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”.

New York: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

New York Review

New York throws you into the city action with clever moves, sneaky steals, and just enough chaos to keep you on your toes. It’s strategy-heavy, wildly replayable, and a real crowd-pleaser at game night!

Napoleon: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Napoleon Review

Napoleon lets you scheme and battle across Europe, but only if you can out-plan your friends. Smart moves win the day, not lucky dice. It’s tense, historic, and more fair than your average sibling fight over board games.

Ohio: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Ohio Review

Ohio brings quick laughs and sneaky bluffing to the table. Easy to learn, fast to play, and perfect for game nights—just watch out if you hate lucky swings!

*Star: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

*Star Review

My friends and I laughed, argued, and got way too competitive with *star. The art pops, strategy matters, but beware those sneaky luck swings and runaway tokens. It’s a blast—just don’t let Steve handle the score sheet.

Shazamm!: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Shazamm! Review

Shazamm! is a zany two-player duel full of wild spells, bluffing, and laughter. The art pops, but watch out for some confusing rules. Perfect for friends who enjoy chaos and a bit of wizardly nonsense!

Pirates!: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Pirates! Review

Pirates! is a wild ride of surprise and laughter, with players racing for treasure and sabotaging each other. It’s not for sore losers, but it’s perfect if you want chaos and a good laugh around your game table.

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

Pirates Review

Pirates brings chaos, laughter, and the occasional betrayal to the table. It's an easy pick for a rowdy game night, but anyone who hates luck-based surprises might want to walk the plank instead.

King: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

King Review

King surprised me—simple to learn, but turns out there’s a lot to mess with your friends. Skill wins most times, but lucky cards pop up! Good for laughs, but if you hate surprises, maybe sit this round out.

California: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

California Review

California is a bright and clever game where strategy matters more than luck. With fun components and a sunny theme, it kept my friends and me entertained without feeling unfair or random.

China: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

China Review

China mixes clever strategy with just enough tension to keep things spicy. I never felt a lucky dice spoiled my plans. This one’s for folks who like brains over luck, and who enjoy friendly rivalries.