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When it comes to board games, Stonemaier Games holds a special place in my heart. From the moment we brought Wingspan into our home, it became a cherished part of our collection. This beautiful game (1-5 players, 60-75 minutes) was our escape during the early days of lockdown, and it completely transformed our board game collection. At the time, we had about 40 games. A few copies of different Monopoly, Clue, Scrabble, Bananagrams, Rummikub, Scrawl, Catan, Ticket to Ride, etc. Wingspan led us beyond modern classic favorites like Catan and Pandemic. This opened the door to a world of strategic delights. I love playing Wingspan. My wife plays it solo from time to time. I prefer to play it with just the two of us or with group of friends. The only count I dislike is 6 or 7 with the Asia expansion. It becomes too chaotic, and in our group it takes too long. I used to make fun of my in-laws for identifying birds in the wild, we are now able to do the same with a surprising number thanks to this game! Our second Stonemaier game was Viticulture (2-6 players, 60-90 minutes). Give me a glass of wine, some charcuterie and cheese, good company, and this game, and I'm in absolute heaven! Our latest obsession? Rolling Realms! This game's addictiveness is undeniable, especially with the constant thrill of new promo packs. The only downside? It fuels a never-ending desire to explore and acquire more games (don't judge me!). Skulk Hollow, Fleet, and Libertalia are just a few that found their way onto our shelves after playing promo packs. Speaking of Libertalia, this game by Paolo Mori has been hitting the table a lot since we acquired it from our favorite local store. The game plays 2-5 players and it takes about 45 minutes to play. I really enjoy the game at every count. I think the more players the more chaos, and I love it. The combination of stunning Azul looking tiles and the satisfying clink of the metal coins (an upgrade that is totally worth it) makes it a joy to hold, not to mention play. What I like best about this game is that everyone has the same cards each round. This adds a surprising layer of complexity. Stonemaier Games truly stands out for me. Their games boast high-quality, durable components, clear and easy-to-follow rulebooks, and gameplay that's endlessly engaging. The best part? We've only scratched the surface of their incredible library. What should we buy next?

When we think of board games, we often imagine traversing fantastical realms, delving into medieval dungeons, or strategizing epic battles. But what about exploring the quaint charm of a seaside town in Wales? Enter Tenby – debut board game by Cosy Cub Games and designed by Benjie Talbott coming to Kickstarter on April 28th! Who's Benjie? Meet Benjie Talbott, the creative force behind the highly anticipated board game, Tenby. Hailing from the quaint landscapes of mid Wales, Benjie's upbringing was imbued with the wonders of nature and the arts. From frolicking in the woods with his brother to discovering the vast realms of youth theater, Benjie's early experiences laid the foundation for his boundless creativity. A virtuoso in music, Benjie's journey traversed through the realms of piano, violin, guitar, and vocals. His academic pursuit in composition and music led him to a prolific career spanning 15 years in the music industry, where he crafted numerous melodies for crime dramas. However, amidst the rhythmic beats and harmonious tunes, Benjie found his true calling in an unexpected realm – board game design. For over a decade, he delved into the art of crafting immersive gaming experiences, exploring the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and sheer enjoyment. With each roll of the dice and placement of a token, Benjie found himself in a world where time seemed to stand still, a world where creativity knew no bounds. Journey through Games Growing up, Benjie's childhood was steeped in board game traditions passed down through generations. From spirited rounds of Uno with his grandparents to indulging in classics like Solitaire and Patience, the joy of gaming became a cherished part of his upbringing. Yet, it was the encounter with modern classics like Catan during a cultural exchange in Germany that ignited Benjie's passion for contemporary board games. While Catan holds a special place in his heart, Benjie's evolving tastes led him to explore a myriad of gaming experiences. From the strategic depths of Go to the communal joy of Pictionary, Benjie's journey through games was as diverse as it was enriching. Despite his fondness for Catan, Benjie remained mindful of the game's shortcomings, reflecting on its colonialist undertones and the need for greater inclusivity in gaming narratives. Crafting Tenby Tenby is more than just a game. It's the culmination of Benjie's lifelong love for creativity, community building, and a cherished Welsh town. Tenby is Benjie’s first board game published by Cosy Cub Games, and he is excited to share his creation. The game is inspired by childhood holidays spent with his family. Tenby has simple mechanics, beautiful artwork, and a vibrant atmosphere that capture the essence of Tenby, its colorful houses, iconic landmarks, and seaside charm. Initially designed as a simple matching game, Tenby evolved into a strategic experience with drafting mechanics played over ten rounds. Drawing inspiration from games like Electropolis and King Domino, Tenby challenges players to navigate a delicate balance between personal goals while potentially hindering opponents' objectives. Each card unveils a piece of Tenby's charm and history, inviting players to discover the magic of this beautiful Welch town. Beyond the game itself, Tenby's journey highlights the supportive nature of the board game community. Benjie, a newcomer to the design scene, is grateful for the guidance and encouragement he's received. From enthusiasts willing to play test his creation to established designers like Frank West of City of Games. This spirit of inclusivity and mentorship underscores the power of community in fostering creativity and bringing unique experiences like Tenby to life. As Tenby embarks on its journey to Kickstarter, it reminds us that inspiration can be found anywhere, even in a small Welsh town, and that the journey of creation is often enriched by the support of a welcoming community.  Kickstarter The Kickstarter campaign is expected to launch in April 28, 2024. Benjie is launching Tenby on Kickstarter to raise funds for manufacturing the game. He is not seeking personal profit from the project, but rather wants to cover the costs and make the game available to as many players as possible. Stretch goals will be announced during the campaign and may include improved component quality, additional gameplay elements, and mini-expansions.  Benjie plans to keep backers updated throughout the campaign via Kickstarter platform and through his social media channels. He estimates that the backers can expect to receive their games sometime in the late fall. This will all depend on manufacturing and shipping processes.  