Strategy

These games focus on planning, resource management, and decision-making. Examples include “Catan,” “Risk,” and “Twilight Struggle.”

Into the Blue: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.3/5

Into the Blue Review

Into the Blue is a quick, luck-heavy dice game with colorful art and sturdy pieces. Great for casual hangouts, but don’t expect deep strategy – it’s best for laughs and lighthearted competition, not for serious board game nights.

Pandorum: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Pandorum Review

Pandorum is the kind of game that gets everyone fighting for space but laughing the whole time. Smart choices matter, and luck doesn’t rule the table. It’s sci-fi strategy that keeps you coming back for more.

Siam: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Siam Review

Siam packs smart strategy and fast matches in a tiny box. No dice, no random cards—just pure skill. My friends and I loved the tense showdowns and chunky pieces. If you hate luck, this one’s for you!

Quicksand - Quicksand, Horrible Games, 2023 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 3.3/5

Quicksand Review

Quicksand throws you into fast, frantic fun with sturdy pieces and nonstop table talk. It’s perfect for casual nights, but luck can wreck your best plans—don’t expect deep strategy, just good laughs.

Limit: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Limit Review

If you want a quick game full of laughs, Limit fits the bill. Easy to learn, lively, but a bit too lucky at times—perfect with the right group.

Dragon Slayer: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Dragon Slayer Review

Dragon Slayer is a raucous dice-chucker where you slay dragons and bait your friends into wild risks. It’s fun and fast, but if you love deep strategy, this might just burn your toast!

Gutenberg - Gutenberg, Portal Games / Granna, 2022 — front cover - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4.3/5

Gutenberg Review

Gutenberg lets you pretend to be a printing tycoon, juggling ink, gears, and deadlines. Smart choices rule here—luck sits quietly in the corner, sipping glue. If you like brains over dice, this game deserves a spot on your shelf.

Ramparts: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Ramparts Review

Ramparts surprised me with solid strategy and colorful pieces. I laughed, I lost, I plotted revenge. Rules need clarity, but the fun and fair challenge kept my group coming back for more. Bring snacks—this one’s a keeper!

Rating: 4.8/5

Review

Math Playground Games brings math to the table in a way that even my number-phobic friend enjoyed. Easy rules, quick laughs, and fair play—just watch out if you always lose your pencil. Great for families and classrooms!

Sultan: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Sultan Review

If you like games full of sneaky deals, shouting, and mild threats of friendship-ending betrayal, Sultan's your jam. Great art, clever moves, but the dice can be mean. Still, we had a blast—and maybe a grudge or two.