Strategy

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

Goodwill: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Goodwill Review

Goodwill mixes friendly chaos and sneaky moves. Every round feels fresh and no one is safe from last-minute twists. Play it with friends who can handle a little drama, but skip it if you hate surprises!

King: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.8/5

King Review

King gives you sharp turns, betrayal, and laughs every round. Luck rarely decides things, so your choices really matter. If you like cheeky power grabs and plotting, King will keep your table noisy and your friends suspicious.

California: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

California Review

California brings sunshine to the table with breezy gameplay and bright art. It’s fun with friends, but luck sometimes rules the day. Good for casual nights—not for hardcore strategists or grumpy sun-haters.

China: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

China Review

China is all about sneaky moves and smart planning. If you like outsmarting your friends (and holding a grudge), this game delivers. Fast turns, clear rules, and just a sprinkle of luck keep things tense and fun.

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.

Yellowstone: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Yellowstone Review

Yellowstone captures the wild fun of the park with gorgeous art and plenty of strategy. It’s fair, clever, and much more exciting than camping near a bison. Perfect for anyone who hates losing to pure luck.

Times: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Times Review

Times is a fast-paced party game where everyone shouts answers, laughs, and sometimes groans at wild guesses. It’s a blast with friends, though luck sometimes wins over skill. Great for a quick, fun night in!

Carnival: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.3/5

Carnival Review

Carnival is a quick, colorful game that makes for a lively time with friends. It’s easy to learn and fun, but if you hate luck messing with your plans, you might want to try something a bit less chaotic.

Politico: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Politico Review

Politico had us scheming, laughing, and occasionally yelling at dice. It's a wild mix of strategy and luck—great for groups, but if you hate chaos, beware. The art’s good, the rules are simple, and political drama is guaranteed.

Skyward: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Skyward Review

Skyward mixes clever card splitting with fast turns and gorgeous art. I loved the tense decisions and table talk. Just wish luck mattered a bit less—bring your game face and maybe a rabbit’s foot!