Board Games Reviews

A few weeks ago, we posted our “How to Play” article for Game of Throne: Catan – Brotherhood of the Watch. While I’ve been fairly vocal about my dislike of the base version of Catan, many of the spin off adaptations – most notably to date the Star Trek version – have improved on my main problems with the original. Was Brotherhood of the Watch also able to satisfy my concerns? Let’s dive in! In my opinion, the additions to…

When consuming different forms of media when it is based on something we love, it’s often hard to determine whether the media you are engaging with is actually good, or if you are looking and experiencing it with rose colored glasses. This was the worry I had when Ravesnburger first published Disney’s Villainous, but since the original release – and two stand-alone expansion – I can easily say that Villainous is one of the best games I’ve played within the…

One of the hardest things to do with a family board game is to create something that is entertaining for parents and exhilarating for kids. Many games attempt at striking this good balance, and ultimately fail. The reason is fairly simple: adult minds and children's minds think very differently, and trying to create a game for both is next to impossible. What many publishers and developers have decided to do is create experiences that are tailored to kids, but have enough to keep adults entertained. Enter Treasure X: Quest for Gold, a simplistic treasure ...

When Ravensburger sent me a note asking if we’d like to review Harry Potter Labyrinth, my family and I were incredibly excited. We’ve had a copy of regular Labyrinth for a while now, and while it’s not the deepest game, especially for adults, it was fun to play with the kids.

If you've been playing board games for a significant period of time, the game Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig might sound familiar, even if you have never played before. That's because this 2-7 player game is a mashup of Between Two Cities and Castles of Mad King Ludwig. Elements from both games have been combined to create something entirely new, although incredibly familiar. But will two good games in their own right make one epic game? Let's dive in and take a look!

So few games now-a-days can be taken out and about, played anywhere and everywhere, with little setup and almost no time commitment. Whether travelling on a train, flying through the skies, or simply sitting down with friends around a coffee shop table, having something you can pull out of a backpack or a purse, and play with friends is an extraordinary. Enter TinyNinjas, a card and dice game for two players that can be learned and played within 15 to 20 minutes! How does it hold up? Let's dive in!

My Little Scythe is the kids friendly, less intense version of the popular board game Scythe, but Stonemaier Games. Will the original Scythe is a complicated, detail heavy board game experience meant for established and veteran board game players, the more basic My Little Scythe is a great way for young and old alike to enjoy the concepts established in Scythe, but in a more manageable, and much shorter, way. While I would argue this title is aimed at kids, can it possibly hold the attention of adults as well? 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.

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!