Equip: Zupper Dolls Game Review (prepublished version)

American cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead, said “I do not believe in using women in combat, because females are too fierce.” But, alas, Ms. Mead was not aware of the awesome power of dolls. In this game, players take on the responsibility of training animated dolls, brought to life just in time to fight not only each other but eventually aliens. Maybe. The backstory on this game is pretty confusing. Regardless! Dolls! Battles! Go get’em, Teddy! Continue reading

Twisty Little Passages Game Review (prepublished version)

Hungarian inventor, architect, professor of architecture, and the creator of the Rubik’s Cube, Erno Rubik, said “When you are studying from a book, lots of people go straight to the end to look for the answers. But that’s not my style. For me, the most enjoyable part is the puzzle, the process of solving, not the solution itself.” Suggesting that the path to the puzzle’s solution is the adventure. In this book of puzzles, you take on the role of a spy who must risk it all to save the kingdom from a powerful evil. Each step is a puzzle to solve and a danger to encounter! Continue reading

CoreBall: The Zero Gravity Sport Game Review (prepublished version)

German inventor, game developer, and engineer, Ralph Baer, said “People love video games because they do things they obviously can’t do in real life. That’s especially true with sports games because fans love to step into the shoes of their favorite athletes.” So very true. In this game, players get to step into the shoes of highly trained athletes who play a competitive game that is a mix of football and rugby. The arena is also a battle ground, where every movement is done in zero gravity and momentum could push you to victory or off the edge, spinning into space. Continue reading

Gulp! Game Review (prepublished version)

American astronomer, cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, author, science popularizer, and science communicator in astronomy and other natural sciences, Carl Sagan, said “Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” If such is the case, than life is a continual struggle at every level. Take, for example, the trials and tribulations for all below the waves of our oceans. Every fish is a potential meal and the line between life and death is just a bite away. Continue reading

Pathogenesis Game Review (prepublished version)

American science, nature and travel writer, David Quammen, said “You can’t take a knife on a plane anymore, but you can get on carrying a virus.” Suggesting that a virus is just as dangerous as a weapon, which is correct. The Center for Disease control calculated that 48.8 million people suffered the flu in 2018. Out of that number, 79,400 lost their lives to it. Death by a virus. Something so small you need a powerful microscope to see it. In this game, you will play as the virus attacking the body. It’s an epic battle at a very micro-level. Continue reading

Invictus Game Review (prepublished version)

French general and military theorist, Ferdinand Foch, said “The will to conquer is the first condition of victory.” Mankind has grown bold and powerful, turning to their faith in technology rather than the gods. It’s time to put mankind back in its place, but who shall lead? The most powerful? The most cunning? While mankind battles on the earth below, the gods battle among themselves to rule all. Continue reading

Head Chef Game Review (prepublished version)

American celebrity chef, author, travel documentarian, and television personality, Anthony Bourdain, said “If anything is good for pounding humility into you permanently, it’s the restaurant business.” In this game, you’ll start your business from a food truck, move up to a cafe, and finally hit the big time with your own restaurant. But the road to success is paved with many meals and there is a lot to trip you up. Prepare your ingredients and get cooking! Continue reading

Face to Face Game Review (prepublished version)

English novelist, essayist, journalist and critic, George Orwell, said “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” In this game, players will be rescuing animals and returning them to their homes, ensuring they are safe and sound. But as Mr. Orwell alluded to, not every animal is worth saving, nor are they of the same value. In the end, it will be up to the player to determine their worth. Continue reading

Wizard Quest Game Review (prepublished version)

United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) under President Lyndon Johnson, John W. Gardner, said “Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.” But what if your “ordinary” is already “extraordinary”? In this school of magic, to be the very best, you must prove that you not only have what it takes to control immense magical powers, but also have the wit to know when to focus on your own goals or see the goals of others as a means to personal success. Continue reading

Blackstone Castle Game Review (prepublished version)

American lawyer, U.S. Representative, social activist and a leader of the Women’s Movement, Bella Abzug, said “I spend all day figuring out how to beat the machine and knock the crap out of the political power structure.” A task easier said than done. In this game, players will be attempting to do the same as Ms. Abzug, manipulating the machine and adjusting the power structure in hopes of one day ruling the kingdom. Continue reading

Sheeple Game Review (prepublished version)

American spiritual teacher, author, and philosopher, Vernon Howard, said “A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.” Very true, and in most situations, I think this approach is valid. But not here. In this game, you desperately need the approval of others and the only way to do that is to think like them. Easy? Not at all because you need to be uniquely the same. Wrap your mind around that! Continue reading

Bingo Dice Game Review (prepublished version)

Indian politician, television personality and former cricketer, Navjot Singh Sidhu, said “One who doesn’t throw the dice can never expect to score a six.” Depending on the game (and the context), that is either a good thing or a bad thing. In the case of this game, you want a six, but not always. And when you want that six is critical to winning or making someone else lose. Pick up the dice and let them roll! Continue reading