Benjie's Recommendations Book Recommendation: "Paddle Your Own Canoe" by Nick Offerman Benjie recently explored the pages of "Paddle Your Own Canoe" by Nick Offerman, describing it as a delightful and honest account from a well-known figure. The book serves as a reminder that everyone's journey has roots, emphasizing the importance of holding multiple truths simultaneously. Benjie appreciates the wholesome nature of the narrative, providing insight into the real lives behind the personas we see on TV. Song Recommendation: "Little Blue" by Jacob Collier with Brandy Carlisle In the realm of music, Benjie recommends "Little Blue" by Jacob Collier featuring Brandy Carlisle. He commends Collier's unique use of complex harmony, crafting a song that seamlessly combines intricate musical elements with an easy-to-listen-to quality. Despite not being a dedicated Brandy Carlisle fan, Benjie finds this collaboration particularly enchanting. Favorite Artist: Count Basie In the realm of music, Count Basie takes center stage as Benjie's favorite artist. The timeless recordings of Count Basie, both as an artist and a person, form a significant part of Benjie's musical backdrop. The influence of Basie's work extends into the danceable rhythms enjoyed in Benjie's household. Movie Recommendation: "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" takes the spotlight as Benjie's movie recommendation. Surprising himself with the enjoyment derived from this animated film, Benjie praises its departure from stereotypical characterizations. The movie's intersection of mainstream storytelling and Afrofuturism creates a refreshing and connected experience. Board Game Recommendation: Go For board games, Benjie describes Go as a timeless, enduring game with a never-ending learning curve. This particular game offers endless reciprocal lessons between life and gameplay, presenting itself as an ongoing source of inspiration and reflection. Color Preference: The Ultimate Showdown of Colors When it comes to colors, Benjie enjoys the classic showdown between red and blue, appreciating the simplicity of this color duality. Additionally, he highlights the aesthetic appeal of orange and purple, considering them a great color combination for board game playing. Nevertheless, he ultimately settled on blue. Whether it was because he happened to be wearing it that day remains uncertain. Tenby has a lot of blue, so I think it may be his favorite color Collaboration Aspiration: Jamie Stegmaier Asked about collaborating with any designer, Benjie expresses a desire to collaborate with Jamie Stegmaier. He admires Stegmaier's positive attitude towards the community, appreciating the collaborative spirit that extends beyond a one-person show. Benjie values the energy and ethos Stegmaier brings to the industry. Design Resources: Play Games and Learn Benjie's recommendation for aspiring board game designers is straightforward: play games. Drawing parallels to the advice he received for writing, he believes that experiencing games firsthand is the best teacher. By being aware of the gaming landscape and reflecting on personal preferences, designers can learn valuable lessons that shape their own creative endeavors. Book on Design: "Luck, Logic, and White Lies" In terms of design resources, Benjie is reading "Luck, Logic, and White Lies," a comprehensive exploration of mathematics in game design. While acknowledging its challenging content, he believes it holds essential information for designers seeking a deeper understanding of the mathematical foundations behind their games.

Tired of the same old drawing game routine? You know the drill: draw a card, scramble to sketch, and hope your teammates decipher your masterpiece. I’ve been craving a party game that feels fresh and pushes the boundaries of the classic “draw and guess” type of board game. Enter Scribble Me This! A debut game published by Pipnetic and co-designed by Zack Guido and none other than Steve Fin (The mastermind behind many of Pencil First Games: Herbaceous, What Not Cabinet, Floriferous, Sunset over Water, and my favorite–Delicious). Scribble me this is a drawing game that uses creative thinking and can be enjoyed with as little as two and up to fifteen players. If you are craving a new party game that can be enjoyed with your partner during date night, a group of friends, family, or a large gathering, this may be the game you’ve been waiting for! I’m writing this review during the Kickstarter campaign . Please note that the game is still in development, so the final product may differ from the prototype that was lent to me.  COMPONENTS The prototype box came with an insert that allows you to store the game horizontally or vertically without causing a disaster. All the components are dry-erase! An easy to follow rulebook Game cards that are stored in a box with a blue and orange side. The blue side of each card is called draw (or answer side). The orange side of each card contains a riddle. The final game is expected to have 500 unique combinations 5 notepads that include the rules and your guesses for each round 10 canvases numbered A-J One Card Pocket to place your drawings and ensure others don’t have the chance to peak at the solution before time Scorecard GAMEPLAY Let the fun begin!  Setting Up If playing with more than five players, divide the group into equal teams. Then hand out canvases, dry erase markers, erasers, and notepads. For a 3 player or team set up, provide 2 canvases to each team, for 4 or 5 player or team set up, provide two canvases. Then set up the Card Pocket with the DRAW side up in an accessible area.  How to Play Phase One : Like a detective, grab as many cards as canvases from the blue side of the box. Make sure no one but you or your team sees the word. Then draw a representation of the word. No artistic abilities needed! Like any other drawing game, do not use words or letters. After everyone is finished drawing, admire everyone’s masterpieces. Phase Two : Shuffle the Card Pocket with the orange side up. Make sure that no one can see the words on the blue side. Read all the riddles aloud. Secretly guess each riddle to a drawing. Scoring Read each riddle aloud and flip the card to reveal the answer. Identify the canvas showing that drawing. For each riddle, reveal your guess and score. Winning the Game The team with the most points at the end of how many rounds you’d like to play. When we played with nine players, we talked about only doing one round and we played three! You score 3 points for each correct guess on other people’s drawings.  On your drawing, you score 1 point for each player that correctly guessed your canvas, and 2 more points if you correctly guessed your own canvas. If you only guessed your canvas, you would only score 1 point! KEY FEATURES Playing count: It can play with 2 up to 15 players! Simple rules: easy to learn and teach. There is a co-op version for 2 players and the game scales well with teams Simultaneous drawing and guessing: I love games like this. There’s no downtime and the game is interactive, relatively short, and fast paced Encourages creativity: think outside the box and unleash your inner Picasso (stick figures that resemble hieroglyphics also encouraged) PROS Fast-paced Easy to explain and play Fun for your whole group No artistic talent required: some drawings may elicit laughter At higher count, it fosters teamwork: Teams rely on each other's communication and deduction skills to score points Highly replayable: with a large deck of riddles, every game brings a fresh set of challenges and drawing opportunities CONS Can get loud and chaotic: with large groups, deciphering bad drawings can lead to some noisy guesswork which can lead other teams to get extra information Only available in United States Not language independent: Like many drawing games, this is hard to play with people that do not enjoy reading or in  my case with family that do not speak English May not be suitable for players that do not enjoy fast-paced simultaneous play Prototype opportunities: The Card Pocket struggles when fitting more than six cards, a larger pocket may be better suited The box that contains the cards has a low cut that makes it easy to see the next word coming out Some of the riddles are very long SIDE NOTE One of my gaming groups is extremely competitive, so we also tried the game with our own twist. Instead of dividing into groups, we played a few rounds individually. We followed the instructions in the sense that each of us received one drawing, but instead of scoring in groups, we scored individually. Since there were eight of us, we didn't have enough scorecards, so we distributed tokens to everyone. We then placed the tokens face down on each riddle card. Finally, we scored on a dry erase board. I really enjoyed playing the game as teams, but playing it individually was more up my alley. It prevented quarterbacking and disputes among solution picking. CONCLUSION If you're tired of the same old drawing game routine, check out Scribble Me This! The game offers a refreshing take on the classic "draw and guess" genre. The gameplay is innovative, it has creative challenges, and it is suitability for both small gatherings and large parties. Grab your markers, unleash your inner artist, and get ready for a gaming experience that's as fun as it is unpredictable.

