Runecast Game Review (prepublished version)

You lived a life of adventure and danger. As expected, you died young, but with honor. Songs are sung of your deeds and you feast for eternity in the halls of Valhalla. But there is trouble in Midgard and Loki’s mad mind is causing chaos and havoc. Odin himself has sent you back to Midgard to fight Loki’s minions and bring order to the world. You might have the blessings of the gods, but such trivial flatteries are nothing to a good blade. Continue reading

Colours and Shapes Game Review (prepublished version)

One of the first things children begin to recognize, other than the faces of their parents, is colors and shapes. There are thousands of books and videos that cover the education and exploration of these two subjects. As such, it’s a bit of an understatement to suggest that colors and shapes are at the core of our earliest learning. And yet, how often do you think about colors and shapes as an adult? As a gamer, you think about it more than you might realize. In this game, colors and shapes are used to match sets and win big. Thank goodness you paid attention to your earliest lessons as a baby, eh? Continue reading

Web of Spies Game Review (prepublished version)

There are two worlds. The first is the one that everyone knows. You see it on the television, hear it on the radio, and wake up to it every morning. The second is the world between the noise and motion. This is the world of spies who lurk in the open, but work in the shadows. You know this world well and now command your own network of spies. Information is both currency and weapon here. You send your operatives to collect assets to strengthen your shadowy hold over governments and further your personal agenda. But there are other organization with the same goals as yours and you must put them down in order to succeed. Continue reading

Raid and Trade Game Review (prepublished version)

After the third World War came to an end, there wasn’t much of a world left to inhabit. Life became a bitter exercise of survival of the fittest. Large groups built new cities behind giant walls and became the rulers over the wastelands that surrounded them. You live outside one of those city walls and have learned there is a way in. Influential individuals within the city need certain things that they cannot obtain. If you can get them, you’ll be allowed into the city. Easy enough, but others have been offered the same deal… Continue reading

Forged in Steel Game Review (prepublished version)

When you arrived at Pueblo County, Colorado, there wasn’t much to look at. A few buildings, a budding factory, and a lot of space. But you saw its potential and the vast fortune that could be made. This town, you decided, was going to be your family legacy. From that day forward you worked to build an empire. Your children have done the same and their children will continue your legacy. History will look back and determine if you were a person of vision or just another dreamer. Continue reading

Mill City Game Review (prepublished version)

From the banks of the Mississippi river, Saint Anthony Falls looks to be an endless wall of powerful water. Many see the falls as nothing more than a natural wonder to gaze upon and enjoy. You, however, see it as an untapped opportunity. Outside the Twin Cities, the prairie is full of wheat fields. Within the Twin Cities, mills are located by the river, tapping its strength, to grind the wheat to flour. All that is missing is a person to get the flour to buyers. You are that person and you plan to make this little venture very profitable. Continue reading

Dragonflame Game Review (prepublished version)

You have finally come of age. Your wings are strong, your dragon flame burns like the sun, and your teeth are as sharp as a thousand swords. Now you must make a name for yourself and spread fear and panic across the realm. There are castles to attack, knights to eat, treasure to hoard, and maidens to collect. The only problem is that there are other dragons with the same idea and there are only so many maidens to be had. Continue reading

9-Shooter Quick Draw Game Review (prepublished version)

The desert sun beats down on you with intense heat, but that’s not why you’re sweating. No less than 50 yards in front of you stands your adversary. Through narrow gulches and dry stream beds, you have chased each other for what feels like a lifetime. Now, in this sleepy border town, the chase will end. One of you will live to see tomorrow, while the other will be in the cemetery before nightfall. Flexing your fingers and taking a deep breath, you prepare for what is to come and what might or might not follow. Continue reading

Warband: Against the Darkness Game Review (prepublished version)

Darkness crept into the land unseen. At first there were rumors, stories, and hearsay that would suggest that something wasn’t right on the frontier, but none listened. The great races of the Five Realms were at odds with each other and only looked to their own concerns and borders. When the Darkness appeared on the horizon, the great races set aside their differences and banded together to fight their common enemy. Victory is within reach, but only one race can be the true hero of this war. Continue reading

Tiny Epic Kingdoms Game Review (prepublished version)

Michel de Montaigne said “ambition is not a vice of little people”, nor is it for a tiny kingdom. Your lands are small, but you have big dreams. From your castle, you can see your territorial border and the lands beyond. They could be yours if you have the wit and the skill to claim them. Your people look to you to lead and inspire. Guide your subjects to a prosperous future and forge your kingdom into a mighty empire! Continue reading

Tricked-Out Hero Game Review (prepublished version)

Josh Billings said, “Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.” In this tick taking trump card game, your hero will live or perish based on how well you play your cards. Winning or loosing a trick could mean the difference between epic loot or a messy death. Fantasy meets trump in this card game that pits your wits against monsters and your opponents! Continue reading

Pretty Ugly Game Review (prepublished version)

The pursuit of beauty is often in the opposite direction of truth. We cover wrinkles, hide bulges, and cake ourselves with chemicals in hopes of becoming beautiful to others. Some have made a career out of defining “beauty”. Others have dedicated their lives to obtain it. Both groups quickly learn that what is pleasing to the eye today will be shunned tomorrow, making the pursuit of beauty a pretty ugly experience. Continue reading