#Counting sheep by addition is too easy I count them by powers of 4 or powers of 13

[thepandalion]

you know what my favorite fanfic trope is? Characters being ridiculously good at math. Like, genuinely, doing huge math off the top of their head. Especially better in fanfic because they always just shrug it off like "oh yeah I just did that math idk how" and everyone else is both baffled and too busy with other stuff to really worry about it but they're just. Good at it. And especially when that's not really their thing in canon

[easyhairstylesbest]

77 Valentine's Day Gifts You Can Get on Amazon Prime

If going to the mall during the holidays drove you nuts before 2020, then Amazon Prime will save your soul now more than ever. Where else can you buy a wool Mackage coat, a sculpted bust of a greek god, a cardboard turntable for cats, and toilet paper? From the comfort of your couch. Naked.

Because there are millions of choices on Amazon and going through the results for even a single inquiry can be exhausting, we went through tens of thousands of items and put together a definitive list of the best gifts you can shop this year with Prime. Our non-negotiable criteria? Items had to be unique, high-quality, practical or chic, because nobody has time for anything else these days. Below, our top picks on Amazon Prime to add to your cart now.

1

Ocean Mist & Sea Salt Candle

NEST Fragrances amazon.com

$42.00

With notes of sea salt, white tea and coconut, this ocean mist-scented candle is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. (Something that can’t be said for most candles out there.)

2

Gabbi Vegan Leather Handbag

If you follow any fashion accounts, you’ve probably seen JW Pei all over your Instagram feed. What’s less known about the affordable brand is that their bags are made from 50 percent recycled materials and 10 percent of all profits are donated to animal sanctuaries around the world.

3

Polaroid Pop Instant 3×4 Photo Printer & Digital Camera

Being able to hold photos of special moments hits different. Polaroid’s wireless Pop Instant camera is a game-changer for making it possible to take, preview, edit and print 3.5 x 4.25 photos. The easily transportable device also offers WiFi connectivity, so users can upload their pictures straight to the ‘gram if they please.

4

Acrylic Sheep-Shaped Containers

Agirlvct amazon.com

$12.99

Whether you’re shopping for the aunt that does her own thing or your friend with the ironic instagram aesthetic, these sheep-shaped cotton swab containers will just hit different.

5

SLIP Silk Pillowcase

Anti-aging and crease minimizing benefits aside, a silk pillowcase simply just looks and feels luxurious. Because falling asleep these days isn’t easy, this queen size pillowcase makes for a thoughtful gift.

6

14k Gold Three Diamond Amigos Curve Post Earrings

Adina Reyter amazon.com

$675.00

If these diamond curve post earrings look familiar, it’s because Meghan Markle wears them on repeat. To give you a sense of just how versatile these beauties are, the Duchess wore these to Commonwealth Day 2018, throughout her and Harry’s Royal Tour of Australia, and numerous royal engagements in London.

7

The Archisutra: The handbook’s Final Chapter

Createspace Independent Publishing Platform amazon.com

$9.99

This creative Kama Sutra from London-based architect Miguel Bolivar is a good gift for cultured significant others. Each sex position is inspired by a famous building or furniture design with detailed data and annotated scale drawings.

8

Handmade Love Bracelets for Men & Women

Ubuntu Life amazon.com

$19.00

Ubuntu Life, which was included in Oprah’s Favorite Things 2020, provides employment to artisans in Kenya, in addition to running programs that support social inclusion for Kenyan children with educational and physical needs. A handful of colors are still in stock at the time of publication.

9

Premium Bamboo Bathtub Tray Caddy

For a fancy-feeling gift that’s actually affordable, look to this bathtub tray caddy. It has a stand that can be propped to read a book or display a tablet, plus a wine glass holder.

10

Fair Trade-Certified Chocolate Gift Set

Chuao Chocolatier amazon.com

$16.95

This dark and milk chocolate gift set from Whole Foods-carried brand Chuao Chocolatier contains innovative flavors the chocolate lover in your life won’t be expecting. Think: potato chip, honeycomb, salted chocolate crunch and more. 

