★★★★★ HUES and CUES: You say “potato” I say “that’s not the color of a potato!”
Check out this game if: You want a game that is more like a fun activity than a strategy or puzzle game.
★★★☆☆ Kodama; cute but demanding tree spirits.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a simple game that has some strategy, but feels like a creative project (think competitive solo jigsaw puzzle).
★★★★☆ Ice Cool; as in “Gee, I can’t wait till I go to Ice Cool.”
Check out this game if: you are looking for a silly dexterity game (think Foosball).
★★★★½: Bohnanza; explore the exciting life of a bean farmer(!)
Check out this game if: you like highly interactive games where you trade cards a lot and make quick real decisions.
Holiday 2017 Pick List
I have been getting asked for a lot of gift ideas this year, so I thought I would write up my responses. For the kid (5 to 8). Harry Hopper: Because it’s fun to flick things. This game comes with 2 high quality grasshoppers. Flick the grasshopper to knock over blades of grass. Simple, Easy,…
★★★★★ Las Vegas; nothing like the real Vegas, unless you feel spite for the other gamblers.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for an exciting and random game (and don’t mind a little conflict).
★★★½☆ Dan and Phil’s Truth Bombs; they can’t hurt you unless it’s true :(
Check out this game if: you like party games and you and your friends can take a joke.
★★★½☆ Santorini; good, like chess or checkers (don’t let the art fool you).
Check out this game if: you like abstract games like chess or checkers.
★★★★☆ Potion Explosion; because you can’t get enough candy crush (?)
Check out this game if: you do or do not like candy crush type games (it’s different, promise).
★★★★½ Cobra Paw; are you faster than a ninja cat? Probably not, but that’s okay, you only need to be faster than your friend.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a quick and easy to learn competitive game (trim your fingernails before playing).
★★★☆☆ Betrayal at House On The Hill: do you like scary movies? Want to play a stereotype of one?
Check out this game if: you like heavy text games, and the idea of playing through a horror movie.
★★★½☆ KLASK; for those of us who do not have enough room for an air hockey table, this will do.
Check out this game if: you like competitive dexterity games.
★★★★☆ Roll for it; a game of luck, spite, and simple fun.
Check out this game if: you want a quick game that is almost all luck, but still a lot of fun. This game stands out because: although it’s almost all luck, the few decisions you make feel important. Also, because it’s luck heavy, it doesn’t feel mean. Positive: 1. The luck aspect of the game makes…
★★★★★ The Chameleon; because it’s fun to act like you know what everyone else is talking about.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a party game that takes some thinking -but can still get rowdy.
★★½☆☆ Robot Turtles; you can lead a turtle to a gem but you can’t use your laser on it.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a veiled education game for kids.
★★★☆☆ Tides of Time: do you take the card you want or do you take away the card your opponent wants?
Check out this game if: You like 2 player games that are quick with some strategy (and maybe a little madness).
★★★½☆ Hive; a game that feels like chess, but with bugs and a bee.
Check out this game if: you like strategic games like chess and you like bugs.
★★★½☆ Coup; do you enjoy pretending that you’re lying so someone will falsely accuse you?
Check out this game if: you enjoy games with a little deceit and some clever interaction.
★★★☆☆ Anomia; can you come up with the name of an astronaut before your friend names a musician?
Check out this game if: you like fast paced, quick thinking, clever group games.
★★★½☆ Dead Man’s Draw; a Press-Yar-Luck game with a pirate theme?
Check out this game if: you like pressing your luck (or watching others fail).
★★★★☆ The Resistance; someone is lying and if it’s you, you better keep a straight face.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a rowdy time and don’t mind lying.
★★★☆☆ Diamonds: a trick taking game like hearts, but with stealing.
Check out this game if: Your family or group of friends already like trick taking games (like hearts) but want to try something with a new twist.
★★☆☆☆ Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards: Duel at Mt. Skullzfyre: Funny cards and fun art.
Check out this game if: you like the art and you like somewhat crass language.
★★★★☆ Survive Escape from Atlantis: a suspenseful game of memory and backstabbing sharks.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a unique, simple, and intense game (that may cause conflict).
★★★½☆ World Fair 1893: curate the best attractions for the fabulous world’s fair, but don’t forget to sell tickets.
Check out this game if: are not afraid of some new concepts and a very rewarding game.
★★★☆☆ Imagine: charades with transparency cards and silliness.
Check out this game if: you already like Charades or Concept.
★★★½☆ New York 1901: build iconic NY skyscrapers that never go more than a centimeter off the ground.
Check out this game if: you like Ticket to Ride and you want something similar but fresh.
★★★½☆ Smugglers: you’re not really teaching your kids to steal, it’s just bluffing.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a game that kids will love, but they probably won’t be able to play it on their own.
★★★½☆ 7 Wonders DUEL; you don’t build anything, except for enemies.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a unique two player game that is full of tension.
