. In the end, the price to be paid for conquest provided the larger whole a better future. Continue reading

36 Stratagems Game Review

The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) brought about great social stability and governmental order. In short, peace and growth, but at a price. There are always forces at work that impede progress and reform. As a political leader, your ambition to rule will conflict with others. Something worth ruling is worth fighting for. Continue reading