Blood on the Clocktower, by Steven Medway and published by The Pandemonium Institute, is a social deduction game for 5-20 players. I remember going into Millennium Games with a friend, and when they saw this game, they picked it up immediately. They are cautious about buying new games. I’ve never seen them buy into the hype, so I knew this would be a good game. The game is large and intimidating; however, it is fun to play and easy to learn as long as you are not the storyteller. Have you played it? I have enjoyed this game with the storyteller plus 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12 players. I prefer to play this game with at least ten players. I am curious to try it at the maximum player count. Unfortunately, I am terrible at deception and social deduction games. I have an affinity for picking the demon role and getting caught quickly. Nonetheless, I do enjoy organizing and playing this game from time to time. Unless you are the storyteller, you will receive a sheet explaining the possible roles you could draw from the bag. These roles are divided into townsfolk, outsiders, minions, and demons. The game cleverly scales the number of each type of player based on the total number of participants. The game revolves around protecting the mysterious town of Ravenswood Bluff from a hidden group of evil minions and demon(s) trying to spread chaos and eliminate the townsfolk. Can the townsfolk work together and identify the demons before they are killed? Kudos to every storyteller, as the game would not be the same without them! Every playthrough is unique, and knowing your fellow players can help you deduce who is bad at lying or who might betray you for their own gain. Components The game has a very well written and detailed rulebook Large book looking game box that serves as the storyteller’s grimoire. This will let the storyteller keep track of who is who including who is dead, who’s alive, who can act at night, and all other game conditions  Unique character tokens Setup sheets Character sheets for different scenarios Not included but extremely necessary, a storyteller that has strong narrative and facilitation skills Gameplay If you’ve played Mafia, One Night Ultimate Werewolf, or any social deduction or hidden role party game like that, you’ll be able to play this game right away. I think the hardest part is making sure that there is someone willing to be the storyteller.  The game is divided into day and night phases.  During the day, players discuss, strategize, and propose accusations. Players can also engage in private whispers, adding another layer of intrigue. Night falls, and the Storyteller secretly activates players' unique abilities. This allows the demon(s) and their minion(s) to plot against the townsfolk. Based on the gathered information and deductions, players vote to eliminate a suspected demon during the day phase. The game continues until either the townsfolk or evil team achieves their objective. As you play this game more, you might find yourself wanting to share the storytelling responsibility. While being the Storyteller is fun because you orchestrate the game, it also means you don't get to participate in the discussions and deductions alongside everyone else. Key Features Variable roles and abilities:  Every character has a unique ability, keeping the experience fresh and unpredictable Storyteller-driven narrative:  The Storyteller guides the game, creating a compelling narrative and adding elements of surprise and suspense Hidden identities and social deduction:  Players must deduce who is trustworthy and who is hiding a sinister agenda Ghostly persistence:  Even after elimination, players can continue influencing the game as ghosts. This let’s players that are no longer playing continue to be invested in the outcome of the game Pros Highly replayable:  The variety of roles and modules ensures no two games are ever the same Engaging social experience:  Encourages cooperation, deduction, and persuasive storytelling High player interaction:  Keeps everyone involved throughout the entire game Strong thematic atmosphere:  Creates a truly immersive experience Relatively easy to explain:  The game is complex, yet simple to learn. The player sheets really help newcomers and experienced gamers when playing with different player counts or scenarios Cons Requires a large group:  The game shines best with a high player count, which might be challenging to gather Relies heavily on the Storyteller:  A skilled and engaging Storyteller is crucial for a successful experience. In addition, the storyteller has to manage the game, and this can be daunting at times High cost:  The game can be considered expensive compared to simpler social deduction games Learning curve:  Even though the game is easy to explain, there are various character roles and unique abilities that can take time for players to effectively grasp and strategize against Unfavorable Environment for Soft-Spoken Players: The game can be heavily influenced by strong personalities. Soft-spoken individuals might find it difficult to get their voices heard, leading to frustration and a less enjoyable experience Conclusion Blood on the Clocktower offers a unique twist on the social deduction genre. It fosters intense social interaction, deduction, and storytelling through a highly interactive and dynamic experience. However, it requires a large group and a skilled Storyteller to truly shine. If you're looking for a game that thrives with 10 or more players, this could be a fantastic choice. While I'm not typically a fan of social deduction games, I found Blood on the Clocktower surprisingly intriguing and enjoyable. However, keep in mind that the experience can vary based on the number of players and the Storyteller's skill. Gameplay can range from a quick 20 minutes to over an hour.

