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.

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?

Honest-to-Goodness Shipping in the Mediterranean? (A Review of Traders of Carthage)

So you think you're an expert at shipping in the Mediterranean do you?  Have you ever purchased your wares in Alexandria, sailed through pirate infested waters, and haggled your goods for a profit in Carthage?  Probably?  Luckily the theme doesn't try too hard in Traders of Carthage and there's a really good game buried under the surface.

Bird Herding (A Preview of Emu Ranchers)

Emus are a cranky lot.  You’d probably be, too, if you were a flightless bird.  I mean, as some unfortunate evolutionary defect, not only do they pine away their days jealously watching their aviary brethren soar high, like nature intended, but now humans want to herd and pen them, like common cattle.  Why?  I don’t know.  There’s not much meat upon them.  And they’re ugly.  Must be for the feathers.

[Ed. note: This is a preview of a non-final, non-production prototype of the game. Our opinions reflect that of the game at the time we played it; the final product may feature some slight variation in game play, art, and components.]

Naval Gazing (A Review of The Battle of Red Cliffs)

The formidable, crimson cliffs tower over the Yangtze River.  As you gaze downstream, you see hundreds of ships floating peacefully like paper lanterns on the glistening water.  The serene calm is soon broken as captains bark orders, sails belch forth, and sailors scramble amidships.  The fate of the Empire is in your hands, so hopefully you brought your…um…cards?  Yes, that’s right.  Because the enemy has a full deck and is playing for keeps – and he just might have something up his sleeve.

Wizards Gone Wild (A Preview of Keep the Crown)

The king, in his noble wisdom and generosity, has opened the royal treasury for all to partake in the abundance!  But like most things that sound too good to be true, there is a catch.  You may only take treasure in certain amounts and in a particular order.  Are you smart enough to sort through the jumbled cache before the other commoners beat you to the best riches?  Eh, if not, you can always resort to a little magic and even some old-fashioned sneakiness!

[Ed. note: This is a preview of a non-final, non-production prototype of the game. Our opinions reflect that of the game at the time we played it; the final product may feature some slight variation in game play, art, and components.]

Time For Some Fresh Faces (A Review of Guildhall: Job Faire)

Just when you thought you knew all there was to know about running your own Guildhall along comes a new generation of "professionals".  Sure, some of them are hard working and may even build you a new office but you're still going to have to watch your back and try to help everyone get along.  And just wait until the new help mingles with your old workers, I don't imagine you'll have enough room for everyone!

These Mushrooms Aren't Going To Cook Themselves (A Review of Morels)

 

One does not simply stumble upon a Morel. You must search deep in the woods, making sure that it is not one of many false morels first. Then it should be handled and prepared with the utmost care so that you preserve its unique flavor. Only then can you play this game. Come back when you are ready to take mushroom foraging more seriously.

Spies and Lies (a review of Ace of Spies)

You are a spymaster tasked with completing missions for king and country. You must recruit agents, gather intelligence, provide the proper tools for the job, and set up meetings in the right locations in order to succeed. But watch out! Rival spymasters are out there as well, and they are not above stealing your plans from under your nose. To be a spymaster requires nerves of steel...and perhaps unscrupulous backstabbery.

Do you have what it takes to win the coveted title Ace of Spies?

Diamonds in the Dumpster (a review of Unexpected Treasures)

"One man's trash is another man's treasure," you've heard it said, and you take this saying to heart each night under cover of darkness at the junkyard.You never know when you'll find that piece that will complete someone's collection, and you never know when you'll have to leave empty-handed. If you know how your fellow Dumpster divers operate, you just might be able to score big in the junkyard. So grab your burglaring gloves, backpack, bike, motorcycle, car, or truck and see if you can discover some unexpected treasures.

That's One Ugly Farmer (A Review of Guildhall)

It's the dark ages and there are pigs running all over the place causing chaos and disorder.  It's your job to hire some farmers to pick up those pigs so that everyone else can finally get some work done.  That's the man for the job right there on the cover.  He's so good at his job that he's holding 2 pigs, better hire him quick and give him some good benefits before someone else recruits him to their own guild!  There are some representatives from the other various occupations too but most of them look shady and it's really hard to look away from that farmer's big old nose.  And don't mind that guy in the back left, he's absolutely not about to kill someone.  I think that pretty much sums up Guildhall, now let's go watch that dancer without having to worry about getting run over by a herd of pigs.

Raining Candy (a review of Piñata)

A swing and a miss! You love tugging that little line, drawing the bounteous piñata higher and higher as the blindfolded batter swings low. Or loosening your grip to ground the piñata as she swings high. You chuckle and chuckle at your clever dodges and revel in the laughter of the crowd. Until it's your turn at the bat.

Now the crowd has turned against you as you beat the air, hoping against hope that candy will shower you with sugar. You can taste victory...but can you find it in the dark?

Exciting Exploration (a review of Lost Cities)

You've got your compass. And a map. You wore your thick boots today, and your mother packed you a hearty lunch. Oh, and money: good, you've got that, much of it from wealthy benefactors who hope you will bring back artifacts of great worth from your time in the jungle. Or Atlantis. Or wherever you're going.

But wait--someone else is attempting a similar expedition? And how did they attract wealthy benefactors as well?

No matter. You will find and explore these lost cities and make a bundle while you're at it. At least if you can figure out the scoring formula...

Unholy Cow! (A Preview of Monster Moos)

Beef. It's definitely NOT what's for dinner! At least in today's preview of a new card game recently launched on Kickstarter. If you prefer free range, grain fed hamburger, you may run screaming from this livestock! I mean, I know all about the controversy over growth hormones, but these cows take it to a whole new, freaky level. Should your rope this one in? Or ride right on by? Read below to see if Monster Moos is a good fit for you.

[Ed. note: This is a preview of a non-final, non-production prototype of the game. Our opinions reflect that of the game at the time we played it; the final product may feature some slight variation in gameplay, art, and components.]

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!

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.

Raising Hellenism (A Review of Plato 3000)

In humanity’s darkest hours, as technology regresses and knowledge of mechanics fades, your task is to restore hope. Not based on your own measly, arrogant ideas. No, the world has re-discovered Plato’s Republic and you will forge a new Utopia based upon his philosophical musings with the aid of physics and engines and such. Never mind that the Athenian thinker had no such mechanical inclinations. He was decidedly headier in nature. Not to fear, though, the game has philosophers to help. And farmers. So maybe you should also scour old libraries for copies of Principia, Poor Richard’s Almanac, and perhaps even an old Microsoft manual. Alas, then the game would have to be called Plato-Newton-Franklin-Gates 3000 and, man, that’s a long title. Especially for just a little tuck box.

Hooyah! (A Review of Hooyah!)

Hooyah! indeed...

Hooyah!

If you've ever thought it would be cool to be a Navy SEAL - a member of an elite and highly trained force designed for specialized and dangerous missions - then Hooyah! might be a game for you.  In fact, the idea of a cooperative game based on the Navy SEALS seems so obvious it's a wonder it hasn't been done before.

Well, it's here now from  US Game Systems, Inc. But will this game answer the roll call, or does it fail to complete the mission?