Stronghold Games is a company I've worked with quite a few times. And why do I keep working with them? Well, because I love their games, of course! I love this company because it has a wide range of games. There's really something for everyone. Card games, roll & write games, children's games, games for families,, games for more serious gamers, quick games, games that take hours. There's really tons to choose from! So today I'd like to introduce you to some of what I think are their "gamer games." These games involve a few more pieces and a little more time. But they are well worth it! SO let's check them out!
1.) Calimala -
In Calimala, players act as members of the Arte di Calimala - the guild of cloth finishers and merchants in foreign cloth. They produce and gain cloth, gain prestige points by delivering goods, contribute to building projects, and sponsor artworks in Florence, Italy. Calimala is a game for 3-5 people, ages 10+. It plays in 75+ minutes.
What I like:
a.) The theme! - I'm gonna admit it. I'm a sucker for a medieval themed game!
b.) The components! - The wooden pieces are fun and color. The cards are well designed. And the player mats are durable.
c.) The rulebook! - I love how the rulebook is laid out. First, it describes each of the game components and its purpose. Then it explains how to set the game up. Lastly, it explains the sequence of play. I'm sure this seems very standard, but many rulebooks don't start out with a components explanation. They just place explanations throughout the book when you get to that particular component. That can be frustrating though, when you're looking for info on a specific piece. This booklet makes everything easy to find and even gives examples of a players turn and scoring.
2.) Sola Fide: The Reformation -
In the 2-player game Sola Fide: The Reformation, one player is trying to start the Reformation, while the other player attempts to prevent it. Who will succeed??? Sola Fide is a game for 3 players, ages 12+. It plays in 45 minutes.
What I like:
a.) The theme! - As a Christian - and a history buff, this is a fascinating theme to me! And its a highly unique theme. I've never seen another game that deals with the Reformation!
b.) The maps! - The game contains 10 Imperial Circle cards. The cards contain a wealth of information - The name of the circle/area (in both English and German), the circle number, the victory point value, a map of the area, the power track, and territories. I love a game that comes with maps! Its a great opportunity for some geographical education.
c.) The informational booklet! - This game comes with a handy rulebook, just like Calimala. But it also comes with a separate booklet full of historical information on the specific cards contained in the game! I love a game that teaches history and this one definitely fits the bill!
3.) La Granja -
In La Granja, you're a farmer on the island of Majorca, Spain. Develop your farm and deliver your goods to the village. Create the greatest estate to win the game! La Granja is a game for 1-4 players, ages 12+. It plays in 120 minutes.
What I like:
a.) The farming theme! -I love a good farming game. I'll be honest. But I particularly love this one because its specific. You're not just a farmer, you're a Majorcan farmer!
b.) The game design! - The game is beautifully illustrated. But the illustrations also have a very peaceful, calm look to them. Sometimes its nice to play something that has a very calm personality. But don't be fooled! There's still a ton of strategy involved!
c.) The dice! - I'm a big fan of dice games! But what I love about La Granja is that its not your typical, "play in 30 minutes" dice game. This game can take 2 hours, so be aware. but if you're a fan of dice mechanics AND a fan of a longer, strategic game, La Granja may just float your boat!
4.) Paper Tales -
In Paper Tales, you're waging war on your opponents. In this fast-paced, card drafting game, recruit units, build buildings, and be the best leader - and maybe your kingdom will win! Paper Tales is a game for 2-5 players, ages 12+. It plays in 30 minutes.
What I like:
a.) The illustrations! - I love a well-illustrated card game! And this one is definitely top notch! The illustrations on the cards - as the game's name suggests - look like they've been created out of paper collages! So creative!
b.) The simplicity of components! - In a blog post filled with games with TONS of components, Paper Tales stands out because its basically some cards, some money tokens, player tokens and a player board! That's it! That makes for quick set up.
c.) The play time! - Again, in a post with games that f=range in play time from 45 minutes to 2 hours, Paper Tales stands out with its short, 30 minute play time. This makes it perfect for a lunch break, a school break, or a quick, evening game!
5.) Terraforming Mars -
In Terraforming Mars, each player is the head of a corporation attempting to - you guessed it - terraform Mars! You goal: to raise the temperature, create a breathable atmosphere, and create oceans of water! Can you do it the best? Or will someone else lead the way in innovation?
What I like:
a.) The game design! - I love the red/green-focused game design. Red because, well, its the "Red Planet," and green because you're attempting to terraform it. Normally I like games with more variety in color. But the color scheme of Terraforming Mars fits the theme so perfectly that it just WORKS!
b.) The shiny cubes! - Haha! I'm a sucker for shiny game components and these resource cubes, player markers, and temperature, oxygen, and generation markers just make me happy! If you're going to have a game with a lot of components, you'd better make them pretty!
c.) Player count! - I love a game that gives me lots of options in terms of who to play with. Terraforming Mars definitely does that! There's a solo option (for when nobody wants to play with me. Haha!) But the player count goes all the way up to 5 - which means my whole family - or several friends - can join in! Woohoo!
Terraforming Mars is a game for 1-5 players, ages 12+. It plays in 90-120 minutes.
I received these games, free of charge from Stronghold Games, in exchange for my honest review.
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