Pictomania, designed by Vlaada Chvátil and published by Czech Games Edition, is a party game for 3-6 players that injects a dose of delightful chaos into the classic drawing game formula. Here's the twist: everyone draws and guesses simultaneously. This game challenges you to draw and guess as quickly as possible in order to try to get the most points. Are you ready to turn your artistic shortcomings into strategic advantages? I wish you the best in your endeavor to decipher hieroglyphics from your neighbors’ drawings. Artistic skill? Not required. But a dash of creative thinking goes a long way, especially as the cards get trickier. How do you illustrate "contentment" versus "enthusiasm"? And how do you ensure your fellow players don't mistake your artistic flourish for poorly rendered hieroglyphics? This is the heart of Pictomania's frustratingly fun appeal – the challenge of translating abstract concepts into fleeting sketches. All of this while racing to get the most points by guessing your friends' sketches. This is a game that leaves you wanting more, eager to jump back in and see what crazy misinterpretations (and strokes of genius) the next game will bring. Components 1 well-written rulebook 99 double-sided drawing cards in four different difficulty levels with seven words each 6 black letter cards (two A’s, two B’s, and two C’s) 7 black number cards (1-7) 42 guessing cards in six colors (numbers 1-7 for each color) 36 scoring tokens (in the six player colors plus black. The cards are two: 1s, 2s, and 3s) A card podium 1 pad of drawing paper 1 pencil sharpener 6 black pencils in the six player colors Gameplay This exciting word-and-drawing game is easy to learn and adapts to any skill level. The cards range in difficulty from simple concepts to mind-bending challenges. Setting Up Choose your color : Each player selects a color and grabs corresponding cards, scoring tokens, pencil, and a sketchpad sheet Set the difficulty : Place the black scoring tokens in the center. As a group, decide on a color to determine which set of cards to start from Prepare for the challenge: Four rounds await! Once the difficulty is set, three cards, each containing seven secret words, are displayed on the podium. The stand will have a card under label A, B, and C Everyone takes a minute to absorb the 21 words staring back at them. Each card represents a specific theme, with the seven options all related to it. This is what makes the game both frustrating and strategic Repeat steps 2-4 for the next three rounds The Game Draw and guess simultaneously: Each player draws a letter card and a number. On go, everyone simultaneously attempts to depict their word or phrase as quickly as possible. Once a player is finished drawing, they try to guess what others are drawing Deduction and commitment: Once you think you know someone's drawing, place one of your numbered cards (1-7) on their drawing board. The twist? You only know one of the seven words is being drawn, even though there are three cards displayed. This deduction process can be helpful, but be cautious! Jumping to conclusions can backfire. Once you commit your card, it's locked in. You can, however, choose not to guess on any drawing Scoring and revealing: After drawing and guessing, take the highest available black token from the center. Now, the fun begins! Each player explains their drawing. Laughter is almost guaranteed at this step as they flip over each guess. For every correct guess, the guesser gets their card number back and receives the highest scoring token available (ranging from three to one point depending on the number of players). Incorrect guesses have their cards returned to the center pile Scoring After everyone has revealed their drawings and guesses, each player adds up their scoring tokens. However, for every incorrect answer or player who chose not to guess your drawing, you lose points. Finally, add the star value on your drawing to your total. The player with the most incorrect guesses also subtract their black token from their points, making rushing counter-productive Next Round and Winning Now that the round is over, move all your colored tokens to your left, black tokens back to the center, and return other colored tokens to their respective players. Decide on the next difficult color. Set up the cards. Draw the next set of cards and have fun! The player with the most points at the end of the fourth round wins the game! Pictomania Key Features Simultaneous drawing and guessing: I love games like this. There’s no downtime and the game is interactive, relatively short, and fast paced No artistic talent required: Though creativity is highly required. Can you quickly think how to draw what you read without writing words in a fast manner? Highly replayable: There are 1,386 possibilities in the cards, so get ready to have some fun! The game can be enjoyed with as few as 3 players or as many as 6, I think the game scales well, but I really like it at 4 or more players Pros Fast-paced High replayability Easy to explain and play Fun and engaging for players of all skill levels Encourages creativity and quick thinking Cons Game can get chaotic Not language independent May not be suitable for players that do not enjoy fast-paced simultaneous play It only plays up to 6 players, I wish that it could play up to 12! Conclusion Pictomania is a fun and fast-paced drawing game that is perfect for novice and experienced artists and gamers alike. The game is easy to learn and can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels. The game is highly replayable and encourages creativity and quick thinking. However, the game can get chaotic and is not suitable for players who do not enjoy fast-paced simultaneous play.

In the realm of party games, Telestrations stands out as a unique and entertaining blend of drawing and wordplay. The game's simple, easy to explain, and fun to enjoy. The game plays 4-8 players, but you can play it up to 12 with the Party Pack. If you want an adult version, there’s the After Dark version. And for an absurd and adjacent hilarious version, check out Scrawl ( click me for Scrawl review ) Components 60 second sand timer 6-sided die 142 cards with phrases and names that total over 1,500 words 8 erasable sketch books with different spiral colors to distinguish who the book belongs to 8 dry-erase markers 8 clean-up cloths–I love clean up cloths! Gameplay Telestrations takes inspiration from the classic game of telephone, where a whispered message gets progressively distorted as it passes from person to person. In this game, the distortion occurs visually and verbally, leading to misinterpretations with unexpected hilarious outcomes. To start the game, the group decides on which side card to use. Then, each player takes a card and a player rolls a die. Each player matches the number rolled to the word on the card. The best part? Cards have a blank, where you get to make up any word you’d like! Players take turns drawing a phrase or idiom. This phase is called “SKETCH IT”. Once finished, they pass their drawing to the next player, who must then write down what they think the drawing depicts. This phase is called “GUESS IT!”. This process continues until the final player reveals the original phrase What Makes Telestrations Different Telestrations distinguishes itself from other drawing games by incorporating the element of written interpretation. This adds a surprising layer of unpredictability. It doesn’t matter if the person drawing is an artist or has no artistic ability, this can all change based on what the player deciphering the drawing expresses into words.  Who Should Play Telestrations? Telestrations can be enjoyed by children, adults, families, friends, and acquaintances at a party. The rules are simple, the game is easy to learn and accessible to anyone that can read and write in English. No artistic abilities needed!  Overall Telestrations is a fun staple in any board game collection. As long as you like drawing party games or want to play a game with at least four people, this drawing game can guarantee replayability and a good laugh.

