Strategy

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

California: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

California Review

California is the sunshine-filled board game I never knew I needed. Build dream houses, grab furniture, and watch your friends fight over a golden bathtub—what more could you want? Fast, fun, and only slightly unfair. BYO sunglasses.

China: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.9/5

China Review

China is a sneaky, thinky game where your friends will outwit—and maybe out-annoy—you. It’s quick to play, easy to teach, and packed with strategic choices. The plain looks hide some really clever action.

Colorado - Colorado, Sylex, 2023 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4/5

Colorado Review

Colorado brings quick fun with easy rules and a splash of luck. Great for casual gamers, but don’t expect total control—sometimes your best move is just hoping your friends pick worse cards than you!

Yellowstone: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Yellowstone Review

Yellowstone brings strategy and cutthroat fun to the table—just watch out for your friends stealing your geysers! Gorgeous art and clever moves, but luck takes a back seat. Perfect for planners, maybe not for dice-chuckers.

Times: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Times Review

Times is easy to learn, quick to play, and always brings out laughs. It’s got just enough challenge to stay interesting, though a bit of luck can decide who wins. Perfect for groups who like trivia with a twist.

Carnival: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.3/5

Carnival Review

Carnival is a wild, luck-filled ride that’s great for laughs, but not for planners. The art shines and it plays fast, but don’t expect to out-strategize your grandma! You’ll have a blast—if you like chaos.

Politico: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Politico Review

Politico turns your living room into a buzzing parliament. With clever tactics, wild debates, and just enough chaos, it’s got fun for days—if you can handle a little political backstabbing with your snacks.

Skyward: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Skyward Review

Skyward packs smart choices into a fast, quirky package. The art pops, the gameplay keeps you grinning, and splitting cards is always tense. Some luck creeps in, but I still keep reaching for it on game night.

Target: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Target Review

Target delivers fast setup, easy rules, and lots of player banter. Strategy matters, but luck can turn the tables. Great for casual nights, but competitive folks might grumble. I've laughed and lost here—always worth another round.

M: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

M Review

‘m’ brings quick laughs, colorful pieces, and just enough chaos to start an argument or two with friends. The rules need a second read, but game night’s never boring with ‘m’ on the table.