Shortly after playing Power Grid for the first time, I discovered that Rio Grande Games had just put out a deluxe edition to celebrate the game’s 10th anniversary. Like the Ticket to Ride 10th Anniversary Edition, this one features nicer components, all new art and a larger board. It also comes at a premium price that’s about double the cost of the original. Unlike Ticket to Ride, Power Grid Deluxe goes a step further by including two new maps that sort of make this a different game. Whether you’re new to the series or own the original, is this deluxe edition worth its premium price?
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King of Tokyo: Power Up Review

King of Tokyo is spectacular at being an accessible and strategically-light dice game that virtually anyone can play and enjoy. However, that focus on casual play makes it a tougher sell for seasoned gamers looking for something deeper. King of Tokyo: Power Up aims to address that with a set of new cards that change how the game is played. Also, it comes with a Kung-Fu panda, and who doesn’t like pandas?
Freedom: The Underground Railroad Review
Slavery in the 1800s is a sore spot of North American history. However, it was also a time when the tides turned thanks to the efforts of brave individuals who risked everything to abolish slavery. Freedom: The Underground Railroad is a co-operative board game in which players take on the role of the abolitionists trying to usher slaves out of the plantations and into the safety of Canadian soil while trying to drum up support for the Abolistionist movement. Of course, doing those won’t be easy, as Slave Catchers will try and intercept slaves before they get to Canada, while opposing people or events will stifle your progress in other ways.
Tackling this in any form is tricky due to the nature of the subject matter. Thankfully, Academy Games took great care in presenting the subject with respect and historical accuracy in mind. Oh yeah, it also turns out to be a great and challenging board game, too.
NBA 2K15 Review
Aside from Madden, the NBA 2K dynasty is one of the most impressive in video game sports series. They’ve been so dominant that EA Sports went as far as to cancel two years worth of of their basketball games that they felt couldn’t hold their own against the champ. Last year, 2K14 got a graphical shot in the arm thanks to the transition over to the more powerful hardware. Now that the sizzle of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 has cooled, is there enough in this year’s package to justify a return trip to the hardwood?
Power Grid Review

In its large green box, Power Grid is hard to miss when I pass by it at my local game store. However, it is one that I have actively avoided for years. Looking at the cover art and reading the back of the box, the concept of building power plants and supplying energy for homes doesn’t come through as something I’d want to play.
Thankfully, it piqued the interest of Steff’s sister Michelle. I gave it to her as a Christmas present and as a group, we gave it an honest try. I don’t think my words can make this game sound any sexier than the relatively dry premise it’s built around, but it actually makes for a phenomenal board game.
Super Smash Bros for Wii U Review

My memories of playing Smash Bros. prior to the Wii U version are hazy at best. I remember having a great time with the Nintendo 64 and Gamecube iterations, though I went cold turkey once Brawl came out. Not to say that the Wii game did anything wrong per se, but I just had my fill of Smash Bros. at that point. With many years of recharging under my belt, now isn’t a bad time to come back.
Cash’n Guns Review

In Cash’N Guns, sharing apparently isn’t caring. Sparked by a heated dispute over the distribution of loot, guns are drawn and shots are fired and laughter ensues until one person ends up with the fattest pockets. While the conflict is rather violent, it’s actually meant to be a party game for a wide audience. Does it succeed at marrying these two opposites into one cohesive package?
Sushi Go! Review

I’ll be the first to admit that seafood isn’t my cup of tea. Aside from certain kinds of white fish, I’m either not a fan of the taste or allergic. In Sushi Go! from Phil Walker-Harding and Gamewright, you don’t have to eat anything, though you are tasked with creating the most delectable sets of sushi around. Is this food-inspired card game worthy of a spot at your dinner table or wherever you happen to play tabletop games?
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Review
Having played bit roles in Nintendo games since the original Super Mario Bros., Toad finally gets an opportunity to shine in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. Using the Toad mini games from Super Mario 3D World as a base, Nintendo expands on that experience with dozens of new levels on a disc that’s less than full price. Is Toad’s debut a real step towards stardom?
XCOM: The Board Game Review

Aliens are hell bent on taking over our planet, but to quote Will Smith from Independence Day, “Welcome to Earth!” In XCOM: The Board Game, you and your fellow teammates will square off against the extraterrestrial threats on multiple fronts. This particular conflict may not be completely new to you, as this is a licensed board game based on the hit video game XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Nonetheless, it brings something very alien to the table for gamers of all sorts (pun intended), as it’s one of the first board games that needs to be played alongside of a digital app. Should you suit up for what might be Earth’s last stand?