Deck-Building

These games involve constructing a deck of cards over the course of the game. Examples include “Dominion,” “Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game,” and “Ascension.”

Ocean - Front Cover - Credit: waza
Rating: 4/5

Ocean Review

Played 'Ocean' with my buddies, and oh boy, it was a splash! Gorgeous art, clever gameplay, but luck can rock your boat. Yet, it's a game we'll dive back into. Perfect for those who fancy a strategic swim.

Nefarious: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Nefarious Review

'Nefarious' is a blast, mixing mad science with sneaky strategy. The twist cards keep every game fresh. It's mostly fair, but luck can sting. Still, it's a hit on game night. A solid 4 stars!

Clubs: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.8/5

Clubs Review

'Clubs' hits the sweet spot with its perfect mix of strategy and luck, ensuring laughs and competitive banter. It's a must-have for game nights, promising endless fun. Just don't let the cards outsmart you!

Renfield: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Renfield Review

Renfield is a captivating mix of strategy and player interaction. Wonderful components, balanced mechanics, and endless replay value make it a must-have, though a bit of luck can sometimes swing the tide.

Ranger: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Ranger Review

Ranger sparks laughter, light arguments, and secret plotting every round. It's fast, clever, and never dull—unless you hate fun or lose to your younger cousin. I’d play again, just to see who I trust the least next time.

Colorado - Colorado, Sylex, 2023 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4.3/5

Colorado Review

Colorado is a sneaky little card game that tricks you into thinking it’s all about rainbows, but really it’s about outsmarting your friends and dodging bad luck. I never trust my buddies after playing this.

Coffee: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.3/5

Coffee Review

Coffee serves up fast, cozy fun with lovely art and simple rules. It’s not for deep thinkers, but my group laughed plenty—just don’t expect a heavy strategy roast.

Carnival: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.3/5

Carnival Review

Step right up! Carnival splashes the table with color and chaos. If you love stealing sets and don’t mind a bit of luck, it’s a wild ride. But serious strategists might want to keep their tickets!

Twitch: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Twitch Review

Twitch is a fast-paced, slap-happy card game that had my friends and I in stitches. Easy to learn, wild to play, but heavy on luck, so don’t expect any deep strategy—just expect to laugh a lot.

Dead Reckoning: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Dead Reckoning Review

Dead Reckoning sails into your game night with a bang! Stunning art, clever card crafting, and thrilling exploration combat make this a treasure. Just watch out for those dicey moments where luck can sink your strategy.