I had the pleasure of virtually sitting down with Leonie, the mastermind behind Biome. If you haven't heard of it yet, Biome is coming to Kickstarter on February 20th, and let me tell you, it's a game you won't want to miss! Connecting Through Games Leonie's journey into the world of board game design started way back in high school. She had the opportunity to live in Berlin and while others were out clubbing, she found herself drawn to the cozy corners of board game cafes. It was there that she discovered the incredible inclusivity of the global board game community. From Inspiration to Creation Inspired by games like Catan and Wingspan, Leonie's passion for gaming only grew. So when a layoff in 2022 presented her with an unexpected opportunity, she dove headfirst into designing her own game. Biome was born out of a quarantine project that quickly gained momentum, leading to its debut at Essen Spiel 2023. Leonie's journey isn’t just about creating a game; it's also about pushing boundaries and facing challenges. When she arrived in Germany for her first Essen Spiel convention as an exhibitor, she had no sample copies and no published product. Some team members from her manufacturer, Long Pack Games, arrived the day the convention began with five sample copies in their suitcases.  This shows her tenacity to bring her game to life. Her high hopes paid off, with her stand drawing crowds and over 400 people playing Biome in just 4 days. This demonstrates her tireless efforts and unwavering courage. She expressed how thrilling it was to present her creation in its latest stage of development, especially since it was her first time seeing the game in its manufactured form. Talking with Leonie, it's clear that her love for the board game community runs deep. From her early days playing Catan with friends to rubbing elbows with industry folks at conventions, she's found a welcoming and supportive group of fellow enthusiasts. What's Biome All About? Biome is such an intriguing game! Picture diving into three distinct biomes—marsh, prairie, and jungle. You are competing for points while crafting the most diverse and resilient ecosystem. From cute foxes to majestic birds, you navigate seasonal challenges and strategic gameplay. Every game begins in the fall and everyone begins the game with a bird and a tree already played in their biome. During each round, players simultaneously collect resources and play one plant or animal card. Then, one at a time, players may activate one played action card. A unique mechanism is that you only get to activate each action card once. In the game you are balancing when to cleverly play which card based on what resources you have and what activation can yield the most points. The game it’s all about planning your moves and timing them just right. Earning points in Biome is where things get really interesting. You've got the value and actions of your cards, sure, but there are also achievements to strive for. In addition, rabbits and birds can have babies, and you’ll have to feed those babies during summer and can’t overlook the predators lurking around. The game is all about protecting your precious ecosystem while expanding and diversifying. Biome offers up a thrilling mix of strategy, timing, and thematic immersion. It's like stepping into your very own nature documentary, but with a competitive edge! Behind the Scenes: Art and Balance in Biome Leonie's journey in designing Biome isn't just about creating a captivating gameplay experience; it's also about bringing the game's world to life through stunning art and ensuring a balanced, engaging play through for everyone involved. Pictures provided by Lioness Games. Artistry Unleashed For the art and graphics, Leonie teamed up with an incredible graphic designer, Grzegorz Siwek, who truly brought the game to life. As she prototyped the game, she started the project by generating images with  DALL-E. Leonie fell in love with the style and was keen on maintaining it throughout the game. At Essen Spiel 23, she met Jessica Apel, a talented young female artist whose portfolio resonated with her vision. Together, they embarked on a collaborative journey to bring the art to the next level. With over 500 hours of art and design work and hundreds of play tests with close to 800 board game enthusiasts, Biome is ready to launch on Kickstarter! Balancing Act Beyond the visuals, balancing the gameplay was equally important. Leonie delved into researching the coolest animals inhabiting various habitats. Since her original design in the winter of 2022, she has introduced more plants, reptiles and other animals. This ensures diversity while acknowledging some inherent imbalance that still somehow works within the game's dynamic. The decision to focus on marsh, prairie, and jungle biomes stemmed from Leonie's admiration for the animals residing in these habitats. While the jungle was the first inspiration and choice, the inclusion of the marsh and prairie habitats felt like a natural progression. As for potential future expansions? Who knows? Maybe coastal and ocean habitats could be on the horizon. Final Thoughts As I wrapped up my chat with Leonie, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for what's to come. In essence, Biome isn't just a game; it's a labor of love, meticulously crafted to deliver an immersive and balanced experience for players of all ages. I can’t wait to play Biome again. Hopefully in person the next time. Mark your calendars for February 20th, because Biome is about to take Kickstarter by storm! 🌿

MonsDRAWsity designed by Eric Slausan and published by Deep Water Games is a drawing game that's safe for adults and kids alike. Yes, there are monsters, but they're super cute! The game is easy to learn and play. Here's the catch: Look at your monster card, then put it down and try to describe exactly what you saw to the crowd. That's where the fun begins! Your instructions may not necessarily translate perfectly to your monster card. Gameplay Premise MonsDRAWsity is exciting! It tests your descriptive and artistic skills! In each round, one player becomes the witness, tasked with memorizing a bizarre monster for two minutes. Meanwhile, the remaining players transform into sketch artists, ready to capture the monster's essence through their drawings. Steps for how to play: Witness Selection: Choose a player to be the witness. They secretly study a monster card for 20 seconds, memorizing its details. Description Phase: The witness turns away from the table (that's a house rule) and describes the monster to the sketch artists for two minutes. Additional house rule: Before starting, the witness specifies whether the drawing should be in portrait or landscape mode. Question Time: While the witness describes, sketch artists can ask clarifying questions to refine their understanding. Judgment and Scoring: After two minutes, the witness secretly awards points to the sketch artist who created the most accurate depiction of the monster, based on their memory. That's right, the witness doesn't get to see the monster until after they've awarded a point to the best sketch artist. Reveal and Voting: The witness reveals the monster card to all players. Sketch artists then simultaneously vote for the drawing that most closely resembles the card. Voting for your own drawing is prohibited. Point Allocation: The sketch artist with the most votes receives one point. In case of a tie, both artists receive a point. If the witness's chosen artist also receives the most votes, the witness earns an additional point. Repeat or End: Give the monster cards to the next sketch artists, and they become the witness. Repeat steps 1-6. The game typically lasts for two rounds, but you can choose to play just one round or to a specific number of points. The player with the most points at the end wins. In case of a tie, as a house rule, an additional round is played to determine the winner. Components 100 Monster Cards: Each card features a beautifully illustrated monster. We have gone through all the monsters, so are now trying to figure out which expansion to purchase. Suggestionsn welcome! Dry-Erase Markers: I am honestly surprised by the lasting quality of the dry-erase markers. The only downside is that