Great Games from Luma Imports

 The fantastic folks at Luma Imports have sent me three games for review and we've been having lots of fun reviewing them as a family!  Here's what we got and what we thought:

1.) Pikoko - a trick-taking card game for 3-5 players

Mondrian Blocks Game Review

 With Christmas quickly approaching, I'm always on the lookout for games to give as gifts.  My family LOVES GAMES! (I'm sure you've figured that out by now.) So I was thrilled when the fabulous folks at Mondrian Blocks were kind enough to send me not one, but TWO boxes of their FABULOUS puzzle game!

I was excited to receive these, but I was even more excited when they arrived and I got to check them out for myself!  These games are seriously impressive!  So here's what I loved about them:

Buildzi Game Review

One of my kids' favorite quick dice games is Tenzi.  We reviewed this game (along with their other fabulous titles: Pairzi, Slapzi, and Itzi on our blog a couple of years ago and we thoroughly enjoyed all of them, so I was really excited when I found out they'd added another game to their collection.  Meet Buildzi

Great Game Titles from Stronghold Games

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. 

Wingspan Board Game Review

As you may have noticed, I review a LOT of games. And I thoroughly enjoy it! I rarely come across a game that I don’t like at all. In fact, I can’t think of a single game that I’ve reviewed that I absolutely hated. They all have their positives. Or maybe I’m just a “glass half full” kinda gal?  But I definitely have my favorites. And I have a few favorite companies as well. And Stonemaier Games is definitely one of my favs! Why? Well, simply put, I haven’t reviewed a game for them that I didn’t love. It all started with my review of My Little Scythe. And from that moment on I knew I was hooked. Their production quality is top notch. Their games are beautiful. And my family always has fun playing them! So I was thrilled with the opportunity to review Wingspan. Again, I’d heard great things, so I wanted to try it for myself. And I was NOT DISAPPOINTED! This game is beautiful, well made, and fun to play! And as a homeschool/gameschool family, I was THRILLED with its educational value as well! 

So, let’s get to that review, shall we? 

Tapestry Board Game Review

Have I mentioned how much I love Stonemaier Games? Why, yes. Yes I have! So I’ll say it again! Stonemaier Games are always a hit at my house! And today’s review game is no exception! Tapestry is quite the game! 

Board Games with Hidden Educational Value

 One of the things I get asked the most is, "Can you recommend a game with educational value?" This question involves a complicated answer.  You see, I firmly believe that ALL games have educational value.  Even the simplest game involves turn taking, which can be of value to younger kids.  And most games involve end game scoring, which can be great math practice!  So I try not to sound sarcastic when I answer the, "can you recommend a game with educational value" question with the answer: ALL OF THEM! But I get it.  Sometimes folks are looking for a specific educational skill or benefit from a game.  And it can be difficult to find a game that's both educational AND fun. (Although I have reviewed some straight forward educational games that are, in fact, lots of FUN!)  

The Sherlock Files Games (Volumes I-IV)

 I'm a huge fan of mysteries!  I love mystery books, mystery movies, and even mystery tv shows! So I was very excited when I found out that the fabulous people at Indie Boards and Cards had released an entire mystery series called The Sherlock Files!

Roll On with 12 Great, Unique Roll & Write Games

 As you've probably already guessed by reading my blog or following my Instagram or Facebook pages, I love games!  But what you may not know is that I LOVE LOVE LOVE roll & write games!  I often say that roll & writes are my love language!  Haha!  But seriously, I'm a HUGE FAN of the roll & write game mechanic.  

If you're not familiar with the term "roll & write," it refers to any game where you roll dice and then use the results to write or draw onto a sheet.  This could include writing numbers, drawing lines (to represent roads or railroad tracks), drawing pictures, or even coloring in blocks.  These games are usually fairly simple to learn, easy to play, and finish in less than 30 minutes (although a few are more complicated and longer).  This makes them great games for family game time or a fun starter for a game night!  Most roll & writes also play well with 2 players.  This makes them great for an evening game with hubby!

An offshoot of the roll & write genre is the "flip and write."  These games follow the same format, but instead of rolling dice you flip over cards.  Because these games are so similar - and I include them as part of my roll & write "love language," I've included them in this review.

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Looking for a yummy, easy side dish? Or a delicious lunch? Cheddar bacon ranch pasta salad is so good and so easy! 

Of Nights and Ninjas

 The king is old and has no heir, so he's decided to name an heir from the nobles in his kingdom.  If you can manage to acquire 10 gems before any of your noble competitors, you can become the next ruler of the kingdom! Good luck and godspeed!

I'm gonna be honest, I'm a huge sucker for a Medieval themed game!  I was thrilled when I got the opportunity to review Of Nights and Ninjas, by Blue Fox Games! So let's check it out!

2 Minute Dino Deal

 I have a dino-obsessed ten year old, so I was really excited at the prospect of reviewing 2 Minute Dino Deal by Petersen Games! This is a cute, fun, compact game that, as its name suggests, plays in TWO MINUTES! So let's check it out!

