Sunset Over Awesome!

Scuttle! A quick pirate themed card game that is lots of fun.

Ninjatsu! A sequel stand alone game to Scuttle is on Kickstarter now.

My first Jelly Bean Games review, I am very impressed with the company and people bringing these games to our tables. Keep up the good work Peter, Kelly, and Nicole! I hope to review more of their games soon! Until then, check out the Kickstarter and snatch up some doubloons!

New Featured Kickstarter - Burning Rome

Burning Rome is a great 2 player strategic war card game. Easy to learn and fun to play. Provides a quick gameplay and a lot of cards for nice replay ability. Emil Larsen is very thorough in his game designs and yet humble enough to ask for feedback and embrace suggestions to make his games better. Definitely check out the game yourself on Kickstarter now (Starting July 18, 2017).

Herbaceous is one of the best games of 2017

Math + Fluxx = Best Fluxx Ever

Loonacy Retro Style!

Enjoy A Storytelling Treasure With Your Kids. Time to Jump Ship!

Jump Ship!

Cardventure Series #2

Gamewright

15 Minutes

Play Solo or Group

Jump Ship is a great choose your own adventure story using decks of cards to navigate your way through the fun trying to collect as much treasure in the process. Highly recommend for young kids. The adventure may be lost on older kids and adults. My enjoyment of the game is seeing my kids get excited about a story and their interaction and guidance of the story. Would make a great bed time story/activity for anyone willing to Jump Ship and that is How Lou Sees It! Enjoy the pictures and more in-depth (no pun intended) video review below:

Terrene Odyssey Review

Terrene Odyssey

Designed by Chris Solis

Self Published (Terrene Odyssey)

2 Players (with 2 versus 2 variant)

30 Minutes

Strategic Party-Based Card Combat, Deck Creation

(8/10 Stars)

Hi everyone! Back in February of 2014 I interviewed the game designer Chris Solis about an upcoming Kickstarter for his game Terrene Odyssey (see interview here) and it was a Featured Kickstarter on the blog. Now, a little over a year later, here is my review of the final product!

First, the game components are very well done. The box is a good size box that isn't too small and isn't too large - fits the Goldilocks principle well - it is just right. The box has a nice feel to it and is very sturdy. When you open the box you will find lots of good stuff. 324 cards (3 copies of 108 unique cards), The game also includes lots of other cardboard tokens to help keep track of damage and modifiers. The tokens are good quality and double sided. I'm very glad these are included in the game, it is a must for the game play used. Very nice. There are player reference sheets which are glossy paper, also double sided with starting party suggestions (and strategy ideas).  The rule book is pretty well done, but it feels incomplete and I found myself with many questions as I played the game for at least the first game or two. Check out the Terrene Odyssey page on Board Game Geek for some clarifications provided in the forums. And lastly, but certainly not least - Terrene Odyssey has fantastic artwork! Love it. The card layout is also very nice.

One of the other great things about the game, is that the game comes with 6 different pre-constructed decks (along with starting party suggestions for each). This is very important because there is a lot of different cards and card types, and these pre-constructed decks are really well done and helps for quick games (especially with new players). Playing with these decks also allows players to see the different strategies available to use in future custom decks. My favorite is a spellcaster type deck so far, but I would love to make a good Engineer type deck. There is just so many different combinations to explore and that makes the game have great replay ability.

The game play at it's heart really is simple. You have a set number of actions determined by your current location card, and you utilize those actions to recruit new characters, make attacks, or use the various different abilities, items, or commands. Defeat your opponent by taking his hit points down to 0 from 50 or defeat all your opponents characters. It is a tight game with lots of strategy. You really have to plan out what you are doing to be successful because actions and cards in your hand are limited. You usually won't be able to do all that you want on one turn, so that requires you to make interesting choices on what you want to do this turn, and what actions you may want to save to react to your opponent etc. The gameplay is rich and seems to be done very well.

The game has felt a little long for me up until this point, but honestly this is probably due to the fact that I'm still new to the game and figuring it all out. This is a very enjoyable 2 player strategic card game. It is very well done from game play to artwork to quality of components. Currently on sale on Amazon for $39.99, it retails for $60. This seems a little high, but considering the amount of cards, tokens, and quality of components along with the fact that it is self published - I can see the reason behind it. If you can get passed the price point and/or you enjoy card strategic battle card games like this, I would highly recommend you check out Terrene Odyssey and that is How Lou Sees It!

(I was provided a free review copy of this game from Chris Solis.  There is a more detailed video review below.  If you liked this video review, please like and follow me!)

Just Desserts is Just Plain Fun!

