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: 4.4/5

New York Review

New York packs clever strategy and vibrant art into quick 45-minute games. Easy setup, fair mechanics, and lots of replay. Great for game nights—just ignore the tiny icons if your glasses are missing!

Napoleon: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Napoleon Review

Napoleon is a tense chase across a detailed map. Smart gameplay rules the day, not dice. If you crave strategy and hate unfairness, this game has your back—just be ready to wrestle with some tiny stickers.

Ohio: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Ohio Review

Ohio throws bluffing and laughter together in a fast little box. If you like calling friends liars and don’t mind a pinch of luck, you’ll have a blast. My group still talks about our epic double bluffs!

*Star: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

*Star Review

*star shines for quick, easy play and flashy art, but luck can tip the scales. Best with friends who like some chaos, not for serious tacticians.

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).

Pirates!: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Pirates! Review

Pirates! lets you steal, scheme, and shout "Arr!" at your mates. It's wild, colorful, and comes with big mood swings—thanks to those pesky dice. Bring snacks and thick skin; you’ll need both for this hilarious loot-grab!

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

Pirates Review

Pirates brings laughs, wild moments, and some chaos to the table. Luck wins more than skill, but the silly pirate antics keep everyone entertained—unless you hate losing to dice.

King: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

King Review

King is a wild, laugh-filled scramble for the crown. Strategy’s invited, but luck keeps crashing the party. Best enjoyed with friends who don’t mind the odd betrayal or outrageous comeback.

California: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

California Review

California makes you race for the best tiles to build your dream pad, but beware—your friends will probably ruin your plans! It’s easy, cheerful, and just the right amount of silly, though luck can steal your thunder.