The Spiel

Decision time. We review Istanbul and Rococo, the final nominees for the Kennerspiel des Jahres, and try to predict the winner.

Strategy or catchall? We begin our coverage of the Kennerspiel des Jahres with a look at the recommended games list, a review of nominee Concordia and finish with a rousing debate about the identity crisis the award faces.

The Big Red Pawn. Which game is worthy to be called Game of the Year (Spiel des Jahres)? We review Camel Up, Splendor and Concept and try to predict the winner.

You know? For kids! We play and review the three nominees for the best Kids Game of the Year (the Kinderspiel des Jahres) and then try to predict the winner.

Set phasers to fun. We review Quantum and Star Realms, two epic space battle games that don't require an epic amount of time to play. You can blow up your friends (or the galaxy) and be home in time for dinner.

Period piece. We review Rococo, a board game where players take on the role of 18th century tailors, making elaborate dresses for a Grand Ball. Manage the party and your talent will be the talk of the town when the fireworks above the palace begin.

PB & play! We review Splendor and Buccaneer Bones, two games that pack a lot of fun into a few minutes. Whether you're mining gems or finding buried treasure, there's plenty of time to enjoy these games while you snarf down a midday meal.

Puppet masters. We review Legacy and CV. Each game allows a player to shape the course of a modern life or a 17th century family through meaningful, sometimes gut-wrenching, decisions.

Hip to be square. We review Amerigo and Ka-Boom, two games that use simple wooden cubes in very creative but very different ways. Amerigo has a cube tower that randomizes actions. Ka-Boom has cube catapults players use to knock down opponent's towers.

Left foot, peg foot, traveling on. We review Freedom: The Underground Railroad, a co-operative game where players take on the roles of brave Abolitionists tasked with the goal of ending slavery in the United States.