Special Delivery (A Guide to Pick-Up and Deliver)

There's a little inside joke within our hobby that complains about the over-abundance of "trading in the Mediterranean" games.  To be fair to old Mare Nostrum, it also applies to Medieval Europe, trains, planes, and boats, etc.  Of course, it's a stereotype exaggerated for humor.  Nevertheless, shipping and trading have been and continue to be very popular and common themes.  Did this mechanic start it all? Well, that's probably hard to confirm one way or the other.  But I'm certain it has fanned the flames!

One Olive a Game (A Review of Cinque Terre)

At least I didn’t say it was a lemon!  This little game won’t mushroom out of control or leave you with sour grapes.  There’s no squashing your opponents or other rotten tomatoes to throw.  But still, it can prove to be a little bit like garlic, with a few layers to peel back for nuance and flavor.  And then there are oranges, which I can’t think of a pithy comment at the moment, but they’re in the game, too.  No matter, you can trade in any or all of these goods as you peddle your produce around the circuit of five villages; or Cinque Terre.

Out on the Open Road (a review of The Great Heartland Hauling Co.)

Here in the Heartland, people need their cattle and pigs, and you're the one to give them what they want. You and your rig, that is. So load the crates, keep moving, and deliver the goods in exchange for sweet, sweet ca$h.

Just another day at the Great Heartland Hauling Co.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat (A Review of Tahiti)

Ever dream of lounging on a warm, sunny beach; next to a crystal, blue lagoon; with soft, black sand snuggling between your toes; and fragrant palms breezily swaying above? Well then, the beautiful island of Tahiti awaits! This South Pacific paradise has attracted Polynesians, explorers, and countless tourists for hundreds of years. Now Minion Games takes you there with their new and aptly-named title. There’s just one, small snag. You’re not there for a vacation. Unless you want to call it one of those “working vacations.” That’s right, you’ll be rowing until your hands are calloused from isle to isle, hoarding as many of the rapidly diminishing resources as you can before the whole volcanic shelf goes the way of Easter Island!