11

Open Back Lace Teddy Bodysuit Lingerie

Spice things up with this surprisingly affordable lingerie find. Its delicate lace details and open back lend a glamorous touch.

12

Nonslip Hair Claw Clips (Pack of 4)

Claw clips were already having a moment in fashion before the pandemic. Now that we’re working from home and wearing our hair up every day, they’re all the more useful. These reviewer-obsessed clips boast 3k reviews and counting with an average rating of 4.8k stars.

13

Flex Wireless Earphones

I obtained a pair of the latest Beats (the brand’s most affordable headphones to date) for testing a few months back and haven’t stopped using them since. Delivering crystal clear sound, 12 hours of battery life, and a rapid fast charge, these bluetooth wireless headphones are overall better than headphones I’ve spent at least 4x more on over the years.

14

7/8 Jogger Travel Pants

Editor’s note: I own these joggers and am in love with them. What first sold me on these was that reviewers mentioned how similar these are to Lululemon’s On The Fly jogger, which cost about three times more. Fast forward to me owning 4 pairs and recently FaceTiming with my grandma who was rocking her own pair as well. A great gift for any woman who likes comfortable, flattering pants.

15

Reversible Zebra Bathmat in Grey

Jonathan Adler amazon.com

$63.34

Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side… Not when you’re getting out of the tub though. That’s dangerous in an ER-kind of way. Anyway, here’s a cute, dryer-friendly bathmat. 

16

Le Specs. Air Heart Sunglasses

Le Specs. amazon.com

$67.90

If these glamorous and slightly oversized sunnies look familiar it’s because Meghan Markle sported this exact pair during her 2019 baby shower. Shoppers, note that these fan-favorite shades have a track record for selling out fast. 

17

OPRAH’S FAVORITE THINGS 2020

‘Tis The Season Huggie Set

Stella & Haas amazon.com

$29.97

This trio of hypoallergenic freshwater pearl huggies is another covetable find from Oprah’s Favorite Things List this year. Considering how versatile these earrings are, I don’t blame you if you opt to keep a pair for yourself.

18

UGG Fluffita Slipper

Have a shoe lover on your shopping list? Change their life with UGG’s Fluffita slippers. These fuzzy-feeling platform slippers will elevate all of their favorite loungewear ‘fits.

19

Mayberry Sheepskin Slipper

EMU Australia amazon.com

$59.95

Cozy gifts remain a failsafe move in 2021, so here’s another pair of chic sheepskin slippers certain to delight. 

20

Emmanuelle Initial Necklace

Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry amazon.com

$154.00

A personalized touch goes a long way in making it look like you didn’t wait until the last minute to pick something out and panic while doing so. Here, a gothic initial pendant from Jennifer Zeuner that subtly channels Regina George’s ‘R’ necklace. More letters are available as well.

21

Dachsie Ring Holder

This dachshund ring holder takes cute jewelry organization to another level. Perfect for the dog lover who’s constantly rotating her stack.

22

Layla Bamboo Bed Sheets

Layla Sleep amazon.com

$175.00

$125.00 (29% off)

A sheet upgrade is the gift that keeps on giving. Suitable for sensitive skin types and hot sleepers, Layla Sleep’s 300-thread count Bamboo sheets are soft to the touch and eco-friendly. (Bamboo uses 200x less water than cotton and doesn’t require harsh chemicals in the production process.) The set includes a fitted sheet, top sheet and 2 pillowcases.

23

PhoneSoap Pro UV Smartphone Sanitizer & Universal Charger

PhoneSoap amazon.com

$119.95

File PhoneSoap’s Pro UV smartphone sanitizer under universally practical gift ideas. In just five minutes, this device is able to kill up to 99.99% of germs thanks to its powerful UV-C light.

24

Plush Slipper Socks Women

Toes Home amazon.com

$14.99

Amazon reviewers are obsessed with this set of fuzzy socks, which happens to be a steal at this price. (Think 2.4k ratings and counting, with an average of 4.6/5 stars.) A handful of designs are available, but the heart motifs here are especially kitschy-chic.