★★★★☆ Dimension: a competitive puzzle game that combines logic and chasing dropped balls.
Check out this game if: you like puzzles, seeing your kids figure out puzzles, or beating your friends at puzzles.
★★☆☆☆ Medieval Academy; train to kill a dragon, or study books, but don’t forget about the Princess.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a quick game with a some complexity but still some luck.
★★★½☆ Risk Europe: if you want to spread war and destruction -but only have a couple hours.
Check out this game if: you like the game Risk, but want a quicker and unique alternative.
★★★☆☆ Stack Jack: you can play friendly or nice, but you can’t play with too much caffeine/hand wobble.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a quick/small footprint game –kids birthday(?).
★★★☆☆ Boom Boom Balloon; don’t let the silly balloon face fool you, this game is intense.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a silly good time for a medium size group (focused on kids).
★★★★½ Concept; the board has every image except the one you want -but that’s what makes it fun.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a fun activity for a large group.
★★★☆☆ Sheriff of Nottingham; where lying to the sheriff is incouraged.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a medium weight bluffing game -with a great theme.
★★★★☆ Bananagrams Party; imagine they told the spelling bee kids to stand on one foot or run in a circle while spelling.
Check out this game if: you or your family/friends like scrabble (or banana grams) and want to switch things up a bit (also much better than the previously mentioned if you don’t like word games as much).
★★★★½ are you dumber than A Box of Rocks?
Check out this game if: you are looking for a silly excuse to have fun with clever trivia questions.
★★★★☆ Castle Panic: keep calm and don’t pull any boss monsters out of the bag.
Check out this game if: you are looking for an intro to cooperative board games that still has a little meat on it.
★★★★☆ Lost Cities: the Board Game; discover ancient civilizations by collecting playing cards -just like real archaeologists.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a simple, unique, and fun game for four players (great small-family game).
★★★½☆ Niya; fight for control over Japan’s imperial garden! -or play this fun little tile game.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a clever two player game that is quick but still has real strategy -perfect little game for on the go.
★★★☆☆ Colt Express; Robbing a train seems easy until everyone else tries to rob the same darned train.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a game with a lot of interaction, some direct conflict, and a really fun theme.
★★★½☆ Spyfall; want to feel like James Bond -minus the drinking, ladies, and action?
Check out this game if: you are looking for a group/party game that plays quickly but can take some real thought.
★★★★½ Dr. Eureka: help a scientist discover chemical compounds -but what is he doing with these discoveries?
Check out this game if: you are looking for a great game that plays well with a variety of ages (fantastic with kids).
★★★★★ Mysterium; have you ever felt your dreams were trying to tell you something? How about that one with the lion/boat in the desert?
Check out this game if: you are looking for a group game with a unique play experience -and everyone can be social while still playing a thinky game.
★★★★☆ Kahuna; it’s common knowledge, the next best option to visiting tropical islands is building bridges with cards.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a medium to quick 2 player game that is simple to teach but offers unique strategy and an intense ending.
★★★★☆ Dominion; this is a deck building game, but you don’t need a carpenter or tools.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a unique game with some complexity for teenagers and up.
★★★★☆ Blokus; the game looks like tetris but plays like a new pop song that spreads everywhere, until another song moves in.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a quick 2 to 4 player game that offers a little bit of strategy and a lot of interaction with other players.
★★★½☆ Lanterns; the Gods love lanterns (obviously) and it’s up to you to light their favorite colors (obviously).
Buy this game if: you’re looking for an eye-catching game that is fairly friendly, but still has some strategy.
★★☆☆☆ Munchkin; fighting monsters with your friends (unless they want to stab you in the back).
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a silly game with lots of jokes but relatively complicated rules.
★★★☆☆ Say Anything; jokes about John Cusack do not go over well during this game, apparently.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a quick game for a large group that can be clever and fun.
★★★★½ Lost Cities (card); imagine you’ve just found the lost city of Atlantis, and then you sit down to play a card game.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a 2 player game that is simple to teach but offers hours of wonderful intensity.
★★★☆☆ Battle Sheep; “they can take our land, but they can never take our wool.”
Check out this game if: You’re looking for a game for younger kids (I think 5 y/o can play this game with a little patience).
★★★½☆ Love Letter; roses are red, violets are blue, this game has nothing to do with poetry, or love, or writing.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a quick and easy game that is strangely addicting.
The Great Outdoors; games that can survive harsh environments (but likely won’t withstand a bear attack).
This past week, while visiting a little Caribbean island, I was determined to research good games that could hold up to wind, sand, water, and booze. But I got distracted by the sand, water, and booze.
★★★☆☆ Welcome to the Dungeon; “we got fun a games” (nothing to do with Axl Rose -unless you consider him an Orc).
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a quick press-your-luck game with a little complexity.
★★★★½ Carcassonne; it’s really fun to say the word “meeple.”
