Splendor is a game of chip-collecting and card development. Players are merchants of the Renaissance trying to buy gem mines, means of transportation, shops—all in order to acquire the most prestige points. If you're wealthy enough, you might even receive a visit from a noble at some point, which of course will further increase your prestige.
Every so often a game comes along that employs simple yet well-developed mechanics to create a surprisingly involved and enjoyable experience. Coup is such a game. With very few components, it derives much of its game play from well-designed rules and clever implementation of deduction/bluffing mechanics. Set in the not-too-distant future, Coup is part of the Resistance series. While you don’...[Read More]
Challenge your friends in this ingenious and portable game, uniquely crafted to give you the feeling of Viking era gaming
Take It . . . or Let It Go? It sounds so simple, and it is: Take a card or pay one chip. If you take the card you get its points, but points are bad. But you also get the chips that others have played, and that’s good (each chip nullifies one point). So say, “No thanks!” and play your chips, but watch out: When you’re out of chips that card’s all yours.
No Thanks! is a simple game that’s both quick and a lot of fun to play. Utilising push-your-luck and set collection mechanics, it provides an experience that takes around a minute to learn and 5-10 minutes to play. Suited to all ages it is simple enough that my six year old enjoys playing it (despite the 13+ age recommendation on the box) but interesting enough to make it a regular with adul...[Read More]
Mushihimesama (“Bug Princess” in English) is a vertical shooting game set in a beautiful fantasy world. Huge insect-like creatures called Koju roam the forest outside the village of Hoshifuri. When Reco's people fall to a mysterious sickness, the young princess decides to leave the village and meet the God of the Koju, who may provide a cure. Riding her faithful Golden Beetle friend Kiniro, Reco m...[Read More]