Strategy

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

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: 3.5/5

Carnival Review

Carnival is a wild ride of card-swapping and laughter. It's more luck than brains, but with the right group, chaos turns into fun. Just don't expect to outthink your family—expect to out-luck them!

Politico: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Politico Review

Politico turns every game night into a wild debate. Expect backstabbing, shaky alliances, and lots of laughs—just don’t play if you hate losing to luck or loudmouths.

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!

Target: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Target Review

Target brings laughs, close calls, and a touch of chaos to game night. Skill helps, but a lucky shot can win it all. Great with friends, but beware: friendships may become casualties. I’d play again, but maybe not for hours.

M: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

M Review

If you want a game that mixes simple rules with real choices, m hits the mark. We laughed, schemed, and almost flipped the table—but in the best way. Just watch out for that surprise twist!