Tag Archives: Territory Building Games

Territory Building games have the players establish and/or amass control over a specific area. Often, these games employ Area Control and Area Enclosure mechanics, in which the areas are not necessarily delineated at the beginning of the game but are instead contained from larger territories as the game progresses. (source: BGG)

Zapotec Game Review

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An Indian politician who served as the sixth prime minister of India, Rajiv Ratna Gandhi, said, “Civilizations are built by the ceaseless toil of a succession of generations. With softness and sloth, civilizations succumb. Let us beware of decadence.” In this game, players must go to work building a pre-Columbian civilization. However, planting crops and feeding the growing population is only part of the goal. Players must also satisfy the increasing populace’s religious needs with towering ziggurats. As the capital expands, the land becomes scarce, and the players must become ever more creative in how they go about maintaining growth. Continue reading →

Land Vs. Sea Game Review

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American actress and filmmaker Angelina Jolie said, “Anytime I feel lost, I pull out a map and stare. I stare until I have reminded myself that life is a giant adventure, so much to do, to see.” The players will collectively build their map full of continents and islands, oceans and lakes in this game. The inhabitants of the newly found land are depicted on each tile placed, building the world and the mystery of what the new world is like. Explore, but do so with intent, as the player who explores strategically and tactically will win the day! Continue reading →

Dungeon Decorators Game Review (prepublished version)

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English interior designer and socialite, Nicky Haslam, said, “Interior decoration partly thrives on being social.” Which makes sense, but how would that work if you were tasked to design the “perfect dungeon” for a malevolent evil entity with a penchant for ruling the world with an iron fist? What kind of throw pillow fabric pattern goes well with hanging skeletons and flesh-eating monsters? Paisley? Maybe. In this game, you get to make all those choices. You’ve been hired to design the perfect dungeon, with twists, turns, and the proper accents to make the evil dwelling really “pop”! Continue reading →

Kingdomino Duel Game Review

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You have won the realm, but now you must rule it, and to do so, you must divide it among your loyal royals. And while you want to reward each for their service, you know that each royal will not provide you the same level of prestige you seek. “Divide and conquer” was your motto when on the battlefield, leading your troops. Now you must do the same with the politics of the land. Some would say it was easier to fight and bleed for the realm in times of war than manage it during times of peace. Continue reading →

Ancient World Multi Game System Review

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Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist, George Bernard Shaw, said “If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience.” Which is to say, if we are unable to learn from the past, how can I make a better future? And yet, the past has so much to teach and is worth going back to. Yes, it’s great to live in the moment, but it’s worth glancing back and seeing how far you’ve come. In this collection of ancient themed games, a modern take is given on timeless lessons that are worth learning and enjoying, but the way the lesson is learned is always changing. Continue reading →

Walking in Burano Game Review

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The official tourism webpage for Burano, Italy states, “The different colors of the houses, which today represent our island main feature, at a previous time was useful to delimit the properties.” To walk the streets of this Italian island town is to see colors upon colors. In this game, players will take part in remaking this island community’s most well-known feature, inviting tourists around the world to walk and enjoy the scenery. Continue reading →

Aftershock: A Tavern Game Review

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Indian economist and an international academician, Raghuram Govind Rajan, said “Competition is like a treadmill. If you stand still, you get swept off. But when you run, you can never really get ahead of the treadmill and cover new terrain – so you never run faster than the speed that is set.” But what if you could shift the direction in which that treadmill was moving? Say, from going forward to backwards and then sideways? That would certainly cause many to fall on their face. In this game, expect the ground you are building your victory upon to shift without warning. Continue reading →

Scythe: The Wind Gambit Game Expansion Review

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The conflict continues with territory lines being drawn and redrawn as heavy Mechs lumber across farmlands and factories dot the horizon, choking the air with their black smoke. Above the churn of war automation and industry flies the Airship, a steam-powered behemoth that defies the rules of nature and allows man to control the skies. The only question remaining is simple: will this new technology bring peace or more war? Continue reading →

Scythe: Invaders from Afar Game Expansion Review

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Eastern Europe is in the throes of war. Giant machines known as “Mechs” roam the land, trailed by soldiers and workers who destroy and build in equal measure. Abundance invites bloodshed which leads to desolation and new opportunities for growth. Two new factions now enter this story, both with their own special set of skills, but with the same goals. The seeds of war continue to be sewn… Continue reading →

Brewin’ USA Game Review

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The beer market has entered an exciting new time of exploration and discovery. The masses crave new tastes and styles to challenge their taste buds and enhance their self-esteem. You are a crafter of fine brews and see a great deal of opportunity. Get the right ingredients to make the perfect beer and then carefully market it to reap wealth and prestige. Victory goes to the shrewdest. Continue reading →

36 Stratagems Game Review

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The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) brought about great social stability and governmental order. In short, peace and growth, but at a price. There are always forces at work that impede progress and reform. As a political leader, your ambition to rule will conflict with others. Something worth ruling is worth fighting for. Continue reading →

Word Domination Game Review (prepublished version)

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It has been said that the greatest evil masterminds in history were also really good at Spelling Bees. If such is the case, the government should be carefully watching who wins these contests. In this game, you will spell your way to world domination, leaving your competition in the D – U – S – T. Continue reading →