Just Desserts

Designed by Andrew Looney

Published by Looney Labs

2 to 5 Players

25 Minutes

Set Collecting, Hand Management, Order Fulfillment

(7/10 Stars)

Hi everyone! Here is my video review of Just Desserts by Looney Labs. It is definitely my favorite game of theirs. I gave Fluxx a 6/10 stars, and Just Desserts is a 7/10. I think I would always choose Just Desserts over Fluxx. The theme is a great one and the artwork is fun and very well done. The game is filled with so many desserts - you will probably want to eat some after playing.  The game is definitely not as long as some Fluxx games and I felt like Just Desserts is more balanced and more strategic. It is still a really light card game, but it is definitely a great time.  The game provides some "advanced" rules that I think should be used the majority of the time (only play without them if you are playing with younger kids who may not understand the other rules or if you want to avoid a slightly more confrontational game).  I do feel that the "advanced" rules are actually really simple to understand and that they fix some of the small issues that happen when you play without them.  If you play without the "advanced" rules it seems like you may have a run-away winner issue, but if you add the other rules it definitely balances it out in my opinion.  The quality of the cards is good.  I really enjoyed how many different desserts they incorporated into the game and again, the artwork is really great.  A simple, fun, set collecting card game that is by far my favorite Looney game and that is How Lou Sees It! (Check out the more detailed video review below!)

I was given a copy of Just Desserts by Looney Labs for the purpose of this review.

Sirlin Games Week - Day 4 - Pandante

Pandante (First Edition - Deluxe)

Designed by David Sirlin

Published by Sirlin Games

2 to 6 Players

30 to 40 minutes

Gambling (Poker), Player Abilities, Bluffing

(8/10 Stars)

Have you ever heard of a gambling panda bear? Chances are that if you have, you are already familiar with David Sirlin's other Fantasy Strike games which feature a gambling panda bear - who, just also happens to be a good fighter. :) Pandante is a game that is very different from the fighting games Yomi and Flash Duel. It still has the wonderful bluffing that is so prevalent in his other games and it is a fun unique twist on Texas Hold'em Poker. Clever name too! "Panda" and "ante" combined together...very cool.

 If you don't enjoy playing poker, don't leave yet - because Pandante provides some really great mechanics that may just change your mind about poker - well... at least the way the pandas play it. I have had friends who don't really enjoy poker play Pandante and they ended up having a blast. Pandante overs a unique deck of cards to start - 6 different colorful suits with numbers 1 to 10 with 1 Joker. 

There are a few more possible poker hands as well including a 4 of one color (a Floosh) and a Rainbow Straight. Players are dealt 2 cards that are kept hidden, and as the game progresses, 3 cards are flipped over to create The Splash (community cards that everyone can utilize - similar to Texas Hold'em). Players ante before each Gambit and players place bets and have the opportunity to draw and discard a card by "snacking." Another card is flipped over and added to The Splash - this is called The Paw. When players make their bets, everyone is betting exactly 2 gold on a certain hand indicated on their player board. Everyone goes around once, so there isn't the back and forth from matching bets and raising bids. "Snacking" is available to everyone, but the person who bid the highest hand gets to "snack" for free by drawing a card and discarding a card face down.

Other players will need to pay 2 gold for every step down in value their hand bid was to the highest one. This game mechanic is brilliant as it encourages players to bet bigger earlier. There is a lot of bluffing in this game, so watch out! Players can fold during the game, but it really is a lot less likely than regular poker. For one thing, all players will have a chance to perform some special abilities each turn. These can greatly swing the tide in your favor at the last minute. One of the other cool things is the Gold Fairy that keeps people in the game even if they lost all their gold in a previous Gambit. This is a nice change as it keeps everyone involved in the game.

I really enjoy the components of Pandante. The cards are colorful and well laid-out. The deluxe version has an amazing faux leather feel to it with magnets to keep it closed. The poker chips provided are very nice quality - pretty much the best poker chips ever! The cards are nice quality for traditional type cards and the rule book is well done.

Currently Pandante: Light and Dark is on Kickstarter (for about the next week) - and it is sitting around 34k of 50k for funding. Light and Dark is a great opportunity to get in on the Pandante action. David has updated the base game rules with many little things that will make the game even simpler and better! One thing is a centralized play mat where all the betting will take place. Rules simplified, central mat, and new Casino type cards - this expansion is a no brainer for fans of Pandante and if it looks like you could enjoy Pandante, it is a great time to get the updated version with the Light and Dark expansion. And if you are feeling lucky, you could always get the deluxe! And as a special treat, David announced a few days ago that he is giving some stretch goals for free (or free upgrades)! Very cool. You can read about those in the updates section or by clicking HERE.

