Vault Wars Game Review (prepublished version)

There are two ways to make your fortune in this world. The first is to go bravely forth into a forsaken dungeon, battle whatever unspeakable evil may live there, and return with a hoard of treasure. The second way is to wait until those foolish enough to venture into the darkness don’t come back and then claim their treasure for your own. You elected for the safer path to earn your fortune, but instead of dragons, you’ll be battling against greedy bidders. In this game, a sword won’t win the day, but a sharp mind most certainly will. Continue reading

Birds of a Feather Game Review (prepublished version)

Observing our feathered friends has been a pastime enjoyed for generations. It allows an individual to explore their backyard or surrounding wilderness to catch sight of birds both big and small. There are birdwatching books, clubs, websites, and now a game. Visit different locations, spot birds, and rack up the points. The player with the best birding instincts will win the day. Continue reading

Castle Assault Game Review (prepublished version)

Essayist George Santayana said, ” Only the dead have seen the end of war.” In the real world, yes. War is horrific. In a fantasy world and on your gaming table, this is not the case. War in games gives players an opportunity to flex their tactical muscle and strengthen their strategic mind. Wargames do not celebrate war, but look to analyze, understand, and recognize what war is truly about. In this game, you will be confronted with a single task and a tenacious adversary. Victory will go to the player who knows that sacrifice is necessary to win. Continue reading

Trainmaker Game Review (prepublished version)

The most fundamental concept of economics is supply and demand. One group has goods to sell and the other group has money to burn. What’s missing is the middleman who makes certain the supply reaches those who demand it. That’s where you come in. You have the money and the means to build a railroad empire. With luck and determination, you could make history. Continue reading

Green Deal Game Review

American political satirist, Stephen Colbert, said “Facts matter not at all. Perception is everything. It’s certainty.” This strongly suggests that obtainable and measurable factual information can be trumped by a well constructed PR campaign. Which, sadly, we know to be true. In this game, how your company is perceived by the world is very important to you and your stockholders as you attempt to cut costs, reduce overhead, neglect to follow some laws, and do all you can (within reason) to be profitable. Continue reading

Between Two Cities Game Review (prepublished version)

American businessman James E. Casey said, “One measure of your success will be the degree to which you build up others who work with you. While building up others, you will build up yourself.” Mr. Casey’s statement holds true within the context of this game. You must cooperatively build a city with a partner on your left and on your right. But don’t be too generous. While this game does require cooperation, only 1 player can be the winner. Continue reading

Legends and Lies: Mysterious Locations Game Expansion Review

Many believe there are locations on our planet that are unique. Some are the source of spiritual and supernatural springs that individuals can tap into. Other locations are doorways to different dimensions and to places best left unspoken. These strange places are found in some of the most remote locations of the world and in the backyards of modern-day suburbia. For those who search for the truth and believe that there is more to our reality than what we can simply see, these locations are frequently visited. Continue reading

Imperial Harvest Game Review (prepublished version)

The Royal Strawberry is believed by many to be the most perfect thing in existence. Nations have gone to war for just a taste of this magical fruit. When the Emperor came to power, he constructed a giant wall around the last known place the Royal Strawberries grew and tasked heroes to protect the garden. But outside the garden walls, the Northern Raiders plotted to enter the garden and steal the Royal Strawberries for their own! The garden is about to get “berry” competitive. Continue reading

Project Dreamscape Game Review (prepublished version)

Between the state of begin awake and our deepest slumber, the realm of dreams can be found. Scientists have invented a machine that can now measure, observe, and record our dreams, but the machine is not yet ready for release. Test subjects are needed to help discover flaws in the system. You have been selected to help test the machine and make history, but there is a catch. The dream recording machine will not let you wake up once the test begins. Pray for sweet dreams because you won’t be able to escape your own nightmares. Continue reading

Gauntlet of Heroes Game Review (prepublished version)

It all started with a boast that one group of adventurers sitting at a table was better than another group of adventurers sitting at a table a few feet away. Words were exchanged, followed by fists. When the smashed tables were cleared and everyone calmed down, the adventurers decided that the best way to prove which group was better was to raid one of the most dangerous Crypts in the area. Dangerous and potentially highly profitable! The team that survived the Crypt with the most gold would win. This sounded great to the inn keeper because someone was going to have to pay him for the damages. Continue reading

Hoplomachus: Rise of Rome Game Review

The crowds cheer and chant the for the men who have come to fight and die in the arena. The names of the fallen and those gladiators still fighting are shouted from windows, doorways, and streets with more love than the name of the Emperor. Which, as you can imagine, has the Emperor worried. Concerned that his own reputation is on the line (not to mention his life), the Emperor decrees that Rome and Pompeii will now enter the arena to show the Empire that the greatest warriors are those who are loyal to the Emperor and the Emperor alone. Continue reading

Monarch Game Review (prepublished version)

It was a somber moment. Surrounding the dying Queen were each of her daughters. They had grown from helpless babes to strong young women. The Queen knew that each of her children would rule the land wisely, but there was only one throne. In her last moments, she told her daughters that the kingdom would go to the princess who brought the most prosperity and glory to the people. Then she passed quietly and peacefully. The Queen is dead, but a new queen will soon rise. Continue reading