they can be a bit hard to fully erase, so we've used rubbing alcohol from time to time Numbered Player Sketch Boards Scoring Board: This tracks points earned throughout the game, ensuring a clear and organized system for determining the winner What Makes MonsDRAWsity Different MonsDRAWsity stands out  from other drawing games is its focus on describing something already drawn. The voting system also adds an element of strategy to the game, as players must try to create monsters that they think will appeal to the other players. Who Should Play MonsDRAWsity You and your friends. No, seriously. It's fun. This game tests your creativity and communication skills. MonsDRAWsity is a great game for anyone who enjoys drawing and storytelling. I’ve played this game with different groups. I have played it as palette cleanser, nightcap, a drinking game, and at work as a team building exercise. For the work activity, The work activity was particularly enlightening. We had a blast, and it sparked a valuable discussion. It highlighted that just because I can clearly describe something doesn't mean you'll see it the same way. Pros: Easy to learn, but difficult to master Encourages storytelling Unique drawing game No artistic talent needed Laughters guaranteed Cons: Can be a bit chaotic Some players may find the prompts too vague Not language independent Overall MonsDRAWsity is unique in the sense that it provides you with a drawing that you are describing. The drawings are extremely cute. The first time I played it, I wanted to describe the colors, but people are only drawing with a black dry erase marker, so that was a bust. The game is easy to teach and learn, and it’s a great addition to any game collection.

Introduction Unleash your inner entrepreneur in Widgets n' Digit$ currently in Kickstarter. The game is published by Friendly Bee Game Company, and it is their debut game. This game is designed by Joseph Bugbee and Alex Cheng. This 2-4 player board game is designed for new gamers seeking a step beyond Monopoly and Uno. This Kickstarter project promises stunning art, clever strategy, and a minimal learning curve. The game takes about ten minutes per player and as an engineer at heart, the theme of this game resonates with my early career days working in a manufacturing facility. If you've ever watched Shark Tank and enjoy the process of transforming an idea into a finished product, this game might be for you. I thoroughly enjoyed the mechanics of acquiring raw materials, processing them through an assembly line, and selling products while managing bottlenecks. The game plays relatively quickly and offers adjustable complexity, appealing to both new and experienced players. Components Please note that this review is based on a prototype, so components and rules may change. A well written rulebook with a QR code for a video that explains the game in about 20 minutes 4 Player Mats Resource Tokens: Representing raw materials, finished goods, and potentially other resources your widget company produces. 50 Worker Cubes used with the worker wars expansion 25 raw material resources 25 parts market resources 25 finished good market resources 48 classic upgrade cards used to boost your player mat 48 upgrade cards: These colorful cards enhance your production capabilities, offering increased capacity, efficiency, and special abilities and are used with the boardroom battle expansion Market Board: This central hub displays resource prices, allows for buying and selling, raw materials market, parts market, and finished market with a tracker for the fiscal year which is divided into four quarters and the labor market for the worker wars expansion Gameplay This game is played over four rounds, called fiscal quarters. In Widgets & Digits, you'll build and manage your widget company. Register your company idea with the Department of Widget Entrepreneurship, Elephants, and Branding (D.W.E.E.B. card). While there are no elephant figurines (except the first player token), an elephant meeple would be a fun stretch goal addition. This part of the game is purely for fun and doesn't affect gameplay. On this sheet, you'll write your invention idea, its purpose, and a slogan. This sheet is also used at the end to calculate the final score. The last person to finish writing shares their idea first, and the best idea determines the starting player. During the game, you can flip this D.W.E.E.B. card for a detailed summary of each game step. Each quarter involves three key phases: Investing Phase: Bid for workers in a dynamic auction (if using the "Worker Wars" expansion), purchase or sell upgrade cards to optimize your production line, and buy/sell resources at fluctuating market prices. This phase sets the stage for your production potential and resource acquisition. Choose wisely, as the game only lasts four rounds! Production Phase: Put your factory into action! Run your supply chain from sourcing raw materials to selling finished widgets. Each stage has a capacity and labor requirement, demanding strategic worker placement and resource management. This is where your engine building and efficiency optimization skills come into play. Sell surplus resources to minimize your upkeep costs. Upkeep Phase: Pay your workers, warehousing fees, store excess resources for future quarters, and face any financial shortcomings. This phase forces you to balance long-term growth with immediate resource management. At the end of each quarter: Pass the first player token to the left Advance the fiscal year tracker Refresh the available upgrade cards (In "Worker Wars" only) You may fire workers Game Modes: Classic Mode: a good way to start and introduce the game Worker Wars expansion: Focuses on worker bidding and management Boardroom Battle expansion: Introduces an alternative market manipulation mechanic and asymmetric powers for more strategic depth. I would not recommend this with first timers or non experience gamers The Executive Experience: combine both expansions included with the game. I have not tried this experience yet but I am curious on how the competition to attract and maintain talent would do with the asymmetric cards in the boardroom battle expansion By starting with Classic Mode and gradually progressing through the other options, players can smoothly increase the depth and complexity of the game as they become more familiar with the core mechanics of the game Overall With its accessible rules, engaging theme, and multiple game modes, Widgets & Digits holds promise for both new and experienced board gamers. If you're intrigued by the concept and enjoy light-to-medium economic strategy games, it's worth keeping an eye on Widgets & Digits as the Kickstarter campaign progresses. I really liked the party vibe at the start of the game. I think starting with an idea and slogan really helps break the ice and conceptualize what your end product is going to be. The art is beautiful and the iconography is color blind friendly and straightforward. Pros Accessible for new board gamers: The rules are straightforward, and the theme of building a widget company is lighthearted and engaging Multiple difficulty levels: The different game modes cater to various experience levels, making the game adaptable Relatively fast play time Cons Prototype stage: As a Kickstarter project, the final components and rules may change Direct player interaction: While the market offers indirect interaction, the focus seems more on individual engine building The prototype I received contained a concerning amount of soot residue. This residue persists even after multiple plays, resulting in black hands and table markings. While I remain optimistic that the final product will be free of this issue, it's worth mentioning. Additionally, both the player and market boards exhibit warping. While I managed to partially flatten the market board with clips, the lighter-stock player boards stubbornly retain their folded shape even after storage. Addressing this would greatly enhance the overall playing experience. Note: This review is based on the prototype sent to me by Friendly Bee Company. The information provided in the rulebook and components do not reflect the final product, which may change during and after the Kickstarter campaign.

