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”.

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 love city building and conning your friends out of skyscrapers, New York brings fun chaos to your table. Watch out for luck, though—it sometimes tips the scales. Still, it’s a blast for city fans!

Napoleon: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Napoleon Review

Napoleon nails the historical vibe, with chunky blocks and sneaky maneuvers. Smart tactics win the day, not lucky dice rolls. Great for history buffs who like thinking and plotting—just watch out for those tiny stickers. Vive l'empereur, but bring snacks.

Ohio: Box Cover Front
Rating: 2.8/5

Ohio Review

Ohio is pure chaos in a box. Expect wild swings, silly rules, and a good laugh—just don’t expect to outsmart anyone! Bring snacks, don’t bring your poker face.

*Star: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

*Star Review

Playing *star with my friends felt like herding cats in space—chaotic, loud, and a bit random. Sometimes strategy worked, but luck often crashed the party. Still, we laughed more than we argued, which is a win in my book.

Shazamm!: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Shazamm! Review

Ever wanted to duel your friends without setting the kitchen on fire? Shazamm! delivers tense wizard battles, big laughs, and just enough chaos to keep both your ego and your eyebrows intact.

Pirates!: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.3/5

Pirates! Review

Pirates! is a rowdy, luck-filled adventure—perfect for group laughs but not for deep thinkers. Simple rules and wild swings keep everyone guessing, even if your pirate career sinks faster than my dignity during karaoke night.

Pirates - Box cover - Credit: JohnPurdue
Rating: 4/5

Pirates Review

Pirates delivers laughs, chaos and a fair bit of shouting over stolen treasure. While luck sometimes rules the seas, you’ll still want to grab your eyepatch and join the rowdy, map-flipping fun. Just watch out for unexpected mutiny!

King: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

King Review

King is a fast, easy-to-learn card game full of laughs and sneaky moves. Great for groups, it shines with table talk, but don't expect your plans to always work—luck might just steal the crown!

California: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.3/5

California Review

Bright colors, cheeky player moves, and fast rounds make California a blast with friends—just don’t expect to win if Lady Luck hates you. I laughed a lot, even when my mansion looked like a garage sale gone wrong.