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”.

All Quiet on the Western Front: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.8/5

All Quiet on the Western Front Review

All Quiet on the Western Front packs tense decisions and clever strategy into a well-balanced war game. It’s got brains, heart, and just enough chaos to keep things spicy—without making you flip the table in frustration.

Tortuga: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Tortuga Review

Tortuga throws you right into pirate chaos, full of secret deals and sudden betrayals. It's hilarious fun with the right group, but luck sometimes calls the shots. Still, if backstabbing pirates makes you laugh, you'll have a blast!

Devil's Den: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3/5

Devil’s Den Review

If you love chaos, backstabbing, and a spooky theme, Devil’s Den is your game. Just don’t expect a fair fight—luck rules here, not skill. Perfect for wild game nights, less so for sore losers.

BEN HVR: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Ben Hur Review

Ben Hur throws you right into a wild chariot race—expect laughter, chaos, and the odd bit of yelling. It’s frantic fun, but luck might steer your fate more than skill. Great for parties, less so for strategists.

Confrontation: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3/5

Confrontation Review

Confrontation dazzles with great minis and wild battles, but the rulebook might make you cry. If you like chaos with style, it’s worth a shot—just bring patience, snacks, and maybe a thesaurus.

Ming Dynasty: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Ming Dynasty Review

Ming Dynasty mixes clever planning and lovely artwork, but throws in some surprise event cards that can mess with your plans. Still, I had a blast (even when my empire crumbled). Great for fans of strategy and history.

Rating: 3.8/5

The Boss Review

The Boss is all about bluffing and guts, with hilarious stand-offs and sneaky plays. Sure, the art’s a bit goofy, but if you like double-crosses and risky gambles, it’ll keep your crew talking long after game night.

Birth of a Nation: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Birth of a Nation Review

Birth of a Nation nails its theme and gets most history right. You’ll plot, scheme, and maybe yell at your friends—just like real history—but with much better snacks. Watch out for the odd clunky rule or two.

Terra Nova - Terra Nova, Capstone Games, 2022 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4.5/5

Terra Nova Review

Terra Nova brings sharp strategy, clever blocking, and just enough variety to keep things spicy. It’s easy to learn and perfect for groups who hate losing to dumb luck. Grab some friends, get competitive, and watch the friendships wobble!