2 Minute Dino Deal is a game for 2-5 players ages 8+.  It plays in.. you guessed it... 2 minutes!  Use the "Time Scoop" and go back in time to capture dinosaurs and bring them back to sell to theme parks and zoos! 

Fun Games from Analog Game Studios

 When I'm game shopping, I look for a few things: 1.) games that scale well to 2 players so that my hubby and I can play together, 2.) games that play up to 5 players so that my entire family can play together, 3.) games that little girls will enjoy, and 3.) games that my kids can play independently so that they don't need adult help to enjoy playing.  Analog Game Studios had games that fit all of those criteria!  So let's check them out!

The Grand Museum of Art

 I'm constantly searching for great gameschooling game (games that have educational value).  I'm a firm believer that ALL games contain some educational value - whether its the math in scoring or simply the learning to take turns - but I love a great themed educational game!  And art history themed games can be difficult to find. So I was thrilled to find The Grand Museum of Art game, by Today Is Art Day!  

The Grand Museum of Art is a beautiful board game for 2-4 players ages 12+.  It takes approximately 1 hour to play and you'll learn a lot about art!

Great Polyomino Games by Stronghold Games

 I'm gonna date myself a bit, but I'm a child of the 80's/early 90's. Because of that, there are certain things that bring me right back to my childhood: Rainbow Bright, Cabbage Patch Dolls, He-Man and She-Ra... and Tetris! I loved Tetris!  I played it so much I practically saw falling blocks in my sleep!  Haha!  So when I first discovered polyomino tile-laying games, they scratched a special childhood itch.  Thankfully, the folks at Stronghold Games have published a trio of fantastic polyomino games and I'm right here for it!  So let's check them out!

Red Rising Game: Collectors Edition

I was so excited when I saw that Stonemaier Games was releasing a Red Rising game! For 2 reasons: 1.) the Stonemaier games that I own are exceptional quality and tons of fun, and 2.) the cover art just got me! (I mean, look at this gorgeous cover!!!!)

Honey Buzz Board Game Review

May 20th is World Bee Day!  Yippee!  Do you know what that means?  A great GAMESCHOOLING opportunity!  What should we play?  Well, Honey Buzz, by Elf Creek Games, of course!  This is a BEAUTIFUL, fun, strategic game about bee accountants!  That's right!  I said bee accountants!  Haha!  In Honey Buzz, each player is one of Her Majesty the Queen Bee's accountants. Manage your portion of the hive and worker bees, store nectar, make honey, and sell your honey at the bear market. Whoever makes the most money wins the game!

Here's what I like:

Cosmic Colonies Board Game Review

 Last night my husband, 10 year old, and I all played Cosmic Colonies, by Floodgate Games for the first time.  I'll admit, we had this one for a while before we played it.  It sat on the shelf and I'd walk past and say, "I need to play test this one." But the number of components and the recommended age on the box (13+ years) had me worried that it would be overly complicated.  And its hard to get the fam - particularly hubby - to play a complicated game.  After a long day he just doesn't want to burn his brain learning something super heavy.  But Cosmic Colonies is the PERFECT EXAMPLE of a misjudged game!  I wish I'd pulled it out much sooner!  It was a joy to play and not overly complicated at all!  But it was lots of fun!

CrowD Games Review

 The wonderful folks at CrowD Games  very kindly sent me a few of their games to review.  I'll be honest.  I'd not heard of these games before, so I had absolutely ZERO preconceived notions about how they would play or what they'd be like.  But I was impressed!  So I'd love to share them with you!

No Thank You, Evil Game Review

 I'd like to start this particular review by saying that I have ZERO experience with RPGs (Roll PLayer Games) - unless you consider watching the guys on the Big Bang Theory play Dungeons and Dragons.  Haha!  For that reason, this particular game was a little intimidating to me.  But it looked like so much fun that I had to give it a try.  Thankfully, the creators of No Thank You, Evil did such a FABULOUS JOB on the instructions, that it was easy to dive in!

Pesto Ranch Pasta Salad

I'm a sucker for pasta.  Seriously.  I have a serious pasta addiction,  Hot. Cold.  Doesn't matter.  Marinara sauce. Italian dressing. Ranch dressing.  Doesn't matter.  Have I mentioned I LOVE pasta!?! That led me to today.  We're having some baked chicken tenders and roasted asparagus for dinner and I was looking for another side dish.  I had some broccoli and grape tomatoes - which both go GREAT in pasta salad - so I decided a pasta salad would be a great dish to serve!  But I've been in a "creative mood" lately, so I decided to experiment.  A jar of pesto in my fridge was calling my name, so I whipped up this Pesto Ranch Pasta Salad!  And it was pretty doggone good - if I do say so myself!