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a medium complex game that is both clever and exciting.
★★★½☆ Small World; just like the Disney ride but with ghosts, goblins, vampires, giants -scratch that, nothing like the ride.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a little more complicated game for kids who like multi player strategic games -like Risk but quicker and more fun.
★★☆☆☆ Fluxx; a game where someone can say “now I’m the zombie vampire, and I win, cause I just changed the rules.”
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a game that is more of an activity than a game -for people who don’t get frustrated with changing rules.
★★★☆☆ Pentago; seconds to learn, years to master… but probably competence in a day.
Check out this game if: you like two player abstract games like chess and checkers.
★★★★☆ Splendor; if you want important people to like you, buy gems.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a medium complex game that you can play again and again (and again).
Total Con 2016
This review is a bit of a departure from my normal format of reviewing big box store games, but it still focuses on tabletop games (with a little insight into the fanatic culture).
★★★☆☆ 7 Wonders; a game where Egypt must battle and trade with Babylon, but not Greece -because they are two seats away.
Buy this game if: you’ve played Sushi Go (a card drafting game) and want something with more strategy.
★★★½☆ Forbidden Island; it’s like Indiana Jones put together a team of “experts” to retrieve treasures from a sinking island.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a cooperative/friendly game for a younger group.
★★★☆☆ Roll America; do you like Sudoku, but wish it were more random?
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a quick puzzle game for any number of players.
★★½☆☆ Catan Dice Game; it’s like when a board game is based on a tv show, only this one is based on another game .
Check out this game if: if you already like the game Catan and would like a quick variation.
★★★★★ Telestrations; a combination of the games telephone and pictionary -but so much more bananas (?).
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a fun game that doesn’t really teach anyone anything.
★★★☆☆ Labyrinth; did you ever wish you could move walls with your mind? -still cant.
Check out this game if: you want a game with a lot of luck, but teaches kids problem solving skills and planning ahead.
★★★½☆ Sushi Go; imagine building the best meal from a conveyor belt of sushi -that appear happy you want to eat them.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a medium level game with adorable art.
★★★☆☆ Tsuro; do like making your own path in this world? also, do you want to be a dragon?
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a quick and simple game with equal parts luck and planning.
★★★★☆ Apples to Apples; a creative word game where everything is made up and the points don’t matter.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a highly creative fun party/word game that gets everyone involved.
★★★★★ CodeNames; “is there a better connection between nautical and board, or nautical and draft?”
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a creative word game -and a rowdy fun time with a large group.
★★★★☆ Qwirkle; matching shapes and colors, sounds easy, but…
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a thinky game that is very rewarding to play.
★★★½☆ Camel Up; a racing game with no jockeys and camels can hitch a ride with each other.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a light hearted/interactive racing game that feels rewarding to win, but not particularly bad if you don’t.
★★★½☆ Gobblet; it’s like connect four and memory at the same time.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a two player game that’s a step up from checkers, but not quite chess.
★★★☆☆ Qwixx; rolling dice for points, really, that’s it, but still quite fun.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a quick game that involves every player every turn and feels a little strategic.
★★★★½ Timeline: did Einstein wear Levi’s? trivia game with lots of surprises.
Check out this game if: you want to sneak a little education into game night, but still want to have fun.
★★★½☆ Catan; you may have wads of wheat, but you can’t build a road unless you trade for stone.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a high strategy game with lots of replayability -and you’re prepared to study some rules.
★★★★☆ Pandemic; cure ambiguous diseases together -or fail and disappoint the world.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a game with a team building feeling -that’s actually fun.
★★★☆☆ Wink: Winking is no longer exclusive to awkward pick-up lines and bad dad jokes (are there good dad jokes? *wink*).
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a light hearted silly game.
★★★★★ Doodle Quest; drawing imaginary fish between imaginary coral -if you can imagine.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a game for kids, or adults, or everyone -cats might not be able to participate.
★★★★½ Ticket to Ride; This game has nothing to do with “Eleanor Rigby,” “Twist And Shout,” or “Penny Lane,” but you may find yourself saying “Don’t Pass Me By.”
Check out this game if: you want a great family game that plays well with all ages.
★★★★☆ King of Tokyo; If monsters battled by rolling dice.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a rowdy game with some conflict -but also a little strategy.
★★★☆☆ Machi Koro; Rome wasn’t built in a day, but that’s probably because they kept rolling 3s.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a clever game for a small group.
★★★★★ Spot It; a game of quick eyes and quicker hands.
Check out this game if: you are looking for a quick game that plays well with everyone, seriously.
★★★★★ Dixit; a deceptively thinky game, where no one has to talk.
Check out this game if: you’re looking for a group game that plays well with all ages.
★★★★★ Wits & Wagers; a game show in a box.
Check out this game if: you have a pulse -it’s really that much fun for everyone.