25

Alix Mini Top Handle Satchel

3.1 Phillip Lim amazon.com

$695.00

They say the best gifts are the ones you’d want for yourself. Phillip Lim’s versatile Alix Mini top handle bag is proof.

26

Supreme Glamour

Thames & Hudson amazon.com

Anyone who loves The Supremes or retro glamour will swoon over this new coffee table book, which chronicles the fashion history of the beloved 1960s Motown group. Founding member Mary Wilson tells her friend and co-author, Mark Begu, the whole story of the band.

27

Gisele Long PJ Set

Eberjey amazon.com

$120.00

Eberjey is practically synonymous with great pajamas. Made from modal and spandex jersey (no polyester!), these PJs are breathable, ridiculously soft and hot sleeper-friendly. Unlike cheaper options out there, you can be sure these will last for years to come.

28

EDITOR’S FAVORITE

Power Workout Leggings in Black

Sweaty Betty amazon.com

$100.00

To give you a sense of how beloved British brand Sweaty Betty’s power leggings are, one pair has sold every 90 seconds this year. (Editor’s note: I own these and don’t stop talking about how I think they’re the most comfortable and flattering leggings of all time.) New to Amazon Prime, these are still in stock in every size at the time of publication. 

29

Women’s Asili Stacking Rings

Women-founded and sustainably sourced, SOKO makes some of the coolest, vintage-feeling costume jewelry around. Their pieces are handcrafted by artisans Kenya who use recycled brass, upcycled horns and traditional techniques.

30

Leather Touchscreen Texting and Driving Gloves

If you’re bougie on a budget, check out these Italian cashmere-lined leather gloves which boast over 1.7k ratings. As one reviewer put it: “They are great, and actually fit very well. Beautifully packaged. Could be a gift but I am keeping them!” 

31

Women’s Duality Reversible Sherpa Jacket

Alo Yoga amazon.com

$179.89

Not only is Alo Yoga’s best-selling Duality jacket fun and practical in equal measure, it’s reversible and one side is sherpa. Five other colorways are available too.

32

Drinking Animals Coloring and Cocktail Recipe Book

Each page in this delightful coloring book opens up to a different animal and new cocktail recipe. 

33

Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers

Editor’s note: I’m a lifelong doodler and Tomboy’s dual tip brush pens are unrivaled when it comes to ease of use and vibrancy. Several color palettes are available in case you’re after something louder too. PS: A bunch are on sale right now, which is rare for the brand.

34

Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case

Few tech gadgets, if any, look as suave as AirPods. Of all the headphones carried on Amazon, these remain the #1 best-selling pair (no exaggeration), and for a limited time only, they’re currently on sale.

35

No Bounds Wireless Outdoor Speaker

House of Marley amazon.com

$58.78

These aux input speakers from House of Marley (which, fun fact, was founded by Bob Marley’s son, Rohan) boast an impressive ten hours of battery life. Even better? Because they’re dust-proof and waterproof, you and your partner will be able to enjoy these on outdoor adventures and road trips.

36

Retro Bluetooth Speaker

This ultra-compact speaker is sure to be a crowdpleaser. The indoor/outdoor speaker not only connects with bluetooth, but can be used as an FM radio with AUX connectivity as well, all while delivering impressive sound and 10 hours of battery life. A carrying strap and dust bag are also included, which makes for a sleek presentation.

37

Bose SoundLink Revolve Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

This sleek indoor/outdoor speaker delivers crystal clear sound quality and long battery life (16 hours!) certain to enhance any user’s listening experience. From true crime podcasts to Netflix to electronic music experiences, these will be a game-changer. 

38

Boy Smells Beeswax & Coconut Wax Kush Candle

Boy Smells amazon.com

$36.00

This Boy Smells best seller doesn’t actually contain any psychoactive hemp-derived extracts, but it’s still lit. Paying homage to the cannabis flower, the scent is warm, fresh and floral.