Easter Baskets Stuffed with Games! (The best small games to fit in your kids' Easter baskets)

 Easter is April 4, y'all!  Can you believe its almost time for Easter?!?  I can't! That also means its been a year of pandemic panic, quarantines, mask wearing, hand sanitizing frustration.  People are locked in their houses more than ever.  And it can be frustrating!  But it can also provide opportunities for great family togetherness.  So if you're looking for something fun to add to your child's Easter basket, how about a fun family game?  I've compiled a list of some fabulous suggestions (in no particular order).

Fabulous Roll & Write Games from Stronghold Games/Indie Boards and Cards

 As I mentioned in a previous post, the wonderful folks at Stronghold Games and Indie Boards and Cards were kind enough to send me several games to review!  I've split the games up in an effort to keep the reviews manageable and readable.  So in this review, I'd like to introduce you to some of their amazing roll and write games!

I'm a HUGE fan of roll and writes!  They're fun. They usually take 15-30 minutes. And they're smaller in size, so they're very portable.  My family loves roll & writes as well, so we were more than happy to check out these!

Stronghold Family Games Review

The amazingly generous folks at Stronghold Games were kind enough to send me a box full of games to review! After I did a little happy dance around my living room when I saw what they included, I decided that the best way to handle reviews would be to break it up into manageable chunks. So this weekend my family and I took 4 of the games and played them!  I have to say, I was sure at least one of them would be a dud.  I mean, in 4 new games, one of them is gonna be "just OK," right?  Man, was I wrong!  So I want introduce you to those first 4 games in this post!

To begin with, on Saturday I picked 3 games for us to play as a family.  Honestly, I wasn't sure we'd get to all of them on Saturday afternoon.  After all, each new game we play involves me reading the rules, setting up the game, and explaining the rules to my hubby and 3 kids. Then we often have a long, confusing play through as we learn the game.  Thankfully, these 3 games were simple to learn, simple to play, and lots of fun!

1.) To begin with, we played Fabled Fruit (2-5 players) 

Seven Bridges of Konigsburg and Concluzio Games Review

 I recently came across a game I'd never heard of before, called "Seven Bridges of Konigsburg," by Puzzling Pixel Games  It immediately caught my eye for two reasons: 1.) Its a Roll & Write game! - I'm a complete sucker for dice games in general and Roll & Write games in particular! 2.) It's named after a place! - I'm also a sucker for a game that takes me to a different location!  I knew I HAD to review it!  Then I saw they had a little card game called Concluzio as well!  A logic and reasoning card game?  Yes, please!  So let's take a look!

Seven Bridges of Konigsburg - 

We received Seven Bridges a few days ago. Hubby and I played it that night!  I wasn't sure what I'd think about it.  Since its brand new, there aren't any amazon reviews yet, so I couldn't really get lots of other gamer's opinions.  It looked like it might me kinda fun.  And we love roll & write games, so we figured we'd give it a shot.  Well, I was completely surprised!  I enjoyed this game quite a bit!  And so did my hubby! There's a ton of strategy involved - because different items score in different ways. And the amount of items you get to score all depends on how many bridges you cross, so you have to carefully balance doing other things with crossing as many bridges as you can! Somehow though, even though this game is very strategic and quite the puzzler, it was still very laid back and relaxing to play! It only takes about 15 -20 minutes to play, so its a great game if you don't have tons of time - or if you're looking to play more than once! 

Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig Review

 I recently received a review copy of Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig, by Stonemaier Games.  You may remember my previous review of their fantastic game My Little Scythe.  We absolutely LOVE My Little Scythe, so I was eager to review for them again.  And once again Stonemaier did NOT disappoint!

Ice Cream Empire Game Review

 I'm always looking for fun games that will teach educational concepts.  Ice Cream Empire, by Uncorked Games is a cute game that teaches kids the basics of economics in building a business.  

Mad Scientist University Game Review

 Most games have very strict rules of play - quite necessarily.  But every once in a while you come across a game with more flexible rules and a larger capacity for invention and creativity.  And those games can be little gems!  Mad Scientist University, by Atlas Games is just such a game!

Eagle Gryphon Games Review

 The wonderful folks at Eagle Gryphon Games were kind enough to send me several games for review! Eagle Gryphon makes some fantastic, high quality games! I'm excited share them with you today! So let's take a look!

1.) Wildlife Safari - This is a really creative reskin of a couple of older games: Flinkie Pinkie and Quandary!  Now, instead of number cards and chips, you have animal cards and actual toy animals!  This makes this game SO APPEALING to younger kids!  In the game, players are dealt animal cards.  On your turn, you play a card and take an animal (animal doesn't have to match the card).  Once all 6 cards of a specific animal have been played, you use the final number card played for each animal to determine how many points each animal is worth.  I love that its easy enough that a small child can play and rely on luck.  But it also has a good deal of strategic possibility in which cards you play and which animals you take. As a family of 5, I also LOVE that the game plays 2-5 players - s the youngest doesn't have to team up with anyone or feel left out!