I had no interest in Lord of the Rings Pandemic. But what I discovered was an epic that bears little semblance to its predecessor. In my review, I discuss IP, narrative framework, and aspect ratios. You can find it here:

It's not every day a 60-year-old avant-garde film is adapted to a mass market board game by Phil Walker-Harding. In my review, I discuss 2001, player elimination, and the legacy of Prospero Hall.

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The Old King's Crown is a wild game of bidding, tableau building, and area control. It's also gorgeous to gander at. My review:

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Over at IGN I've written a list of the top games that impressed me at Gen Con. A lot of choice titles here:

Leviathan Wilds is back with a fresh print run and expansion. I take a look at the new content and also re-assess the base game, which I first reviewed just over a year ago. Leviathan Wilds: Deepvale -

Vantage is Stonemaier Games' evolution of the tabletop open world adventure. This sharp construction solves some of the pitfalls of its peers, and in doing so, manages to present itself as one of the best games of 2025. My review:

RT @halfwayhoping: @CharlieTheel composed this thoughtful review of Chicago '68. Link in the comments ✊. #boardgames @FoundationDietz @joe_….

Chicago '68 is a blistering look at protest and violence. It's an emotional historical game that never flinches. My review:

Ichor is the second game in Bitewing's Mythos line. Like its sibling Iliad, it's a dynamic and thoughtful design from Reiner Knizia. Unfortunately, I didn't find it quite as legendary. My review:

Apex Legends is brought to the tabletop as a skirmish game full of interesting characters, exciting modes, and nuanced gunplay. My review at IGN:

Off the Page Games' third title seeks to adapt a comic about Lewis and Clark slaying beasts and extinguishing evil. The core identity of the game is that of a puzzle. A new framework for exploration. Something entirely novel. My review:.

"Grandpa, what was it like in 2025?"

Why bet on horses when you can bet on D-list mascots? Hot Streak is a revelation. Rarely is a game equal parts absurd and committed. My review:

Reiner Knizia is still cranking out epics like the 90s never ended. Here, he takes on the climactic showdown between Hector and Achilles. Both warriors seek blood and honor, but they also seek the ear of the gods.

On Monday I published a review about an influential game with historical significance. Today, I'm looking at a silly little game about ducks. Quack, quack.

Curation is often a difficult and thankless task. Jarrod's work here is thoughtful and interesting. I've enjoyed this book quite a bit.

Cyclades helped usher in the era of Euro/Ameritrash hybrid design and has left an indelible mark on the hobby. It also happens to be one of my favorite games. Does the Legendary Edition measure up to this legacy? My thoughts:

Here we go, my annual top 50 games list. Come take a gander at the good stuff:

Raising a glass to Mon Mothma, who remained behind during the occupation of Mon Calamari to foment dissent, was captured, and subsequently tortured for Rebel secrets. She was never rescued, but died a hero.