Abstract Strategy

These games focus on strategy rather than luck or a theme. They usually have minimalistic designs and rules, emphasizing skill and critical thinking. Examples include “Chess” and “Go” and “Stratego”.

Tetris: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.8/5

Tetris Review

Played Tetris with friends, and man, it's a blast! Simple yet addictive, it's a game night staple. Just wish luck wasn't such a big player in winning. Still, it's a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

Aquarius - Aquarius, Looney Labs, 2021 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 3.8/5

Aquarius Review

Aquarius brings quick chaos to the table with bright cards and wild moves. Perfect for a laugh with friends, but not for those who crave deep strategy. If you like fast, colorful fun, this one’s a splashy pick!

Focus: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Focus Review

Focus brings pure brain-burning fun with zero luck and solid pieces. It’s all about outsmarting your friends, not out-rolling them. I loved the tense standoffs, but chaos-lovers may miss wild dice action.

Delta: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.4/5

Delta Review

If you want a smart steampunk game where choices matter and dice stay out of the party, Delta hits the spot. Just watch out for color-blind moments—it's all fun until you confuse gears and widgets.

Shazamm!: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Shazamm! Review

Shazamm! kept us laughing and second-guessing each other's moves all night. It’s a clever two-player showdown with just enough surprises—perfect for friends who love bluffing and strategy, but beware: the box insert is wildly unhelpful.

Target: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Target Review

Target is a blast for folks who love brains over luck. Simple rules, quick games, and plenty of laughs—just mind the sneaky players! Perfect for those who want fun without the fuss.

M: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

M Review

M surprised me! Fast turns, laugh-out-loud moments, and just enough strategy to keep my gamer friends happy. If you like games that mix brains and banter, ‘m’ could earn a spot on your shelf.

Cats: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.3/5

Cats Review

Cats is a fast, silly game filled with chaos and fur. Expect yarn balls, card flips, and a lot of luck—great for laughs, not so great if you want to flex your gamer brain.

Connections: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Connections Review

Connections turns a regular evening into a brain-tickling party. Fast rules, sneaky moves, and plenty of laughs—just beware your friends now know how weird your thoughts really are.

Amazons: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Amazons Review

Amazons is pure brain-battling fun: easy to learn, hard to master, with chunky bits and zero luck. Plan ahead, trap your friends, and avoid stepping on arrows!