And the Rockets' Red Glare... (a review of Hanabi)

Fireworks. The sound, the spectacle, the dazzling display. You've probably attended some good fireworks shows in your lifetime, ones that have sent you home with an awed expressions on your face, memories in your mind, and praises on your lips. You've probably also seen the demonstrations that are completely forgettable, perhaps a way to pass the time to celebrate a holiday but not an event worthy of remembrance.

But did you know that fireworks displays require cooperation, deduction, and skill? And playing cards in ascending order? No?

Well, in the world of Hanabi they do.

Once Again, with Feeling (a review of The Resistance: Second Edition)

She looks you in the eye, trying to catch the slightest hint of betrayal.

"I am not a spy," you reaffirm, sterner, more confident than the last time.

"I believe him," she tells the others, and just like that, you're on the resistance's mission to overthrow the corrupt government.

Yet despite her belief, once the cards are revealed, the mark of sabotage is all over the mission. Someone in the group was a dreaded spy. And it turns out it was you.

Enter the world of The Resistance--a social paranoia game of deduction, deception, and good, good fun.

What Happens In Avalon.... (A Review of The Resistance: Avalon)

It is a dark time in Camelot.  (If that sounds familiar, perhaps you recently read this review of another Arthurian-themed traitor game)  King Arthur has disappeared, and Mordred is pressing hard against his loyal servants.  Unfortunately, Mordred is not waging an all-out war so much as infiltrating the ranks of Arthur's people.  Will the loyalists be able to root out the evil minions of Mordred in time, or will they fall prey to their cunning deception?  Or, perhaps even worse, will they fail to protect Merlin, their only hope?

In the Resistance: Avalon, an updated version of Don Eskridge's The Resistance, players take on the role of characters in Arthurian times--either loyal servants of Arthur or minions of the evil Mordred.

Hostile Takeover (a review of Coup)

The unnamed and generic Italianish city-state is in turmoil, and the people are looking for a new leader to fill the void of power. There are many influential characters in the city-state, some nice and some not so nice, and they are willing to help you.

Well...maybe not.

But if you can make the people--and the others striving for the crown--think that you have these powerful personages in your employ, you may be on your way to a glorious reign.

Someone's got to rule. Why shouldn't it be you?