39

EDITOR’S FAVORITE

Hand and Skincare Amenity Kit

Grown Alchemist amazon.com

$25.00

Editor’s note: I’m never more than a few feet away from my Grown Alchemist hand creams in the winter. Containing a vanilla and orange peel hand cream, vanilla and geranium day cream and watermelon lip balm, I’d argue this is the most affordable fancy-feeling beauty gift on Amazon. Fun fact, clean Gwyneth Paltrow is a huge fan of this lipgloss. 

40

EltaMD Mineral-Based UV Clear Facial Sunscreen (1.7 oz)

Sunscreen as a gift? Only if it’s from EltaMD’s product line. If you or a loved one who spends a lot of time in the sun hasn’t tried this dermatologist-loved sunscreen line before, ELLE.com highly recommends. (Read Beauty Director Chloe Hall’s full review here.)

41

Sparkling Water Machine

sodastream amazon.com

$159.95

Kiss wasteful plastic bottles of seltzer from the grocery store goodbye. Set in a sleek monochromatic design, this SodaStream kit includes everything you need to make seltzer at home, including a carbonator.

42

14k Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings

Tilo Jewelry amazon.com

$69.99

Gold hoops go with everything and somehow always feel cool wearing. Here, a 14k gold pair made in the US that won’t slim down your holiday shopping budget. 

43

Sherpa Trucker Jacket

Levi’s sherpa jackets have been worn by every fashion girl from Gigi Hadid to Zendaya. The denim staple is not only a godsend for complicated transitional temps, but a cozy piece to throw on at home.

44

Visual Feast: Contemporary Food Photography and Styling

Earning its moniker, Visual Feast is a coffee table fixture that explores food presentation in a myriad of Art forms. From witty jello dishes to painted lobsters, the foodie in your life will find the book’s photography drool-worthy.

45

Classic Greek Michelangelo David Bust Statue

Beonueni amazon.com

$29.00

Nothing subtly says ‘I’m an Intellectual’ louder than having a decorative bust of a Greek god on display in one’s home. Your loved one won’t see this gift coming, but they’ll love it all the same. (Editor’s note: This is the only item on our list where you have to pay for shipping, but it’s only $2.99.) 

46

Women’s Natural Lace Trim Vest

Iris & Lilly amazon.com

$16.30

White tank tops have defined Tik Tok-era fashion more than any other article of clothing. Gift a set for the culture. 

47

Mentone Half-Zip Sweater

Varley amazon.com

$148.00

This half zip from British athleisure brand Varley is practically dripping in cozy appeal.

48

Women’s Nori-K Coat

Mackage amazon.com

$790.00

Kindly sidestep the puddle of drool that formed while I gazed at this wool coat. That leather waist belt! The removable bib (!!!). The feminine silhouette that doesn’t sacrifice warmth! She’ll love this because how could anybody not?

49

Squeaky Parody Plush Dog Toy

Haute Diggity Dog amazon.com

$15.99

A fabulous squeaky toy for a fabulous pup. (Editor’s note: hi, Freddy!!) 

50

Juicy Couture DIY Bracelet Making Kit

Make It Real amazon.com

$19.99

*Puts on Maneater by Nelly Furtado for a quick journey to 2006.* This kitschy DIY bracelet kit will pull at the heart strings of anyone who owned a velour tracksuit in the early oughts. Technically speaking, this set was probably intended for pre-teens, which makes it a good gift youngins who weren’t around for Juicy’s heyday all the same.

51

14k Gold Linked Diamond Stud Earring

Zoe Chicco amazon.com

$480.00

This 0.13ct diamond stud earring (yes, it’s sold individually and I’m sorry) will be her new favorite earring if she has more than one piercing. 

52

Kitty Espresso Coffee Maker

Stainless steel espresso coffee makers don’t get any chicer than the Bialetti Kitty.  

53

Walkie Talkies

These retro-looking walkie talkies are technically for kids aged 4 through 14; however, these will make a useful gift for any family quarantining together in the suburbs in lieu of a fancy intercom system. These boast a 3 mile range for outside, camping and hiking, as well as a backlit LCD flashlight. 

54

Modern Glass Globe Table Desk Lamp

This sculptural table lamp injects instant modernity and warmth. It includes an LED bulb too, so the design lover you gift this too will be able to set it up and enjoy right away. 

