Long Shot: The Dice Game Review (prepublished version)

American author, Roger Kahn, said: “Horse racing is animated roulette.” Which is to say, you don’t know the outcome until the very end. But it’s that excitement, with the paired horse and jockey, racing as fast as they can with each horse’s step bringing them closer to the finish line, that keeps everyone in the stands at the edge of their seats. In this game of horse racing, players will be placing their bets on their own horses. To win this game, you need to play the race in both the short and long run. Continue reading

Strikerz Soccer Card Game Review

Uruguayan journalist, writer, and “global soccer’s pre-eminent man of letters,” Eduardo Galeano said, “In soccer, ability is much more important than shape, and in many cases, skill is in the art of turning limitations into virtues.” In this game, you need not be a star athlete, but you do need to be on the lookout for opportunities to score at every turn. Victory won’t go to the strongest or the fastest here. Victory goes to the shrewdest card player. Continue reading

Stadium Game Review

American former competitive swimmer and the most successful and decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, said, “You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.” If your dream is to own a football franchise, complete with merchandise, the proper staff to support your empire, and the players to win games, then look no further. This game will take everything you know about sports and make it a business, right down to drafting the best players to play and hiring the best PR firm to push your agenda. Get ready to own a football team and create a dynasty! Continue reading

King of the Ring Game Review

Sumo is a centuries-old form of martial arts that is very popular in Japan and poorly understood pretty much everywhere else in the world. The participants of the sport look very big – and arguably – overweight, but don’t be fooled. These men are professional athletes. Strong, robust, and healthy as bulls. And yet, this martial arts form appears (to the untrained eye) to be little more than two fat guys slapping the bejesus out of each other. Again not the case, but you wouldn’t know it if you thought sumo was anything like this game. Prepare yourself for nonsense. 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

Pocket Ballpark Game Review (prepublished version)

American professional baseball catcher, manager, coach, and (in my opinion) one of the greatest philosophers the world has and will ever know, Yogi Berra, said “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.” If you are a lover of baseball, you know you have it on the brain constantly. Now you can play the game you love wherever you go. Continue reading

NHL Ice Breaker Game Review

Hockey is a game of speed, power, and finesse. Players zoom across the ice, smack into each other like bulldozers, and can turn with a flourish. Watching from the stands is just as exciting. Every movement could be a breakaway or a complete breakdown of sportsmanship as players trade blows with fists. Hockey feels like a gladiatorial arena and ignites the cold air. In this game, you’ll have a chance to relive some of those fantastic and exciting moments, but please do not punch your opponent. Continue reading

Sweet Spot Game Review (prepublished version)

Professional tennis player, Billie Jean King, said “Tennis is a perfect combination of violent action taking place in an atmosphere of total tranquillity.” A player must be fast on their feet, think quickly, but also be tactical and do more than just react to the ball. While observers might only see a volley, the two players are actually in a struggle to dominate and crush their opponent. Continue reading

Pack O Games (Set 2) Game Review (prepublished version)

When you imagine a game full of depth, tactics, and strategy, a game with many bits that is stored in a box most likely comes to mind. But what if a game could be no bigger than a stick of gum and still provide you with everything you crave from larger games? Impossible you say? Then prepare to be amazed as I show you how a game small in stature plays like a giant at the gaming table. Continue reading

Pack O Games (Set 1) Game Review

The earliest card game that somewhat resembles today’s deck of cards is Karnöffel, which was played in the 15th century. Since them, cards have found their way into many different games. Cards can be used as markers, values, and even monsters. But the shape of the card has changed little. In this pack of cards, the complete game is contained in a small box no bigger than a package of gum. Chew on that for a moment. Continue reading

Reversal! Game Review

Former professional wrestler, actor, political commentator, author, naval veteran, and politician, Jesse Ventura said, “Wrestling is ballet with violence.” I could not agree more. The men and women who wrestle in the ring perform tremendous feats of strength and endurance, all timed and rehearsed to depict seemingly violent acts. Wrestlers are a mix of actors and athletes that put on shows where the danger of being hurt is very real, but that’s all part of the allure. Continue reading