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.”

Split - Split, Jumbo, 2022 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4/5

Split Review

Split boggles and delights. My mates and I dove into its chaos, laughing as plans went awry. Yet, skill often trumps luck. It's not perfect—some cards feel overpowered. Still, it's a hoot. Solid 4/5 from us.

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: 3.8/5

Ranger Review

Ranger lets you hike, compete, and sabotage friends—all without real blisters! The outdoorsy art is cute, and strategy matters more than luck. But be warned: some cards bite. Fun if you don’t mind the occasional squirrel ambush!

Colorado - Colorado, Sylex, 2023 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 3.8/5

Colorado Review

Colorado is a sneaky, colorful game where your friends betray you with a smile. Quick to play, easy to teach, and just enough chaos to make every round hilarious—you’ll never trust your friends’ poker faces again.

Coffee: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Coffee Review

Coffee pours out quick, clever action and a heap of laughs. The art is cozy, but beware of players who hoard beans! It’s a great pick for friends who want strategy without feeling like a math class.

Carnival: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Carnival Review

Carnival is a wild ride of card-swapping and laughter. It's more luck than brains, but with the right group, chaos turns into fun. Just don't expect to outthink your family—expect to out-luck them!

Twitch: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Twitch Review

Twitch is fast, loud, and full of laughs. Rules are simple and games go quick, but watch out for random swings! Great for parties—just don’t expect a chess match.