55

Clear Acrylic Bookends (Set of 4)

CY craft amazon.com

$16.97

If you’re after a gift for a book lover that isn’t books, this top-rated set of acrylic bookends works for any decor style. 

56

Enameled Cast Iron Signature Dutch Oven

Le Creuset amazon.com

$349.95

Le Creuset is the gold standard of cookware and their dutch ovens are the lightest on the market. Here, the legendary brand’s signature enameled cast iron Dutch Oven in a gradient motif that brings to mind sunsets and Prada’s fall-winter 2018 collection.

57

BoostIQ RoboVac 15C MAX

eufy by Anker amazon.com

$279.99

$175.99 (37% off)

It’s hard to come by a list of best robot vacuums online (written by experts who actually tested hundreds of models) where eufy’s RoboVac 15C MAX isn’t included as a budget-friendly mention. The RoboVac 15C MAX has wifi and Alexa voice connectivity, which makes it easy breezy to set up and use. Reviewers love how it delivers an impressive clean with strong suction and self-charges after a clean. 

58

Table Tiles

Areaware amazon.com

$20.98

There’s no such thing as too many coasters, though there is such thing as really tacky coasters. Trust me, I went through over 200 before finding this cool geometric set. These have a cork-lined base which further helps to protect furniture.

60

Sherpa and Fleece Throw Blanket

Green Orange amazon.com

$20.99

Sherpa on one side and plush on the other, this reviewer-loved throw blanket measures 50×60 inches, which means it’s large enough for two to comfortably snuggle during Netflix nights.

61

EDITOR’S FAVORITE

Men’s Sherpa-Lined Puffer Jacket

Amazon Essentials amazon.com

$50.10

Editor’s note: I got my dad this jacket for his birthday a few weeks ago because I figured it looked warm and practical. Turns out, this $42 coat is the softest-feeling men’s jacket anyone in my family has ever come across. Besides looking way more expensive than its price tag, this coat is warm and has a sherpa-lined hood which feels cloud-like. (Amazon, if you’re reading this, please make this coat in women’s.)

62

Men’s Figaro Chain Necklace

Miansai amazon.com

$125.00

In case you’re still thinking about how hot Connell’s chain was in Normal People. Same.

63

Men’s Memory Foam Slippers

These comfy slippers are machine washable, which means if he’s prone to having sweaty feet… you can gift these without any worry you might later regret it.

64

Polo Ralph Lauren Outdoor Bear Scarf

Polo Ralph Lauren amazon.com

For a guy in your life who’s a nightmare to shop for, look no further than this ribbed knit scarf featuring Ralph Lauren’s iconic, well-dressed bear.

65

Essential Crewneck Sweater

State Cashmere amazon.com

$140.00

Editor-loved brand State Cashmere makes 100% pure hypoallergenic cashmere for a fraction of what I see a lot of other brands charging. Here, a failsafe crewneck he’ll have for years to come.

66

Starter Shaving Kit for Men

Intro him to his new favorite grooming brand with a set that includes everything from a shave brush to priming oil to a safety razor and more. This shaving kit boasts over 400 reviews, with several mentioning how Bevel’s products help prevent razor bumps. 

67

Hidden Comfort No-Show Socks

Runners swear by the support and durability of Balega socks. Take it from the 7k reviews this no-show unisex pair has, these will be a hit.

68

Grand Court Sneaker

If you’re shopping for a boyfriend who’s an amazing person but just not the best dresser, start with his shoes. Prince Harry has been photographed in a similar pair (Sdidas’s Gazelle trainer) in a similar grey, suede color on countless occasions. This color looks sharp with everything.

69

DiamondClean Classic Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare amazon.com

$199.99

$166.95 (17% off)

Rumored users of the prestigious DiamondClean toothbrush include Beyoncé and Kim K. Per Philips, this luxe toothbrush removes up to 7x more plaque than a manual toothbrush, whitens teeth after 1 week of use, and improves gum health in only 2 weeks.

