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”.

Power: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

POWER Review

Jumped into 'Power' last Friday and wow, what a ride! Fantastic balance, the pieces feel great, and every game feels new. Only gripe? My luck-based strategy needs work. It's a solid 4.5 stars from me!

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: 4/5

America Review

America turns trivia into a lively team tussle. Its wide mix of questions sparks great debates, while fair scoring keeps everyone close. A few niche cards wobble, but most groups will find plenty to enjoy.

Rennaissance cover. Credit: Board Game Geek
Rating: 4/5

Renaissance Review

Renaissance gives you sharp choices, quick turns, and just enough player blocking to make friends nervous. Luck stays in its box, while smart planning wins the day—unless Greg grabs the best card again.

New York: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

New York Review

New York turns city building into a tight little tussle. My friends and I loved the smart choices, bright board, and sneaky blocking, though one unlucky turn can still sting.

Napoleon: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Napoleon Review

Napoleon gave our group tense battles, clever choices, and just enough luck to keep everyone sweating. A few swings felt rough, but strong planning usually won the day.

Ohio: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Ohio Review

Ohio gives players smart choices, solid control, and enough replay value to keep game night fresh. Its components look good, though a few small flaws stop it from feeling perfect.

*Star: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

*Star Review

Star blends bright space art with smart choices and just enough luck to keep things tense. My friends and I kept plotting, blocking, and yelling at cardboard. A strong pick for thoughtful game nights.