Pandante at its core is a game of bluffing...well, bluffing, and pandas...and poker. Pandante is a fun poker variant that I think everyone should at least try. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy panda poker and that is How Lou Sees It! (Check out the more detailed video review below!)

I was given a copy of Pandante (First Edition, Deluxe Version) by Sirlin Games for the purpose of this review.

Sirlin Games Week - Day 3 - Flash Duel

Flash Duel (Second Edition)

Designed by David Sirlin

Published by Sirlin Games

1 to 5 Players

5 to 10 minutes

Hand Management, Player Abilities, Bluffing

(8/10 Stars)

Flash Duel is a great little game that offers many variants. As the name suggests, Flash Duel is a quick game that allows you to play multiple games in one sitting. It provides some great bluffing opportunities and the gameplay is simple. It really makes for a great light filler type game.

Players move along a little board back and forth trying to gain the upper hand by playing just the right combination of cards to perform an attack that can't be blocked or retreated from. These one hit rounds provide for quick play - it is suggested to play best 3 out of 5 - and trust me, I think you definitely will want to for sure! I really enjoy the fact that there are different modes, from the full game (which includes character abilities) to a simpler version (played without abilities) and even a 2, 3, or 4 against 1 mode (and in that mode the 1 player is a crazy powerful dragon...yeah, pretty awesome). There is even a solo version provided (I wish they would have provided a reference card for the solo version to include in the travel deck box). And for the raid on Deathstrike Dragon mode, there is even a traitor variant you can play too where one of the team members is secretly trying to help the dragon player.

Everything you really need for the full version...Travel Size! Awesome!

Not only does this little game offer many different possibilities with game modes, but the game has 3 special action cards for the 20 different Fantasy Strike universe characters. And on top of that, the game has a very compact travel version that allows you to play the full game with any different player combinations pretty much anywhere. I think the "punch" that Flash Duel gives for its size is very impressive. I honestly haven't played the raid on Deathstrike Dragon version very often, so I will have to say that a normal full game 2 player game is my favorite way to play this game. I think mixing up the character abilities is fun and provides so much replayability. The solo version is ok, but I think there are just too many other solo games (such as Friday) that I would choose to play over this one solo.

One of the powerful Deathstrike Dragon ability cards.

I LOVE this ability!

The game is a solid, quick game, that provides a lot of bang for its buck. The quality of components are great and I really love the travel version a lot. 20 different characters to choose from and mixing and matching their abilities will provide you with great enjoyment. While I love the versatility of the game, it just doesn't get up to the level of Yomi or Puzzle Strike in my opinion and that is How Lou Sees It! (Check out the more detailed video review below!)

I was given a copy of Flash Duel (Second Edition) by Sirlin Games for the purpose of this review.

Sirlin Games Week - Day 2 - Yomi

Yomi (Complete First Edition)

Designed by David Sirlin

Published by Sirlin Games

2 Players

30 Minutes

Hand Management, Player Abilities, Bluffing, Rock-Paper-Scissors

(9/10 Stars)

The first Sirlin Game I look at is Yomi. A game that captures the feel of a Street Fighter type video game - with a simple and yet deeply strategic card game (yes, I would say strategic even with the heavy bluffing/luck element of card draws). Based on a simple Rock, Paper, Scissors mechanic (that works really well in my opinion), the game goes beyond that to include combos, specials, and lots of bluffing.

The game is fantastic. The quality of the cards are nice, although missing that really deluxe feel, they are basic poker card quality and I think they hold up really well. The artwork is top notch, especially for the face card special moves. I really like the different decks available and that they are all built such that they feel like the characters they are trying to portray. Each character, 20 available in all, provides different types of strategy, and that strategy may change depending on what opponent character you are playing.

While there are some aspects of the game that may take a little bit to get the hang of (combos, charging up, knockdowns, etc.) - I love that the main mechanic of the game is so simple, and yet it makes sense for the fighting game. Blocks beat Attacks, Throws beat Blocks, and Attacks beat Throws. There are Dodges in the mix too along with special action type cards that can be played.

Yomi offers a richly thematic and well developed gameplay experience that I think most everyone could enjoy. If you are not a big fan of fighting games, it may not be your cup of tea. The game is one big bluffing game though, so if you like a good bluffing game, this may be the game your looking for.

I am not a huge fan of the female artwork on the cards. They match normal fighting game artwork styles, but I just wish I could buy more modest versions of the female decks. I enjoy playing the defensive type characters along with the more well-rounded types. Playing the Panda is always a fun time (wait for the Pandante review later this week).