70

Pet Cardboard Turntable & DJ Mixer

Suck UK amazon.com

$35.00

For the cat person who loves a good RAC remix. To quote an epic review on Amazon: “By 9pm, DJ Kitty was in beast mode as the rave kicked off in the living room. As the sun came up, DJ Kitty refused to part with the deck… Yes, a bit expensive for [sic]carboard, but we are considering selling tickets to the next show to make up the difference.”

71

OPRAH’S FAVORITE THINGS 2020

Footnanny Hemp Extract Spa Treatment Set

Footnanny amazon.com

$69.99

Footnanny has been on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for seven years and counting, though the foot-care brand is loved by many, many more. Here, a trio that will help with exfoliating, soothing and relieving targeted areas of the body that often get neglected. 

72

Foam Roller

Trigger Point Performance amazon.com

To give you a sense of how beloved TriggerPoint’s GRID foam roller is, it has 11.4k global ratings and an average score of 4.7 stars. It comes with free online videos so users can learn the best ways to utilize it for stretching and relieving tension. 

73

Fully Adjustable Desk Folding Exercise Bike

Exerpeutic amazon.com

$299.99

$255.86 (15% off)

If they’re a fitness lover who’s working from home right now, this foldable stationary bike desk will make staying active during the day an easier pursuit. Reviewers agree it’s easy to assemble and sturdy, with one reviewer even saying this has changed their life.

74

Essential Oil and Aromatherapy Diffuser

Victsing amazon.com

$25.59

Shopping for a dedicated yogi or someone who could use a little serenity right now? Meet VicTsing’s popular essential oil diffuser that boasts 11.3k ratings and counting. The diffuser offers 2 modes, 4 different timers and 7 different color lights, which makes for a personalized zen experience. 

75

Jenga

Jenga is fun whether you’re 6-years-old or 42.

76

Posh Peanut Pajamas Set (Newborn to Toddler Sizes)

Posh Peanut amazon.com

$30.00

Made from soft viscose bamboo, these pajamas will be super soft for any baby, toddler or eager young mind on your shopping list. A variety of prints are available in sizes spanning 0-3 months to 6 years.

77

Grippy Non-Slip Socks for Kids

Resilience Gives amazon.com

$10.00

The story behind this cheerful sock brand will move you (and the recipient). Resilience Gives was founded by Jake Teitebaum, a Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor who was frustrated with poorly-made socks during his stem cell transplant, and is co-owned by Andee Wallace, whose father survived non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. For each pair of socks purchased, the brand donates a pair to a child with cancer who’s undergoing treatment in a hospital. (Women’s and men’s sizes are also available in case you also want to get yourself a pair.)

Justine Carreon Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again.

Jaimie Potters Commerce Content Manager Jaimie Potters is the Commerce Content Manager at Hearst Magazines Digital Media, where she covers fashion, beauty, tech and more.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

77 Valentine's Day Gifts You Can Get on Amazon Prime

[whovian223]

October was SHUX month.

SHUX is a 3-day boardgame convention in Vancouver that was simply phenomenal. I had so much fun, and would have had even more fun if I hadn’t felt so terrible.

Maybe next year!

You know what conventions mean, right?

No, not being told by multiple people that I need to take a shower.

That means a bunch of new to me games!

The Cult of the New to Me was very excited to hear I would be attending this convention. They wanted to see all of the new stuff that I would be talking about when I came back.

They also appear to be a bunch of lazy gits, because while they get mad at me for playing too many *new* games (not just new to me, but games that just came out), they never appear to actually play any “new to them” games themselves. I’m sensing some kind of scam here.

Are they just here for the free cookies?

Anyway, prepare for a *really* long post. There are ten games on this list. Usually, I go into a bit more of an explanation of how to play, but that’s a bit abbreviated this time.

Leo Tolstoy ain’t writing this blog.

So without further adieu (my adieu got covered in vegetables and thus I had to throw it away anyway), let’s get started!

Point Salad (2019 – AEG) – 1 play

Designers: Molly Johnson, Robert Melvin, Shawn Stankewich

Artist: Dylan Mangini (A friend of the show!)

