Amberden Affair LIVE, by Mike & Kelsey Domeny and Drake Philyaw

Pop Quiz: What's the "Edwardian Era"? 

a) NSA slang for the second half of 2013

b) the 1900's - 1910's in England

c) something something Twilight 

Look after the jump for the answer! Before you do, let me warn you - it involves Barons, butlers... and murder!

Review: Student Bodies by Smirk & Dagger Games

I can hear you out there.

"Another zombie game?"

"ANOTHER zombie game?"

"Really?"

I don't blame you for reacting that way.  I really don't.  But give me just a chance, and I'll tell you exactly why Student Bodies is not just another zombie game.

Gen Con 2014 Designer/Publisher Speed Dating Coverage

Gen Con, aptly nicknamed "The Best Four Days In Gaming", is an event of such size and scale that it can't be experienced fully in one visit. It's the only place I know where you can find anything you'd want from the gaming world.

Of the many events scheduled during Gen Con, "Designer/Publisher Speed Dating" is among the most interesting. James Mathe and his team have created an event designed to provide game designers the chance to demo their games for publishers large and small, and to do so in a structured, rapid-fire environment that promotes professionalism and efficiency. 

I got permission from James to cover the Saturday evening edition of the event, and arranged a series of interviews with game designers Drake Philyaw and Kelsey Domeny (Two Penny Games) and with publishers Jeff and Nathan Cornelius (Cosmic Wombat Games) and Daniel Hadlock and Seth Jaffe (Tasty Minstrel Games).

Quick Review: The Builders: Middle Ages by Frédéric Henry and Sabrina Miramon

TLDR: If you want a quick, fun little game (literally little, the game box is smaller than a store-bought package of hummus) that incorporates card drafting, worker placement and resource management while still being kid friendly, The Builders is probably for you!

Solo Variant Review: Legacy: The Testament of Duke de Crecy by Michiel Hendriks

TLDR: Legacy uses worker placement and card management mechanics to tell the story of a dynasty, and in the solo variant, the story of a dynasty in reverse. More than anything, it tells a story.  If you have played "story" games before (such as Gloom) and enjoyed them, then Legacy is probably a game to add to your collection. I know I did!

Review: Last Night On Earth by Flying Frog Productions

The work day is ending and the stillness of evening sets in on a quiet Midwest town, the kind of town where the high school, the police station, the junkyard and a farm are all within a short walk of each other.  Johnny, the high school quarterback is getting in a few more reps in at  the high school gym; Sheriff Anderson is locking up at the police station while his son Billy stashes his belongings in his locker.

Then, a blood-curdling scream echoes through the small town... Jenny, the farmer's daughter, on her evening walk through the cornfield!

The dead are rising, and it might just be these folks' last night on Earth...

Second Opinion: Lagoon, By David Chott

I had the chance to play a pre-release version of Lagoon: Land of Druids with our very own J.R. Honeycutt.  He gave his thoughts and excellently described how the game works (you should read it, if you haven't already), and as such I won't go over how the game works.  Instead, I will give you a second opinion on the game and why you should support it before the Kickstarter campaign ends.

Review: Tanto Cuore by Japanime Games/Arclight

TLDR: Tanto Cuore is the most Japanese thing I've ever experienced, and I've been to Tokyo.

That said, if you like anime, like... REALLY like anime... in so far as you have absolutely no shame whatsoever about your anime fan status... and you liked Dominion, you'll probably like Tanto Cuore.

Review: Castle Panic by Fireside Games

TLDR: Castle Panic is a cooperative, kid friendly (mother approved?) tower defense game that is perfect as either an evening-starter, an introduction for board-gaming neophytes, or just anyone who is interested in slayin' some nasties with friends.  Who doesn't love bonding over the bloodied corpse of a troll, ogre or goblin?

Review: Forbidden Desert by Matt Leacock

TLDR: Would you rather play with your friends than against them?  Do you have a masochistic streak, and wouldn't mind losing TO the game?  Does the concept of being a thrill-seeking archaeologist lost in the desert in a race against time for survival appeal to you?  Do you have an irrational hatred of dice?  Did you once play Forbidden Island, and liked it?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, Forbidden Desert is the game for you!

Review: Star Wars X-Wing Minatures Game by Fantasy Flight Games

TL;DR: Do you like Star Wars?  Have you ever wanted to pilot an X-Wing or TIE Fighter in a dogfight, or on a mission to protect a shuttle with Rebellion leaders (or to blast those Rebel scum into a million pieces)?  What am I saying, of course you have.  Have you ever wanted to collect minis, as in Warhammer, but were intimidated by the cost, or the painting?  Can you plot out angle and flight paths in your mind, thinking two, three steps ahead of your enemies?  Then this is a game for you.

Review: Cards Against Humanity

TL;DR: Cards Against Humanity is a party game in the same manner as Apples To Apples, but for people who spend too much time on the Internet. Though a "winner" can be crowned, "winning" is not the point of CAH; having fun (and coming up with the worst things imaginable) is. Though entirely dependent on having the right group of people, CAH can be a hoot and a half if you have the right mindset.