The decks are so well balanced for the different play styles and having most cards have two choices of play provides the fighters with lots of options so that players rarely feel limited by "no good choices" in their hands. Even the Power Up phase where you can trade in duplicate cards for powerful Aces...everything just makes sense - the game plays like a well oiled machine! It can get frustrating at times when you always seem to pick the wrong type of card however, the odds are that you will have your winning streak as well. A great game and that is How Lou Sees It! (Check out the more detailed video review below!)

I was given a copy of Yomi (Complete First Edition) by Sirlin Games for the purpose of this review.

Pagoda is a Tiered Tower of Fun for Two!

Pagoda

Designed by Arve D. Fuhler

Published by AEG

2 Players

30 Minutes

Card Game, Card Building, Gained Abilities

(9/10 Stars)

I take a look at Pagoda from AEG. This is such a fantastic game, and the best two player game that I was introduced to during 2014. I am always looking for great two player games or games that play well with just two players. This one is definitely one to add to your gaming library if you find yourself playing with just two players frequently. The quality of the components are top notch and colorful, not to mention that you are building three dimensional pagodas! This building element of the game is very fun and the game play provides just enough meat to it to be interesting as a strategic game, but it is simple and provides some luck elements that balance out the game nicely. I would say that Pagoda and Jaipur would be my must own two player games at this point in time and that is How Lou Sees It!

I received this review copy of Pagoda from AEG for free for the purpose of this review.

We Finish Each Other's Slamwiches!

Super Slamwich

Designed by Monty and Ann Stambler

Published by Gamewright

2 to 6 Players

15 Minutes

Card Slapping, Speed, Children's Game

(7/10 Stars)

I take a look at Gamewright's Super Slamwich! A really solid card slapping game that is pretty fun. It is a very simplistic game, but the artwork and gameplay works well. It is basically war mixed with slap jack mixed with Egyptian ratkiller and it has sandwich themed cards. 

The cards in this version are huge! That is part of the fun, but may not be for everyone as some kids may have difficulty holding the cards - so, in that case you can still get the normal version. I recommend this game for kids or to play with kids (it has been fun to play even with my 3 year old). For me, I consider this a 5/10, but for children I think it would be around an 8/10 - so, overall I give this 7/10.

I was given this copy of Super Slamwich by Gamewright for the purposes of this review.

Fun for the Third Time (x2)!

Lords of War: Templars versus Undead

Designed by Nick Street and Martin Vaux

Published by Black Box Games

2 Players

30 Minutes

Strategic Card Placement Game

(8/10 Stars)

Lords of War: Templars versus Undead is the third installment from Black Box Games in their Lords of War series. I really enjoyed the previous ones and you can check out my review and more of the gameplay at this LINK. Templars versus Undead continues with the great thing that they started with. I really like the theme and artwork for this set and the few movement cards adds a nice change. Black Box Games just continues with the goodness too with a Weather and Terrain expansion and more packs coming out as well. Lords of War is definitely worth checking out and the Templars versus Undead is a fantastic addition or stand alone version of the game and that is How Lou Sees It!

Pixel Tactics 3

Designed by D. Brad Talton Jr.

Published by Level 99 Games

2 Players

30 Minutes

Strategic Card Placement Game

(8/10 Stars)

The concept of Pixel Tactics really kind of blew my mind when I was first introduced. The game has so much replay value and so many choices to be had. Not only that, but they keep coming out with more and more amazing cards that just continue to add more variety and enjoyment. Pixel Tactics 3 is a great version or addition for anyone looking for a really fun 2 player strategic card game. I show you some of the cards in this new pack - and that is really just more to wet your whistle as they just funded a deluxe version and seem to have more on the way! Check out Pixel Tactics and I think you will enjoy it - Pixel Tactics 3 is a great deck of cards and the only thing you really have to worry about is too many choices. Pixel awesome and that is How Lou Sees It!

What The Food?!

What The Food?!

Designed by Peter Vaughan

Published by Squirmy Beast Games

3 to 8 Players

30 Minutes

Hand Management and Action Programming

(10/10 Stars)

How Lou Sees It's Best Party Game of 2014, What The Food?! is a game that took me by surprise. What The Food?! has a lot going for it; quick play time, fun artwork/theme, good range of players (3-8 players), great game mechanics, funny food combinations, huge variability, and even a fun little hamburger starting token!

The quality of the cards and starting token are great. The humiliation tokens are simple little plastic discs but work great. The different character cards and special actions fit the theme perfectly and I love the selection and variability in game play. The game is just so much FUN! Picking different food, toppings, and conditions to make just the right combo to throw at your friends. There is a great element of luck and bluffing, but to me this really is a perfect party type game. I give it a 10 out of 10 and that is How Lou Sees It!