Players: 2-6

Let’s start off this monster post with an easy one.

I’ve heard so many great things about the crunchy little set collection game called Point Salad.

Of course, when I say “crunchy,” I mean because it has so many vegetables in it, not because it’s a brain-burner at all.

Let me tell you right now, you won’t be testing your brain much.

But that’s not the point! It’s salad! There’s nothing wrong with that being light.

You have a deck of double-sided cards. One side is point-scoring and the other side is a delicious…delicious…Ack! I can’t say it!

It’s a vegetable, ok? It’s a vegetable card.

Some cards are removed depending on player count, though a 6-player game uses all of them.

This isn’t the way the cards are put out for choosing, but it does show you both sides of the cards.

The deck is divided into three roughly equal piles, with their scoring side up.

Then turn over two of each pile so that you have a 2×3 grid.

On your turn, you can either choose one of the scoring cards or you can choose two veggies from the market. You can also flip one of your previously-taken scoring cards over to its veggie side.

Why would you do that?

Maybe you have some veggies that are giving you too many negative points? Many of the scoring cards give you (for example) 3 points for each carrot but -2 points for each onion.

You refill the veggie market after your turn, and play goes around the table until all of the cards are drafted.

When you’re done, you’ll have a tableau like this.

A winning tableau! With the tie-breaker, of course… (poker chips not included with the game but are very valuable for scoring)

Total up the value of all of your point cards, and whoever has the most points is the winner!

What a fabulous little game. It’s quick (maybe 10-15 minutes?), it’s colourful, it won’t tax your brain but there are some decisions to make which is nice.

The artwork is amazing (yay, Dylan!).

I need to track down a copy of this so I can play it whenever I want.

This is a wonderful game.

5×5 City (2018 – Okazu Brand) – 1 play

Designer: Hisashi Hayashi

Artist: Ryo Nyamo

Players: 1-4

Another relatively easy one to describe!

Believe me, it gets worse (for me, I mean…for you, it should get better!)

5×5 City is a tile-laying game where you are building a…well, a city on a 5×5 grid.

Funny how that works.

Hopefully those numbers don’t show up on the streets!

In the game, you have a Building Plan that you’re going to be drawing tiles to fill out.

Each number will correspond to a Building Plot card that is drawn.

Rather generic.

For each Plot card when it’s drawn, you will then lay out the number of tiles shown on that Building Plan for that Plot number (so two tiles for a “9” and three tiles for a “2”, for example).

Then, in turn order, you’ll draft a set of tiles to put in your city in the area denoted by the Plot number (no putting a useless tile in the corner unless that’s where the Plot number told you to go!)

You can flip a tile over to make a park if you wish, which may give you some benefit or just avoid a bad placement.

What determines where you want to put things?

The Building cards that are on display. These will give you the points scoring for the game.

These are only 4 of the 10 cards, all of which are used (though which side is up to you)

These are 2-sided and either side can be used. The “A” side is recommended for new players.

At the end of the game, you will have a full city on your 5×5 card. You’ll score it based on the Building cards, and whoever has the most points is the winner!

We don’t need no stinkin’ houses in our city!

This was also a fun little tile-laying game, but didn’t dazzle me like Point Salad did. I did enjoy my time with it, but I’m not sure I’m a city-building kinda guy.

I’m more into city destruction.

The art and components are also kind of weird.

I almost thought I was playing a prototype.

It’s a quick game (took us 30 minutes), though, and definitely a good filler to warm you up for the big guns coming later in the day (or in the post!)

Explorers of the North Sea (2016 – Garphill Games/Renegade Game Studios) – 1 play

Designer: Shem Phillips

Artist: Mihajlo Dimitrievski

Players: 1-4

Surprisingly enough, while Raiders of the North Sea is in my Top 15 games played of all time, I have never played the other North Sea games.

SHUX19 gave me a chance to rectify at least one of those holes in my experience, with Explorers of the North Sea sitting in the library on Friday morning.

