I've Got My Samurais On You (A Review of Shitennō )

Japan has been unified.  After years of turmoil and uncertainty, a new Shogun has brought the warring provinces under his control through cunning diplomacy and ruthless conquest.  But that doesn’t mean all the fun has to stop!  Now the emperor’s conniving court officials, governors, and generals squabble behind the scene – or rather in plain sight – for the Shogun’s favor.  Peace is such an illusory concept.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (a preview of Rockwell)

The Rockwell conglomerate is on a buying spree, consolidating other mining companies into its sprawling monolith. And like all giant mining conglomerates, it has decided to get its kicks and giggles by pitting the new acquisitions against themselves in heated competition. The new companies must prove themselves by drilling to the earth's core, earning valuable resources along the way, fulfilling orders, upgrading their equipment, and making savvy trades for cold, hard cash. They can cooperate, bribe one another, and hire subcontractors to accomplish their goals. What's at stake? Future contracts, of course, as well as the prestige of showing those corporate fat cats who's the greatest.

[Note: While Rockwell releases at Essen this weekend, the components in this preview are all prototype quality. They reflect the final artwork of the game, but not the final materials. For a look at the final components, here is a nice unboxing video.]

You Need Me on That Wall (A Review of Island Fortress)

Have you ever dreamed of being a courageous, colonial pioneer building a mighty fortress amidst a harsh, cruel, and barren landscape?  Island Fortress dares proclaim to be that game.  However, the only cruelty is that inflicted upon the poor saps who perish during its construction whilst limitless resources and labor are within your reach.  Still, your nondescript king must have his nondescript power projected into this nondescript area – so your task is to help build him a nondescript fort!

All Under Control (A Guide to Area Control/Majority)

Who doesn't like to carve out their own little fiefdom, now and then?  Whether it's a man cave at home, a special project at the office, or a particular job in some organization, there's a satisfaction to be had in owning your own personal space or role. A sense of freedom knowing you're in control. Putting your own personal touch on something is rewarding, and it's nice to see the results of accomplishing that goal for which you've exerted so much effort and planning. Of course, this overarching element has always been endemic to hobby gaming, and there's one specific mechanic that has proven to be a natural fit in capturing that feeling.