Dragon, Dragon, Magi

Draco Magi

Designed by Robert Burke and Richard Launius

Published by Robert Burke Games and Grey Fox Games

2 Players

30 Minutes

Hand Management and Area Control

(5/10 Stars)

Absolutely LOVE the artwork for this game. For me, the theme and artwork is fantastic. The gameplay however seemed boring. Each player plays with the same dragon and battle cards (save a few advanced battle cards that you can add to your specific deck). The dragon stats were just too similar. Pixel Tactics uses same decks for each player and yet they can all be played so differently. Draco Magi felt very luck driven and I was just bored. 

The abilities of the dragons are themed well and the battle phase offers some interesting choices with combos and stacking attack cards. There is some element of bluffing as well. Even with all of that, I couldn't get excited about anything other than the beautiful artwork. Maybe I need some more plays, but it just didn't strike the right chord with me. I also did not like the immodest female on the cover - why didn't they just stick with the awesome dragon artwork?

This is definitely a well thought out game with amazing artwork, but I just didn't enjoy it and that is How Lou Sees It!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Mai-Star

Mai-Star

Designed by Seiji Kanai

Published by AEG

3 to 6 Players

30+ Minutes

Hand Management

(9/10 Stars)

This little card game surprised me in a great way. I think the theme of the game may turn some people off to the game, but play it once and I think you will be hooked. The game is elegant. The artwork and quality of the components and rule book are fantastic. The core game play is simple and easy to learn.

Players pick 1 of the 6 different geisha to be for that game. Each one has a different unique ability that will make a great difference for that player if used wisely. This adds some variability to the game. The rest of the cards are either played as a guest providing money (victory points) and usually very important and powerful actions to help yourself or hinder others. Or, the same card can be played as an advertiser increasing your reputation in one of the 3 areas that will help you be invited by a guest.

The game mechanics are solid and it provides some really interesting decisions from you on what to play as a guest and what to play as an advertiser. How are you going to use your special ability to get ahead? Playing guest cards to score points is one thing, but I was surprised at how interactive this game is. Whenever someone is laying a guest, you may just be targeted and you may lose the powerful advertiser you just laid down, or maybe your newest guest leaves you, or maybe you have to draw additional cards.

The game is simple and yet provides many choices and lots of fun and that is How Lou Sees It!

Who is the Belle of the Ball?

Belle of the Ball

Designed by Daniel Solis

Published by Dice Hate Me Games

2 to 4 Players

30+ Minutes

Set Collecting, Card Drafting

(8/10 Stars)

One of my past featured Kickstarters, the Belle of the Ball has finally arrived and the party can now get started! I was able to interview Chris from Dice Hate Me Games and the designer Daniel during the Kickstarter campaign and I was very excited to see the final version.

Belle of the Ball does not disappoint - the game mechanics are well thought out and work very well, the components are top notch, and the artwork is just fantastic.  With all of that and a well applied theme, Belle of the Ball may just become your new favorite set collecting game.

With elegant simplicity, Belle of the Ball may just be the star of your next game night.  The game provides good player interaction and the guest cards have some pretty funny names that will have everyone laughing (or at least smiling).  The Belle of the Ball cards provide the needed variance and strategy as you each try and create the best parties.  Collecting guests that share similar interests, I think the theme fits really well.  I like that the game has some different advance variants that will ensure good replay value.  Well worthy of being featured on my blog, I say don't wait for an invitation - go get a copy for yourself and start your own party today!  And that is How Lou Sees It.

Mages Profit from Bluffing and Cheating

Cheaty Mages

Designed by Seiji Kanai

Published by AEG

3 to 6 Players

30 to 40 Minutes

Hand Management, Bluffing, Wagering, Take That

(8/10 Stars)

Cheaty Mages published by AEG with original Japanese artwork.  This is a really fun and interesting strategic bluffing game with good player interaction.  The game is easy to learn and quickly enjoyed by a nice range of individuals.  While players make strategic choices and try and bluff their way to victory, the game also provides some luck element from card draws and sudden changes from certain spell cards.  The game is very fun and I would recommend to those who enjoy games such as The Coup, The Resistance, Killer Bunnies, and/or Munchkin.  Designed by the same designer who brought us the huge hit Love Letter - this is definitely another top notch game.  AEG also does a great job with the production quality providing a great gaming experience that you will not be quick to forget - unless a mage casts a forgetful spell on you that is...and that is How Lou Sees It!