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”.

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.

King: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

King Review

King makes you laugh, yell, and question your friendships—all in under an hour. Luck can crush your dreams, but plotting and alliances keep the game tense. Perfect for loud groups, but maybe skip if you hate chaos.

California: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

California Review

California bursts with color and sunshine, blending easy rules and friendly competition. It's perfect if you want laughs, light strategy, and beach vibes—just expect a bit of luck with your tan lines. Deep thinkers, maybe skip the sunscreen.

China: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

China Review

China keeps my friends on their toes every game night. Tight strategy, easy rules, and a map that makes you sweat—just watch out for sneaky moves! Great for brains, not for folks who want pure luck.

Buccaneer: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.3/5

Buccaneer Review

Buccaneer serves up a barrel of laughs, wild stealing and plenty of pirate drama. The dice may annoy strategy fans, but it shines with friends who love chaos and a good giggle. Don’t expect to outthink your luck!

Yellowstone: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Yellowstone Review

Yellowstone packs gorgeous art and cheeky ranger moves, but sometimes the event cards swing harder than a bear after honey. Still, I had a blast, and it's a top pick for anyone who loves park adventures with laughs.

Times: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Times Review

Times is a fast, easy party game where speedy thinking beats strategy. Great for laughs and chaos with friends, but luck can decide the winner. Perfect when you want fun without rules headaches.

Politico: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Politico Review

Politico takes you on a wild ride through the mess of politics. Think wheeling, dealing, and backstabbing, all with a wink. Great for lively groups, but if you hate random twists, you might want to duck out early.

Brew: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Brew Review

Brew throws wild dice, gorgeous art, and chaos into a bottle. Fun for most, tricky for control freaks. I laughed, I lost, and I spilled a drink. Would play again—just not if I want to win by skill!