SKUNK’D Game Review (prepublished version)

Every family has a “family game.” One that they either created themselves from scratch or taken from another game. Either way, the results are something familiar enough to easily allow anyone to learn how to play and unique enough to be a particular part of a family’s collective memory. This game does just that by taking a tried and true game many have played and adding a personal touch passed down through generations. And like all loved things, they only become more significant and grow when shared with others. Continue reading

13th Street Crew Game Review (prepublished version)

It’s not personal. It’s business. Yeah, you may break a rule or two, even several laws. And, sure, you sometimes have to flex a bit of muscle when you smile, but it’s never personal. It’s about the money and the power and the respect. If you want your crew to be recognized before the Old Don, you must show you can earn. Take the jobs and cash in, but be careful. Greed has a way of making friends into enemies. Just keep telling yourself it’s only business. But if you need to, make it personal. Continue reading

Shut Up, Cat! Game Review (prepublished version)

English humorist, satirist, and author of fantasy novels, best known for his Discworld series, Terry Pratchett said, “In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.” If you have ever owned a cat or even been around one for any length of time, you know that these four-legged domesticated pets have an air of superiority and a level of confidence that far outweighs their abilities. To say they are willful creatures is a gross understatement to extreme extremes. That said, they are also lovable and compassionate. In this game, the family’s beloved cat makes a lot of noise when the rest of the family attempts to sleep. Good luck trying to change the cat’s mind that it’s quiet time. Continue reading

Monster Kegger Game Review (prepublished version)

American author and Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame instructor of pool and carom billiards, Robert Byrne, said, “Partying is such sweet sorrow.” Truly, throwing a party and being at a party takes work. You have to be energetic, personable, and approachable. Or not, and sit in the corner sulking while everyone around you has fun. In this game, you must try to keep everyone at your party happy, and the only way to do that is to ensure you have the right food and drink available. The catch? Your guests are monsters and have particular likes and dislikes. You and your opponent are competing to see who can throw the best party for these monsters! Continue reading

Rebuild Refuge : Zombie Apocalypse (prepublished version)

In this game, players must gather as many survivors as possible and stay safe while the world outside is nuked to eradicate a virus that turns people into zombies. These shambling undead continually attack the players’ small and poorly protected bunkers, and the refugees do not trust each other. It’s a game of survival and crowd-control, as players must navigate attacks from within and without. Continue reading

Paraphrase: Songs in Other Words Game Review (prepublished version)

To paraphrase is to use different words to express a previously written or communicated idea or body of work. Sometimes these paraphrases let others say something in a way that is more relevant to their audience, or they can be used to provide insightful wit. In all cases, paraphrases come down to disguising something already well defined or named in a cloak of thick ambiguity. In this game, players will be challenged to take the paraphrase and deduce the actual title of a song. Extra points if you can sing it, too! 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

Fishing Race Game Review (prepublished version)

The fishing industry is highly competitive and dangerous. It’s also highly lucrative. The risks are often outweighed by the wealth one can obtain by having a single successful season. But like all resources, there are limits to availability. In this game, all the players will be simultaneously attempting to catch as many fish as possible. Time is limited, and so is the supply of fish! Continue reading

BaristaCat Game Review (prepublished version)

American lawyer and statesman who served as the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, said, “If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee.” It amuses me to think how difficult a customer President Lincoln would have been if he had a coffee shop nearby. I mean, come on dude, make up your mind. But nothing compares to the customers in this game that demand their coffee meow and won’t leave until they get it. So do what you can to please the customers, but keep in mind at all times that you need to get paid, too. Continue reading

Spy Sabotage Game Review (prepublished version)

English actor, Benedict Cumberbatch, said “I’ve always wanted to play a spy because it’s the ultimate acting exercise. You are never what you seem.” In this game, it’s self-evident who everyone is: spies and backstabbers all. The goal is espionage, bluffing, and sabotaging. Players must be ruthless but never lose their cool or wit. Play your cards right, and you’ll win. It’s all about balance in a game that is intended to unnerve you. Continue reading

Fossil Canyon Game Review (prepublished version)

American paleontologist who helped reshape modern theories about dinosaurs, Robert T. Bakker, said, “Fossils have richer stories to tell – about the lub-dub of dinosaur life – than we have been willing to listen to.” There is always something new to discover, and the only way to find it is to dig. Dig in the earth and then dig through all the possibilities of what life must have been like for these long-extinct giants that once walked where we now stand. In this game, players take on the role of a paleontologist and attempt to find and then build a complete dinosaur skeleton. Little do the players know that the real competition is the paleontologist sitting next to them. So dig deep and dig fast. Continue reading

Earth Rising: Twenty Years to Transform Our World Game Review (prepublished version)

American author, philosopher, naturalist, scientist, ecologist, forester, conservationist, and environmentalist Aldo Leopold said: “Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.” In this game, humankind and our planet are out of balance. Poverty and unsustainable practices are causing our resources to diminish, humanity to hurt, and our planet to wither. But all is not lost. Take on the role of an ecological hero and help humanity rise to save our Earth. Just know you cannot do it yourself. This is a team effort that will take everyone to succeed! Continue reading