Party Like It's 1492 (A Review of Old World New World)

There's a lot of debate about who, exactly, "discovered" the Americas - Christopher Columbus, the Vikings, the Chinese, a lost tribe of Israel, or even aliens.  Now, with one of Victory Point's latest titles, you can make sure the history books get it right - it was YOU!  It may not be the vast American continents, but a New World beckons nonetheless with all its riches, honor, renown...and dangers.  Can you survive hostile Natives, an unwelcoming environment, and competition from your Old World neighbors to claim both land and glory?

Let Your Lights Shine (A Review of Candle Quest)

This year Hanukkah comes to a close tomorrow, December 5, at night-fall.  The familiar – at least in name – celebration commemorates the rededication of the Temple which the Jewish people wrested back control of from the Seleucid Syrians during the Maccabean Revolt.  Today I review Candle Quest, a light card game not about that revolt or politics or history; but instead acquiring candles with which to light the menorah so famously associated with the holiday.  There may not be any tactical, political intrigue and big battles.  But you’ll need a dash of strategy in spending your shekels wisely before your opponents snuff you out.

Don't Prussia Your Luck (A Review of Leuthen: Frederick's Greatest Victory)

Warfare in the Age of Reason.  Now that’s a fun oxymoron!  I mean, what exactly about standing perfectly still, shoulder-to-shoulder, in well-dressed ranks trading volleys of musket fire sounds reasonable to you?  At any rate, the period receives little attention in war gaming.  Thus, one of the more brilliant military tacticians in history, Frederick der Grosse, is often ignored.  Too bad.  Because he didn’t get the moniker “Great” for nothing.  One of the ablest practitioners of “less is more,” he expanded his tiny nation threefold and created a new kingdom almost entirely through the use of the small, yet superb, army inherited from daddy.  Always outnumbered and strategically besieged, he nonetheless won victory after victory through decisive action and expert maneuvering with the best drilled and most disciplined troops on the continent.  Now you can fill his boots.  Or get kicked by them.

Besieged! (a review of Zulus on the Ramparts)

Things are looking grim for the small band of British soldiers at the fort at Rorke's Drift. Zulu forces have surrounded the fort and will soon overtake it. You are in command of the soldiers and the small stock of supplies available to them. Can you hold out until morning, when Lord Chelmsford's relief column should arrive with reinforcements?

Find out in Zulus on the Ramparts!

The Geisha Effect (A Review of Tenka 2nd Edition)

Sengoku.  Ancient Japan is shrouded in mist and mystery.  It lay in chaos and strife as warring clan leaders squabble and clash, negotiate and scheme, collaborate and deceive.  The ultimate goal?  Power.  Honor.  Glory.  Unifying a fractured land and desperate people.  Do you possess the diplomatic savvy, spiritual confidence, and military prowess to consolidate enough splintered provinces and declare yourself Shogun?

There's Some Ameritrash in My Euro! (a Review of Skagway)

Go north, to Alaska; go north, the rush is on!  With money literally lying on the ground, can you strike the mother-load and protect your interests in this ultimate symbol of the American dream?  Or do you want to control the town and its commerce, preying on the misfortunate miners whose hopes die in the frozen Yukon mud?  Either way, you’ll need all of your rugged frontierism and business savvy to succeed in this, the last great gold rush.

All You Need is Love (a Review of Hugs)

Aphenphosmphobia.  Don’t ask me to pronounce it – I wasn’t even able to type it!  But if you’ve got it, don’t play this game.  You see, aphenphosmphobia is the fear of touching, and so is naturally associated with clinical hugging anxieties.  In the game of Hugs, you’ll be putting the squeeze on so many friends and family that your face will turn blue and your extremities will go numb.  Yeah, the term “personal bubble?”  Doesn’t exist, here!

Medieval Love Child (A Review of For the Crown)

I, Chess, take you, Dominion, to be my lawful wedded wife, to stack and build decks with, for better draws and for worse, for lots of buys and just one, in the base game and in expansions, to sleeve and build custom inserts for; from this day forward until death do us part.

I, Dominion, take you, Chess, to be my lawful wedded husband, to line up and attack with, for sacrifices and promotions, for mobility and forced moves, in blitzes and in stalemates, to polish and place in felt cases; from this day forward until death do us part.

Nine months later…

Dueling Daimyos (A Review of Tenka: All Under Heaven)

Japan in the 16th Century was a harsh and brutal land. Warlords, large and petty alike, ravaged villages and countryside in ruthless grabs for revenge and power. Can you make a difference and unite the clans? You’ve just as much a chance to set things differently with this quick, lightly-themed card game as you do traveling back in time. So assemble your ashigaru. Sharpen your katanas. Even enlist the help of Richard Chamberlain. You’ll need them all to be the greatest Shogun under the sun.

News Bits: 9/17/2012

Well, dragon slayers, it's another week. And as the weeks roll on, so does the news...

Another "Preis" for Village
The Deutscher Spiele Preis winners were announced, with Village claiming the top spot. It doesn't seem to be too much of an anomaly for a Spiel des Jahres- (or now Kennerspiel des Jahres-) winning game to win the Deutscher Spiele Preis, but congratulations to Village's designers nonetheless. The full games list is pretty impressive, so any winner among that pack deserves hearty congratulations.