Strategy

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

GYM: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

GYM Review

'gym' is a blast, mixing smart strategies with a gym-themed battle for fitness supremacy. Whether you're lifting weights or doing cardio in-game, it's all about having fun and outsmarting your friends. A sure hit for game nights!

Australia: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Australia Review

Played 'Australia' with my pals and it was a blast! The mix of strategy with a splash of horror caught us off guard in a good way. Though luck can sway the game, it's mostly your cunning that leads to victory.

Renfield: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Renfield Review

Renfield turns a simple hidden-role game into a tense hunt full of sneaky deals and sudden betrayals. Luck can nip at your heels, but sharp players still have room to scheme, bluff, and win.

Rennaissance cover. Credit: Board Game Geek
Rating: 4/5

Renaissance Review

Renaissance gives you sharp choices, quick turns, and just enough player blocking to make friends nervous. Luck stays in its box, while smart planning wins the day—unless Greg grabs the best card again.

Bingo: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Bingo Review

Bingo, a classic game of luck, brings people together for laughs. Its simplicity shines, though it's heavy on luck. Great for quick, inclusive fun, but don't expect strategy. A solid 3.8 out of 5 from me.

Amsterdam - Amsterdam, Queen Games, 2020 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 3.8/5

Amsterdam Review

Amsterdam mixes clever trading, tense route choices, and just enough luck to keep every turn spicy. It runs a little long, but my friends and I kept plotting like cheerful canal pirates.

New York: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

New York Review

New York turns city building into a tight little tussle. My friends and I loved the smart choices, bright board, and sneaky blocking, though one unlucky turn can still sting.

Napoleon: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Napoleon Review

Napoleon gave our group tense battles, clever choices, and just enough luck to keep everyone sweating. A few swings felt rough, but strong planning usually won the day.

Ohio: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Ohio Review

Ohio gives players smart choices, solid control, and enough replay value to keep game night fresh. Its components look good, though a few small flaws stop it from feeling perfect.

*Star: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

*Star Review

*Star combines edge control with connected groups in a two-player abstract game. Explore the tension between expansion and keeping a network joined.