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.

A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (2nd Edition), by Christian T. Petersen

If you haven’t read the books, or seen the HBO series then you’re missing out the beauty and intrigue of Westeros, part of the world created by the “Great Bearded Glacier” George R. R. Martin. The stories tell of a great struggle for power between famous houses – and the men and women who lead them - competing to control the Iron Throne and the influence that comes with being the undisputed ruler of Westeros.

A Game of Thrones: The Board Game allows players to control those houses and fight great battles themselves, each for the ultimate purpose of ruling Westeros once and for all.  

Sit, and let me tell you of A Game of Thrones!

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: Zogar's Gaze by Grey Gnome Games

Zogar’s Gaze is a press-your-luck game that uses both cards and dice to deal with the many obstacles in Zogar’s lair. Players draw a random race and class card at the beginning of the game and keep these identities a secret from the other players. Both the race and class have separate win conditions that must be met in order to win the game.  Each turn, players can explore as much as they'd like, at risk of losing all that's been gained!

In addition, Zogar’s Gaze is always on the lookout. If seven of his ever-piercing eyes are revealed, all players lose, and Zogar wins!

Review: Velociraptor! Cannibalism! from Game Salute

Velociraptor! Cannibalism! is a game of survival and mutation that allows you to eat your friends! A game typically lasts 45-60 mins, and is for 3-6 players ages 8 and up. 

I was first introduced to Velociraptor! Cannibalism! by my friend Zak, who backed it on Kickstarter. We gathered at a game night and he busted this out. The base raptors are all pretty ludicrous. A Pegged-Legged pirate Raptor, a punk rock Raptor, and RAPTO-TRON 2000 among others. But as game play goes on things get right out of hand, or should I say, claw? Tentacle? Wing? All of these things are possible, and more!

Review: Talisman (Revised 4th Edition), By Robert Harris

Talisman: The Magical Quest Game. This game will ruin friendships. This is not a joke. Talisman first entered the world in 1983, and has been a growing force in the board game community. It accommodates 2-6 players ages 9 and up. It is my favorite game I own.

Review: Richard Garfield's King of Tokyo

Richard Garfield's King of Tokyo is my favorite dice drafting game, as well it should be! King of Tokyo provides a rich game play experience, minutes to learn and a lifetime to master. It's the winner of several awards, including:

• Best Family Game 2011 from The Dice Tower
• The Dice Tower Seal of Excellence
• 2012 Golden Geek
• Best Children's Game from Board Game Geek
• Best Family Game from Board Game Geek
• Best Party Game from Board Game Geek

Those are just what are printed on the box! There are a total of 19 awards listed on King of Tokyo's Board Game Geek Page.

One of the things that drew me to King of Tokyo in the first place was the box art. A giant lizard holding part of a skyscraper, a gorilla with cybernetic enhancements, and a massive rabbit robot with an energy sword. Everything about this box art screams "there is fun to be had here".