Strategy

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

Deadfall - Deadfall, Cheapass Games, 2016 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4.3/5

Deadfall Review

Deadfall turns a tiny deck into a big bluffing battle. Every card matters, every pause looks guilty, and one smug grin can wreck your whole plan. It’s quick, clever, and wonderfully sneaky.

Suzerain: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Suzerain Review

Suzerain turns politics into a tense board game of hard choices. My friends and I argued over every vote, budget, and promise. Luck stays low, but the pressure stays high. I loved it, even when my country fell apart.

Tropico - Tropico, Cocktail Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 3.5/5

Tropico Review

Ruling Tropico means stealing bananas, bribing friends, and getting double-crossed by your gran. It’s silly, chaotic fun—if you don’t mind a pinch of luck setting your island dreams on fire.

A Place in the Sun: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

A Place in the Sun Review

A Place in the Sun brings laughs and bright colors to my table, but watch out—luck sometimes clouds your strategy. If you like lively chatter and don't mind a bit of randomness, this game shines.

Treehouse: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.3/5

Treehouse Review

Treehouse is a colorful, fast-paced game where you chase pyramid patterns and mess up your friends’ plans. Fun for a quick play, but luck rules the day. Not for those who crave deep strategy or fairness.

Bang! cover
Rating: 2.9/5

BANG! Review

Bang! slaps you in the face with chaos, secret roles, and backstabbing bullets. Perfect for wild groups—less fun for those who hate luck. Saddle up if you like unpredictable mayhem and accusing your grandma of being an outlaw.

Landlord!: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3/5

Landlord! Review

Landlord! gives you laughs, table-flipping moments, and a taste of being a ruthless property tycoon. Just don’t expect much strategy—luck runs this show. Fun for a rowdy group, but probably not for hardcore gamers or sore losers.

Foodies - Foodies, CMON Limited/Spaghetti Western Games, 2019 — front cover - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 3/5

Foodies Review

Foodies is a tasty blend of light strategy and luck. It’s colorful, quick, and fun, but don’t expect deep thinking. Best served as a light snack between heavier games!

Oliver Twist - Oliver Twist, Purple Brain Creations, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4/5

Oliver Twist Review

If you like sneaky moves and outsmarting your pals, Oliver Twist gives you a few laughs and tense moments. Just don’t expect pure strategy—sometimes the dice giveth, sometimes the dice smack you right in the face.

Cryo - Cryo, Z-Man Games, 2021 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4.3/5

Cryo Review

Cryo serves up chilly tension and tough choices. Worker placement feels clever and rewarding, but if you mess up, that's on you—not the dice! My group couldn't stop at one round. It's a brain-freeze worth catching.