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”.

Blue Skies - Blue Skies, Rio Grande Games, 2020 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4.3/5

Blue Skies Review

'Blue Skies' soars with its vibrant theme of air travel. The gameplay blends strategy and luck perfectly, ensuring each play is as exciting as the first. While luck plays a role, smart moves are key to dominating the skies.

GYM: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

GYM Review

'gym' is a blast, mixing smart strategies with a gym-themed battle for fitness supremacy. Whether you're lifting weights or doing cardio in-game, it's all about having fun and outsmarting your friends. A sure hit for game nights!

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: 3.8/5

New York Review

New York feels like elbowing your way through Times Square, but with less actual sweating. Quick to play, oozes city charm, though some luck can trip you up—still, I’d board this train again.

Napoleon: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Napoleon Review

Napoleon has a great theme and smart moves, but sometimes luck trips you up. It shines with history buffs and strategy friends, but don't expect a walk in the park—unless your dice roll like Napoleon's cannonballs.

Ohio: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Ohio Review

Ohio makes game night loud, quick, and full of laughs. Easy rules and fun banter keep everyone hooked, but luck sometimes trumps skill. Still, it shines as a light party game.

*Star: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

*Star Review

If you want a board game that looks great, plays smooth, and won’t make you flip the table in rage, *star might just be your next favorite. My friends loved it—and only one threatened my snack supply.

Shazamm!: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Shazamm! Review

Shazamm! throws you into wild wizard showdowns with bluffing, bold art, and just enough chaos to keep things spicy. Not for luck-haters, but perfect if you like drama, magic, and burning your friends (figuratively).