Commentary
Stop Writing Flat Reviews
I think a lot about how to review board games. It’s what I do. I’m a bit obsessive. This particular topic has been on my
September 14, 2021
1 Comment
Menu
Theory
Dune: Imperium and Mage Knight. Lessons in Deckbuilding
I don’t know why, but the lesson game designers seemed to take from Dominion is that deckbuilding is cool, but it’s not random enough. Or
September 2, 2021
No Comments
Theory
Further Thoughts on Macro-Theming
I’ve received some great comments in response to last week’s article about micro- and macro-theming. After considering them I don’t think I explained the idea
July 20, 2021
No Comments
Theory
Micro- and Macro-Theme, Immersion, Why Words Are Fuzzy and Weird, etc. etc.
The way the word “theme” is often used in reference to board games isn’t particularly useful. I’m not here to dictate to people how they
July 16, 2021
No Comments
Commentary
Engelstein’s “Achievement Relocked” And The Nature of Error
Geoff Engelstein is one of the best people in board gaming at teasing out and explaining the complex factors that go into game design and
June 10, 2021
No Comments
Strategy
5 Strategy Tips for Lost Cities
Lost Cities is a perfect example of Knizian elegance. It calls to mind a sort of dance or duet as opponents tip-toe around giving each
February 7, 2021
No Comments
Theory
Slay the Spire and Randomness Tolerance
Over the last few weeks I’ve returned to Slay the Spire as my digital relaxation game of choice. It’s as brilliant and brutal as ever,
January 28, 2021
No Comments
Commentary
Let’s Stop Calling Games “Broken” So Easily
Alright, people, listen up. I don’t have many gaming pet peeves but this is the biggest one so pay attention. Can we stop calling games
January 15, 2021
1 Comment
Commentary
The New Year
I slept through the changing of the year, and it might as well have gone that way, what with the general consensus that 2020 was
January 4, 2021
No Comments
Strategy
Analyzing the Wonders in 7 Wonders
The delightful variability the titular wonders bring in 7 Wonders is one of the most fun aspects of the game. I specifically remember the first
May 9, 2020
4 Comments
