Some cooperative board games give you time to deliberate, plan, and carefully execute a strategy. Bomb Busters, publisher internationally by the likes of 999 Games and Cocktail Games, gives you none of that. Instead, it’s an immediate, high-stakes race against the clock – or more precisely, a race against your collective mistakes. Designer Hisashi Hayashi has taken the nerve-wracking premise of defusing a bomb and distilled it into a fast-playing deduction game that’s equal parts logic puzzle, social coordination exercise, and group panic. It’s no wonder it’s been making waves in the award circuit, including taking home the 2025 Spiel des Jahres. Continue reading “Bomb Busters review”
Category: Board games
Wyrmspan review
999 Games’ Wyrmspan – a dragon-themed take on Wingspan – invites players into a fantasy world where amateur dragonologists compete to build the ultimate dragon sanctuary. Released earlier this year, the game offers a great mix of strategy and lighthearted fun, making it a fantastic option for family play over the holiday break. Its colorful design, imaginative theme, and engaging mechanics make it a standout addition to any board game collection. Continue reading “Wyrmspan review”
Heat – Heavy Rain expansion review
Days of Wonder and Asmodee’s Heavy Rain expansion for Heat: Pedal to the Metal adds to the game we reviewed earlier, adding both new strategic elements and enhanced challenges to the already thrilling base game. Designed to build on Heat’s success as a high-octane racing experience, Heavy Rain brings in two new international tracks, an additional driver, and a host of unique cards and mechanics that make gameplay even more intense and unpredictable. With these upgrades, Heavy Rain cements itself as a must-have expansion for fans of the base game looking for an elevated racing experience, despite a somewhat high price tag for an expansion. Continue reading “Heat – Heavy Rain expansion review”
Monkey Palace review
Asmodee and LEGO’s Monkey Palace brings together the timeless appeal of brick building and board gaming, creating an experience that is both playful and strategic. Designed by David Gordon and Tin Aung Myaing, Monkey Palace immerses players in a jungle-themed adventure where cooperation and competition are skillfully balanced. It’s a game that appeals to families, creating a space for all ages to participate in an engaging, interactive experience. Continue reading “Monkey Palace review”
Developer interview: Mindbug Online
Card game fans will recognize the name Mindbug, which has been a bit of a runaway success since it launched. During Gamescom, we caught up with Kissaki Studios, who are currently working on Mindbug Online – the digital version of the game that was co-developed with Richard Garfield of Magic: The Gathering fame. We caught up with them to find out more. Continue reading “Developer interview: Mindbug Online”
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