Board Games Categories

Earlier in July we looked at how to play Viticulture and what we thought about the game, and this month we've been taking one of the games expansions for a spin, Visit from the Rhine Valley. While not a major expansion, Visit from the Rhine Valley gives players brand new summer and winter visitor cards to play with, which ultimately change up the game in major ways, while not swapping out too many components. Let's dive in!

If you enjoy playing games like Apples to Apples, or party games in general, there is a (somewhat) new kid on the block who is sure to make your next large gathering incredibly enjoyable. Although When I Dream was originally released many years ago, the game has gone through a reprint, with brand new cards, artwork, and event extra goodies that make the package that much more enjoyable. But even though the game looks aesthetically pleasing, does it work well in a group setting? Let's dive into When I Dream, and see how it all works.

Ever wanted to drift away and own your own vineyard in Europe? Well that dream could be a reality should you choose to pick up Viticulture Essential Edition and being creating your own vineyard that will be the envy of all your neighbors. In Viticulture, players will build up there vineyards by growing grapes, crushing grapes and creating wine, and selling that wine for profit, all while performing other tasks and operating money making ventures. The person with the most victory points at the end of the game is the winner. Let's dive into the setup.

If you've never been to an Escape Room before, I strongly suggest getting a group of friends together and giving it a try. It is a fantastic experience for going out with friends, as well as a great teambuilding exercise for companies. For those who have tried an Escape Room, or just cannot find the time to get out to one, Unlock! Escape Adventures offers a very similar experience, but in the comfort of your own home. With multiple different adventures to choose from with a varying degree of difficulty, there is something for everyone! Let's dive in.

Ticket to Ride has been around for a long while, and the game has gone through many iterations. From player-on-player games in Europe and North America, to team games in Western Europe, Ticket to Ride is always attempting to do something a little different with each release. Ticket to Ride New York is a huge break from the franchise, bringing forward a very short, very simple experience that is likely to draw in more players than a traditional game in the franchise would? But is it worth owning? Let's dive in and take a look!

Back in 2002, Z-Man games released a title called Clans, a quick 30 minute experience that had players moving pawns around a fantasy map to score points. For what ever reason - perhaps Clans was very popular? - Z-Man decided to relaunch the game under a new coat of paint, and in 2018 released the refreshed version of Clans called Fae. Fae is designed by Leo Colovini, and is a 2-4 player, 30 minute experience that, like Clans, has players moving druids around a map in order to score points. Let's dive in and take a look!

Last week while away on family vacation, I was able to dive into the themed decks for the latest Pokemon Trading Card Game expansion, Forbidden Light. Although neither of decks incorporate the Prism Star cards, both include a number of cards that will be great for building your own custom decks. Are these decks, on their own, worth playing with? Let's take a look!

Dream Home: 156 Sunny Side is the first expansion for the family friendly title Dream Home, designed by Rebel and published by Asmodee. We praised the original game as an experience that can be shared by all (from 7 up), and more importantly, be enjoyed by all. This is a rare opportunity when it comes to board games, so when we find one this great, we love talking about. It an expansion makes it so much better.

Finding board games to play with my kids is an incredibly difficult task, so when we do find something that provides equal amounts of entertainment for my wife and I, and the kids, we jump at the opportunity. Dream Home gives us that opportunity. Building a home has never been so much fun, and with multiple scoring options that are simple yet expansive, there is definitely fun for all ages!

With the launch of the Forbidden Lights expansion for Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon, The Pokemon Company also launched their latest Spring 2018 Tins. As with all Pokemon tins, this set comes with 4 booster packs - one from the Crimson Invasion expansion, and three others form earlier expansions - and a special holograph card.