Bellum Fabulis Game Review

Spanish-American philosopher, essayist, poet, and novelist Jorge Agustín Nicolás Ruiz de Santayana y Borrás, said, “Only the dead see the end of war.” Which is a very sobering and dark reminder for us all. But in this game, even the dead may not rest as they can be brought back and commanded to fight on behalf of the player. In this world, ravaged by war and supernatural catastrophes, players lead their armies in a broken land to conquer their foes and bring all under their control. Take up your sword, raise the dead warrior legends of the past, and march upon your opponent’s castle. To the victory go the spoils and the world. Continue reading

Flank!: Battle for Fairfield Game Review (prepublished version)

The peaceful village of Fairfield lies in a lush valley surrounded by healthy farms and livestock. Those who live in the village are prosperous and happy. However, two armies hungrily eye the village, coveting it as their own. Now Fairfield has become the epicenter of chaos and violence where once only peace and tranquility were found. The two armies will fight to the end to possess the village, but which will win, and what will be the valley’s fate after the swords stop clashing? That is up to you, but only if you win the day. Continue reading

Horseshoes and Hand Grenades Game Review (prepublished version)

One of the United States’ most respected former basketball coaches, Dick Motta, said “War is the only game in which it doesn’t pay to have the home-court advantage.” In this game of war, where the soldiers the players will command are literally thrown and tossed into the warzone, there is no advantage to be gained. Victory is simply a matter of luck and good timing. Continue reading

The Civil War Experience Game Review

American author and a professor of history, Douglas Brinkley, said “We can only imagine the history of the free world today if, at the end of the Civil War, there had been two countries: the United States and the Confederate States of America.” In this game, you get to relive the bloody history of our nation at war with itself. Pick a side, send in your troops, and command the battleground. Continue reading

Naval Battle Game Review

Latin writer, Publilius Syrus, said “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” In this game, the sea is anything but calm. It’s a battleground. Each player will command a small group of ships and hunt for their enemy. Hide behind islands and ambush your foe, but pray that the wind be at your back and luck be on your side. Victory will be given  to the bold. The loser will be sent to a watery grave. Continue reading

V-Commandos Game Review

American martial artist, actor, film producer and screenwriter, Chuck Norris, said “In times of conflict, our citizens have always been able to rise to the challenge. Maybe no greater example of that ability is found during the onset of World War II.” World War II is now romanticized as a time of great heroism, full of colorful characters, and brave acts. Which of course it was, but the horror of the “Second Great War” has been lost as the generation who fought it leave us. In this game, players take on the roles of brave soldiers from different countries who must work together against terrible odds. It might be just a game, but sacrifice and duty for a greater good is the premise. Continue reading

Abaddon: Shattered Command Game Expansion Review (prepublished version)

The land was once green and fertile. Now it’s lifeless and pockmarked with craters. It’s in this desolate landscape that men and women fight for survival. Some hunt on foot looking for their enemy, while others pilot giant mechanized battle mechs called Links. From the Command Bunkers, the word goes out that the enemy is approaching. Without hesitation, the soldiers once again charge into war. Continue reading

36 Stratagems Game Review

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

Warrior Clash Game Review (prepublished version)

Chinese general, military strategist, and philosopher, Sun Tzu, said ” Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack.” The actions of a warrior are dangerous and calculated, but nothing is for certain. Even when the enemy is upon you, the outcome of the battle is an unknown until the last warrior is standing. In this game, you will control warriors from distant lands. Victory will go to the bold, the brave, and the reckless. Continue reading

Gnosis Conflict Game Review (prepublished version)

When the aliens came, none could stand against them. We fought back, and for a time, it seemed like all was lost. Then, one day, they left. All that remained was a broken planet and too few of the human race. But from the ashes, new factions arose. The land might be burning, but so were the hearts of those who wanted to survive and survival meant controlling that which almost killed us all. 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