Area Control

Players compete to dominate and control more areas or territories on the game board. It often involves conflict, strategy, and negotiation. Examples include “Risk” and “Smallworld”.

Australia: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Australia Review

Played 'Australia' with my pals and it was a blast! The mix of strategy with a splash of horror caught us off guard in a good way. Though luck can sway the game, it's mostly your cunning that leads to victory.

America: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.9/5

America Review

America is a fun trivia game with a twist of betting. It's perfect for trivia buffs, though question difficulty can be uneven. High replayability keeps it fresh!

Rennaissance cover. Credit: Board Game Geek
Rating: 4/5

Renaissance Review

Renaissance is a gem with solid mechanics and stunning artwork, offering engaging player interaction and good balance. Minor luck elements aside, it's a satisfying game worth your time.

New York: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

New York Review

If you want a fast-paced city takeover and can handle a bit of chaos, 'New York' brings fun and strategy to the table—just watch out for sneaky card tricks and loud arguments!

Napoleon: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Napoleon Review

Napoleon delivers tense strategy and epic history for war buffs. Rules can overwhelm, luck pops up, but it shines when players get into the groove. Just bring snacks—you'll need energy for these battles!

Ohio: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Ohio Review

Ohio is fast, sneaky, and full of laughs. The bluffing keeps everyone guessing, but if you hate luck swinging the game, maybe skip this one. Still, for lighthearted game nights, it’s a hit with my group!

*Star: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

*Star Review

In *star, smart moves beat lucky rolls. The game looks pretty on the table and keeps players thinking till the end. Just watch out—one bad round doesn’t ruin you, but one good plan can win it all.

Shazamm!: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.9/5

Shazamm! Review

Shazamm! throws two wizards into a wild spell duel, where brains beat luck. With sly bluffing, tricky mana bets, and clever mind games, it’s perfect for frenemies. Just keep your mana—and your temper—under control!

Pirates!: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Pirates! Review

Pirates! turns everyone into sneaky treasure hunters. Loud laughs, wild betrayals, and a bit too much luck. Great for parties, but don’t expect a fair fight—or to keep all your friends by the end!

Pirates - Box cover - Credit: JohnPurdue
Rating: 3.8/5

Pirates Review

Pirates had us shouting "Arrr!" and plotting backstabs over soggy chips. It’s tons of fun but the luck can make even the smartest pirate walk the plank. Still, I'd play again—just maybe with a bigger snack budget.