Strategy

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

Goodwill: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Goodwill Review

Goodwill is that rare game where everyone at my table wanted a second round. It’s clever, kinda sneaky, and the art actually made my friend Lisa say, 'Wow!' Solid fun, even if luck sometimes shows up.

King: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

King Review

King packs big drama in a small box. Every round brings laughs and plot twists. If you enjoy friendly chaos and clever moves, this one delivers—just beware of sneaky friends with too much luck!

California: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

California Review

California turns home building into a cheerful, colorful brawl. You'll race for furniture, outwit pals, and complain about luck—just like real estate, only with more laughs and less actual bankruptcy.

China: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

China Review

China packs smart tactics, low luck, and quick turns into one box. It's a game where scheming matters more than dice rolls. Great for fans of clever moves and fast laughs with friends.

Colorado - Colorado, Sylex, 2023 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4.5/5

Colorado Review

Colorado kept our group on their toes with simple rules and sneaky choices. We laughed, schemed, and sometimes groaned at each other's moves. Great for quick games, but don’t bring your sore loser friend!

Yellowstone: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Yellowstone Review

Yellowstone packs gorgeous art with tense choices—one round I'm planning trails, next I'm cursing my friend's bison stampede. It’s replayable, clever, and fun, though a stray die roll can sometimes mess up your park faster than a hungry bear.

Times: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Times Review

Times puts your memory and trivia chops to the test. We laughed, we argued about weird facts, and nobody could blame bad luck. If you want a fair game night winner, this one’s a solid pick.

Carnival: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.3/5

Carnival Review

Carnival is a flashy set-collection game that’ll have you stealing cards and groaning at your luck. It’s best with casual friends, not cutthroat strategists. Expect laughs, not deep thinking—unless counting snacks on the table counts as strategy.

Politico: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Politico Review

Politico tosses you into a wild world of deals, drama, and double-crossing. If you love talking circles around friends and don't mind chaos, this game is a blast—but wallflowers might struggle!

Skyward: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.8/5

Skyward Review

Skyward is a clever puzzle with beautiful art and a fun split mechanic. My friends loved outsmarting each other, and nobody flipped the table. A real winner if you like strategy over just luck!