Hold onto your meeples, folks, because last week was a whirlwind of cardboard and competition! We tallied 28 games across 19 different titles. We played six out of seven days. Most of our games were two player games, but we did play with two different groups of a total of four players twice last week. NEW TO US GAMES Three exciting newcomers found their way onto our table: The Gugong Rolling Realms promo pack, The Game on Fire, and Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest. My favorite game is The Game, so when I saw that Millennium Game had a used copy of the Game on Fire, I had to get it. It is very similar to the original game, the difference? You can’t leave the 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, or 77 uncovered. It added an extra level of anxiety to the original, but we managed to win it. I will pat myself on the back since I Had 4 out of the 7 on fire cards. Gugong Rolling Realms promo pack was so difficult yet fun, and Libertalia introduced a delightfully cutthroat twist that makes me wonder if I will ever be able to be loyal while playing that game. RECENT ADDITIONS Deep Dive (1-6 players, ~15 minutes): Press your luck in this set-collection game by diving deeper into the sea. Beware of the predators. They may slow you down. Taught this game to friends, and really enjoyed it at four players. I did not win. I am blaming that on first time luck. Mists over Carcassonne (2-5 players, 30 minutes): Expansion or standalone Carcassonne that adds fog tiles and hidden features, creating a more mysterious and tactical experience. Played at 4 players and finally beat level 4 Knarr (2-4 players, ~30 minutes): Assemble your Viking crew to explore and take over the world of trade. Tried this game for the second time this week, lost at a player count of two–AGAIN!! Romi Rami (2-4 players, 30 minutes): new card game that feels like it’s been around since we were kids. Played the game at 2 and 4 players this week. The game is fantastic at two, and I was afraid to try it at four, but I was blown away. The only downside is that it can play a bit slower since people are plotting ahead and things tend to change more since there are three turns before yours Terraforming Mars: The Dice Game (1-4 players, ~45 minutes): Like Terraforming Mars but shorter. We tried this game at four this week. I was surprised how quick it was to teach since my friends are familiar with the original. The game lasted close to an hour, but it went by so quickly! I thought I had the win, but I lost by two points when counting the card end of game points Tucana Builders (1-5 players, ~30 minutes): Lay tiles to connect the appropriate animals to their respective colored huts. We’ve only enjoyed this game at two, and I love it more and more each time. I was on the fence the first time since I was expecting it to be close to the Trails of Tucana. I think this game is a bit of an acquired taste if you’ve played the original. I feel that we are finally getting the strategy and are scoring more than 10 points per color. Can’t wait to teach it to my friends, so we can play it at different counts OLD FAITHFUL Fox in the Forest (2 players, ~30 mins): Spade like game where you are taking tricks. You must win more or less than your rival. Gotta be careful! If you get too greedy, you will not score points in the round. This is what happened to me, AGAIN! Long story short, I did not get revenge. Maybe next week? Lucky Numbers (1-4 players, ~20 minutes): Think bingo but in a grid. Need to fill the numbers in order one at a time. This is one of my favorite quick games when playing one round. It is a great way to be like, who will decide the next game? I won once and lost once Rolling Realms (1-6 players, ~30 minutes): the lure of epic adventures can sometimes clash with the reality of limited time (boohoo, adulting sucks!). That's where Rolling Realms by Stonemaier Games swoops in. This compact box game delivers a satisfyingly complex puzzle that changes depending on what combination of the realms you choose. We tried a new promo pack this week, and I loved it! Space Base (2-5 players, ~45 minutes): Dice, ships, and simultaneous play. In this game you race to build the most profitable spaceport before your opponents reach 40 points. We enjoyed a game of 4, I did not win! Spots (1-4 players, ~25 minutes): roll and place dice to complete the most adorable dog cards. I kept farkling, I know that’s not the right game, but I think I broke a record for being almost ready to score my sixth dog. I kept rolling the wrong number, so I lost a game of four. I love this game! Trails of Tucana (1-8 players, ~15 minutes): Jungle trails, clever maps, flip and write game where you are trying to get the most points in either two or three rounds. This game scales well at any player count. I barely won at a two-player count Welcome To… (no player max, ~20 minutes): Design the best gossipy neighborhood in this flip and write game. Enjoyed losing at a four player game Great Western Trail (2-4 players, ~2 hours): Herd your wealth by hiring cattle, cowboys, train conductors, and construction workers. Make sure to navigate the danger with your cattle on the way to Kansas City. I. . . While farm life isn't my thing, this game? Oh boy, do I love it! We had a thrilling four-player match, and I came agonizingly close to victory for the first time ever. Teaching it only took about 30 minutes, and even though our newcomer was initially lost, it quickly clicked for her. We were all eager for another round, if only time allowed. SHELF OF SHAME This week’s theme for the shelf of shame reemergence is games that we played so much when we first got them, that they needed to take a break. Dollars to Donuts (1-4 players, ~30 minutes): Place tiles and make half donuts whole to serve the most customers. We played this game so much when we first got it, so it was nice to return it to the table. Did terribly at a game of 2 Curios (2-5 players, ~15 minutes): Use bluff and deduction in order to be the most prolific rogue archeologist. This game is also a game that we played over and over again, so it was nice to bring it back. Loved it at four. Did not win! I hear that Wonder Woods is the reimplementation, and I am curious; however, I don’t know if the new version will ever be added to my collection My Shelfie (2-4 players, ~30 minutes): Think connect four, but you can pick up to three tiles at a time. The catch? You have to place them in one vertical line at a time. I came very close, but nope. Not my week

