Purple Phoenix Games Posts

March 12, 2020 /

I don’t know if I approve of the box art where the Tortoise is smashing the head of the Hare while throwing peace signs, but other than that, this is a cute little game of betting, racing, and a pinch (hear that, Tortoise? A PINCH!) of take-that. Read on to…

March 10, 2020 /

The Kids Table series from Purple Phoenix Games seeks to lightly explore games that are focused toward children and families. We will do our best to give some good insight, but not bog your down with the millions of rules… Koala Capers (2013) Educational Insights 2-4 Players 5-10 minutes (unofficially)…

March 5, 2020 /

Fun fact about me: I used to live in Le Claire, Iowa (birthplace of “Buffalo Bill” Cody) on a street named Wild West Drive. While the town named many of their streets after American West figures and items, it was not your typical Iowa ghost town – if there are…

March 3, 2020 /

It is said, and now generally accepted, that Cleopatra and ancient Egyptians revered and respected cats so much that they would include them in the burial sites of pharaohs as protectors of the bodies. Cats can protect the dead from mice and snakes and the like, but I have seen…

February 28, 2020 /

I have been noticing that as I do more and more reviews and previews I am learning to absolutely adore abstract strategy games. Like, I LOVE them now. So when a call for reviewers came out for a new abstract game with art by Josh Cappel, I was immediately intrigued.…

February 27, 2020 /

When it comes to board gaming, bigger does not always necessarily mean better. And that is something that Button Shy Games has really embraced. With all of their wallet games comprising of only 18 cards, they always manage to pack a lot of game into one small space. I think…

February 25, 2020 /

War. Old Maid. Go Fish. Crazy Eights. These are classic card games we probably all grew up playing. There have been many re-themes and new difficulty layers spread upon them to make them even more interesting. While UNO certainly has cornered the market on the Crazy Eights base, we have…

February 20, 2020 /

We have all played Chess, Checkers, Go, and even more recent abstracts like Azul, Patchwork, and Blokus, right? Most abstract strategy games are loosely themed, if themed at all, have perfect information, and offer very little luck factors. Furthermore, classic abstracts feature that familiar grid-board with moving pieces we all…

February 18, 2020 /

The world of politics and democracy is definitely a complicated and confusing place. Finding your way through all the jargon and political processes can be mind-boggling. Enter Tatorship – the card game specifically designed to teach you about democracy and politics as you play! Tatorship (2019) (self-published) 3-5 Player 40-60…

February 13, 2020 /

Raise your hand if you’ve ever dreamed of being a superhero – fighting crime and saving lives. Great! This game is not about that. Instead, embrace your inner villain as you work to create the greatest evil lair in the world! Dig deep and put your villainy to the test…

February 11, 2020 /

My main job currently is working in an academic library. I have lots of different responsibilities to handle. So when I heard about a game with a title, “Fire in the Library,” I knew we HAD to play it. What employee wouldn’t want to play a game where the game…

February 6, 2020 /

Aaaaaall aboard! Next stop, the Old West! Climb onto the Union Pacific Express and prepare for the journey of a lifetime. Your plan? To rob this train, of course! Unbeknownst to you, however, several other bandits have picked this exact train as their score as well! Which bandit can outwit…

February 4, 2020 /

Raise your hand if you have ever worked in the food industry. Okay, I see a few hands. Now raise your hand if you have ever been so torqued by a customer that you wanted to cook them in a pie. Oh, thanks for your hand Mrs. Lovett. Good to…

January 30, 2020 /

I was introduced to the world of modern board gaming by Travis. Every time we got together to game, I was left in awe by the amount of games I’d never heard of, but were so much fun to play! And then it finally happened – Travis pulled out a…

January 28, 2020 /

Super spies. We have all dreamed of being one – don’t lie! What about teleporting super spies? What about time-traveling teleporting super spies?! As a huge Doctor Who fan, that is right up my alley. Well, minus the eventual assassination that comes with winning the game. Dat theme tho… Slip…