PeltaPeeps Game Review

American Protestant clergyman and academic leader, Douglas Horton, said “The art of simplicity is a puzzle of complexity.” We, as a species, tend to over engineer things. We take small problems and create large solutions. The real trick is to solve big problems with simple solutions. Can it be done? This game aims to prove that it can. Continue reading

Sagrada Game Review

The Sagrada Família is a large Roman Catholic church is Spain that began construction in 1882. To date, it’s not yet complete and for good reason. The project has suffered missteps, political problems, financial issues, and even a fire. Throughout it all, the building remained and grew, becoming a breathtaking example of Gothic architecture with beautiful stained glass windows. Now you have an opportunity to participate in its construction. Continue reading

Snippets Game Review (prepublished version)

The English language is difficult to learn because it’s something of a hodgepodge of other languages thrown together, blended, poured into a big cultural glass, and served with a small umbrella. Many words that we consider to be “English” are actually words from other languages. In this game, you’ll be asked to create words from small snippets. You’d think that would be easy, but not always. Continue reading

Cartography Game Review

Military strategist and philosopher, Sun Tzu, said “All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.” In this game, very little remains in shadow. This forces players to hide their true intentions in plain sight of their foe. While that is difficult in and of itself, the true challenge lies in knowing when to strike. Continue reading

Dr. Eureka Game Review

Emmy-nominated host of the television show Brain Games, Jason Silva, said “Creativity and insight almost always involve an experience of acute pattern recognition: the eureka moment in which we perceive the interconnection between disparate concepts or ideas to reveal something new.” In this game, creativity must be pushed by the need to shout EUREKA first! Continue reading

Horrible Hex Game Review

One of the joys of playing games against opponents sitting across from you is attempting to figure out what they are thinking. If you can, you know what moves to make and how to win. In this game, what your opponent wants is clearly in front of you. What is not clear is how they will attempt to claim their prize or how you can avoid helping them win the game. Continue reading

Set Dice Game Review

Dutch graphic artist, M.C. Escher, said “We adore chaos because we love to produce order.” Which is to say, as we seek order in our own lives, we also seek out those pockets of disorder to tackle. Balancing our checkbooks is a good example. In this game, random outcomes will challenge players to find order betwixt the chaotic results of rolling dice. Continue reading

Less Game Review (prepublished version)

The decisions we make in our lives are always based on immediate or future concerns. Should I turn left or right to get to the store? Should I save 25% of my paycheck for retirement or only 20%? Life is full of forks in the road. In this game, players must constantly make decisions on how best to move forward, while at the same time deciding their next 2 to 10 moves in the future. Continue reading

Fidelitas Game Review

American scientist and inventor, Edwin Land, said “The most important thing about power is to make sure you don’t have to use it.” In this game, the player will be manipulating powerful guilds and its members, while staying in the shadows. The goal is to control the City, but there are others who want the same thing. Continue reading

Missing Link Game Review

Buddhism teaches that all life is interrelated on levels that are both visible and invisible. There is always something that connects you to the person next to you, to a rock halfway across the world, and to the universe as a whole. Pretty deep. In this game, players will be asked to identify what is common and not so common between knowns and unknowns. When you see what’s missing, you’ll see the answer. Continue reading

Apotheca Game Review (prepublished version)

Rumors abound of a secret society of apothecaries who know ancient magics and the key to immortality. You have sought this society out and hope to persuade them to allow you to join their ranks. They are amused by your request and will allow you to demonstrate your skills. The first to appease 3 apothecaries will be allowed to join and have access to unlimited power, among other perks, such as discount wagon parking. Continue reading