Dice Versa 🎲 Even though I'm a die-hard home gamer, Dice Versa adds another📍option to Rochester's growing board game scene, and I'm here for it! From game nights in cozy bars to the emergence of dedicated board game havens. If you are in the area, give this place a try! It's perfect for casual gamers or for anyone craving a change of scenery. Location and Ambiance 🗺️ Dice Versa is located at 280 East Broad Street, Rochester, NY. This new board game bar and lounge is close to a collection of dinings and entertainment venues including The Geva Theater and BlueCross Arena. The proximity to the theater and stadium is exciting for pre-gaming and hang outs before a show or hockey game. Let's just say that parking and Google Maps played hide-and-seek with us the first time. The signage is by the door rather than the street, but we know for next time! After the first time, we have not had any issues. There is street parking next to the establishment and a free garage in front of it. Dice Versa is spacious. The lounge offers food, cocktails, mocktails, beer, and cider. Most tables are square and average restaurant size. This made the set up for Blood Rage, a larger heavy game, a bit tricky. The staff were super friendly and let us merge two tables 🥳. I did notice two large rectangular tables together in a different area the second time I visited, and for my understanding, bigger tables and signage on the bigger window are coming, and I'm all about it! The food menu is limited and has a variety of delicious food. There are not many allergy options like gluten-free, but there are vegetarian options. My friends and I have really enjoyed the Fried Avocado Slices, Mac n Cheese, and Sliders. The food presentation was a nice add-on, and the food was delivered quickly. Pricing and Accessibility 💵 Board game cafes typically charge an entry fee or have a minimum spending requirement, and Dice Versa is no exception. The cover is $8; however, they have a loyalty card that lets you enjoy five visits for $30. I've been to Dice Versa a few times, and I've enjoyed the ambiance each time. The space is quieter during the week, and though, I have not seen toddlers in the establishment. The range of ages is refreshing, ranging from teenagers to families with children. The place has non-alcoholic and fun kid-approved options like sliders and mac n cheese. Game Library and Variety 📚 The lounge boasts a library of over 300 games. The game variety ranges from classic games like Monopoly and children's games like Castle Panic to heavier titles arranged by topic. The first time I visited, we tried Winston and Blood Rage. Blood Rage stole the show – my second Eric Lang game ever, and I'm hooked! Now taking tips on how to convince the miniature-averse wife to add this gem to our collection 🙏🏼 This is the library when I first visited. Dice Versa seems to keep an updated version of their games in BoardGameGeek. Conclusion 🎉 Dice Versa is a vibrant addition to Rochester's board game landscape, offering a diverse range of games, drink, and food options. If you are undecided on what to drink, they have a die you can roll. I want to get the courage to try that option! Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking for a fun night out, Dice Versa has something for everyone. So, roll the dice and explore this exciting board game haven in the heart of Rochester! 🎲🍻

For fans of games like Wingspan and Viticulture, the lure of epic adventures can sometimes clash with the reality of limited time (boohoo, adulting sucks!). That's where Rolling Realms by Stonemaier Games swoops in. This compact box game delivers a satisfyingly complex puzzle in a delightful 30-minute package. The game plays 1-6 players, and it has been a welcome guest at every table I bring it to. Components: Well written rulebook Dry-erase boards Dry-erase markers Sheet erasers 2 hefty large dice 11 Realm cards for six players including games like Between Two Castles, Wingspan, and Viticulture 6 Resource cards 6 Score cards Gameplay: Earn the most stars over 3 rounds Players take turns rolling two dice Use the dice results on shared realm cards to generate resources (coins, hearts, pumpkins) and earn up to six stars per card Each realm card has unique abilities that manipulate dice rolls and resource earning Spend resources to activate bonuses and modify dice results Micro-Moments of Magic: Even when ten minutes are all we have, a single round of Rolling Realms provides a quick mental workout that leaves you energized and wanting more. We call these sessions “micro dosing.” Expansion Horizons: Don't get me wrong, the base game itself boasts serious replayability. But that itch for something new seems to always kick in. The promo packs are inexpensive and keep the spark. These miniature booster packs inject a sprinkle of magic into the familiar framework. We usually play two known realms and a new one when wanting to satisfy the, “I want something new itch.” The promo packs add to the replayability of the game, and they have led us to discover new board games like Libertalia and Skulk Hollow. The expansion packs have also inspired us to dust off games that haven’t made it to the table in a while. Gugong: Mind-Bending Delights: Yesterday, we cracked open the Gugong promo pack, and let me tell you, it blew my mind. The premise seems deceptively simple: nine spots, ascending numbers, bam, six stars! But oh, how it twists your brain. Missed a number? Rolled too low? Resources become sacrifices! And wait, you might not have the coin, heart, or pumpkin for those sacrifices, so no. Not simple at all. I only managed a few stars. The realm made me incredibly curious about Gugong the board game. If it's as deliciously challenging as its realm, it might just need to find a spot on my shelf, but wait! I have a buying ban. Hmmm . . . There’s always ways around that, right? 🎲 Rolling with the Realm: So, if you're looking for a quick, crunchy, and endlessly replayable game that fits perfectly between those epic large game sessions or a quick 10-minute fix, take a chance on Rolling Realms. It might just become your next go-to for a satisfying dose of tabletop adventure.