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 turns friendly deals into tense little victories. Luck adds spice without stealing the meal, while trading keeps everyone chatting. It has a few rough edges, but our group kept asking for one more game.

King: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

King Review

King blends clever card play with just enough luck to keep everyone sweating. It rewards sharp choices, punishes greedy moves, and made my friends blame the deck instead of their own terrible plans.

California: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

California Review

After playing California with friends, I found a cosy tile game full of smart choices and gentle laughs. Decorating homes feels great, though the luck can sometimes nick your best plans.

China: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

China Review

China turns simple routes and area control into a proper brain-bender. Luck stays quiet, plans matter, and every blocked path feels personal. My friends still mention that one game where I pinched victory by a single link.

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

Colorado Review

Colorado turns clue sharing into a lively team puzzle. Smart choices matter more than luck, and each game brings fresh paths, laughs, and just enough chaos to keep everyone talking.

Yellowstone: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Yellowstone Review

Yellowstone offers clever herd planning, changing routes, and just enough luck to keep everyone sweating. My friends and I enjoyed its brisk turns, though crowded boards can make the final stretch feel a bit grumpy.

Times: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Times Review

Times is a quick, clever game that rewards good choices without making newcomers feel lost. A few lucky moments can sting, but smart play usually keeps the wheel turning.

Carnival: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Carnival Review

Carnival turns simple fairground fun into a clever contest. My friends and I loved the bright theme, fair luck, and quick turns, though the table got a bit messy.

Politico: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Politico Review

Politico turns every vote into a tense little showdown. Smart deals matter, but luck can wobble the game. I enjoyed it with friends, though a few swings felt a bit rude.

Skyward: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Skyward Review

Skyward rewards smart timing, bold choices, and just enough table talk to make friends nervous. Its factions add flavor, while the clean rules hide a tasty pile of tough decisions.