This game is a tile-laying game rather than a worker placement game, but you are still Vikings exploring the North Sea for booty. This time, though, in addition to raiding settlements (which is even more abstracted than in Raiders), you are also journeying into the unknown and bringing back livestock, along with defeating Enemy Ships and establishing outposts.

Somebody got an early start!

You choose a starting board and then will be laying out tiles from your hand of three tiles in order to build the world in front of you.

You will be putting vikings in your longship, dropping them off to make room for livestock (see that nice little sheep at the top of that pic?) to bring back to the Mainland.

Some of them may even end up going to Valhalla if you defeat an Enemy Ship (unlike Raiders, nobody dies when you attack a settlement).

Each turn, you will be putting out one tile and then placing the appropriate thing on there (it will either be a livestock, settlement, or enemy ship).

Then you can take up to 4 actions: Load your longship with Vikings, Unload a Longship (both Vikings and Livestock, which you will then deliver), Move Longship one space (plus destroying an Enemy Ship that’s on the tile if you have at least two Vikings on board), Move Vikings on land (and raid a Settlement if you have the strength), Transport Livestock from one land tile to an adjacent one, or Construct an Outpost (which takes 2 actions).

I think I see England!

The game ends when the last player has placed their final tile and all of the tiles are gone.

At the beginning of the game, each player chose a Captain card from two of them that they were dealt.

That’s a hefty-looking Barbarian

This card shows the end-game scoring as well as the bonus that specific Captain gives. The bonus will point you in a direction that you’ll take during the game.

You get points for Livestock delivery, Outposts, destroyed Enemy Ships, raided Settlements, Viking deaths, and controlled islands.

Whoever has the most points is the winner!

This is a neat little game but nowhere near as interesting as its predecessor. It’s cool that you are essentially building the world for yourself and you do have to try and concentrate on a few things rather than spread out over everything if you want to get a good score. Enemy ships only get you 1 VP, for example (2 if you’re the Barbarian), so that might not be a great strategy on its own (though it can lead to Viking deaths, which can be lucrative!)

You essentially do have to control islands, though, either by outpost or by Vikings (though if you use Vikings to control, then you won’t get many points from their deaths, and doesn’t it sound harsh to say it that way?)

I enjoyed it, but unlike Raiders, I don’t feel the need to own it.

I’d definitely play it again, though!

Tapestry (2019 – Stonemaier Games) – 1 play

Designer: Jamey Stegmaier

Artists: Andrew Bosley, Rom Brown

Players: 1-5

And here’s where the fun begins.

I finally got the chance to play this really obscure game that probably nobody has ever heard of.

It’s called Tapestry.

What? You have heard of it?

Good for you. You must really be deep into board games.

All kidding aside, Tapestry is a civilization-building game where you and up to 4 other players are trying to build the best civilization to score you those juicy little elusive victory points.

Unlike many of these types of games, though, you’re really not doing much on your turn. Or at least that’s what it seems like.

The income mat…

Each player starts with a capital city mat, a player/income mat, and a choice of two civilizations.

The Capital is pretty bare, but then again I was the Nomads so many of my buildings were on the boards instead!

Nomads do like to wander, don’t they?

Each civilization has a special power or ability that you will use to take over the entire world!

Ok, maybe not *that* so much, but you are trying to expand your territory.

The board shows the entire world that you can spread across like a cat lying on your keyboard when you’re trying to type.

Players will be filling in this board with various hex tiles that will build the world.

You may notice the four tracks around the board.

That is what you will be spending the majority of your time playing Tapestry doing.

On your turn, you will either spend resources to move up one of the tracks, or you will take one of your four remaining Income turns (you can take five during the game, but the first turn for everybody is an Income turn, so there are only four left).

I was the warmonger in our game, the Red one that’s just ahead of the blue marker out of frame of the picture.

What are these tracks? They are Military, Science, Exploration, and Technology.

Advancing on the Military track will let you conquer and place red armories onto your Capital city mat.

“Was that so hard? You are my Science Guy.” (10 points to whoever gets that reference)

Advancing on the Science track not only may let you put grey houses in your Capital, but also may give you new Tapestry cards and/or roll the Science die. The Science die may let you advance on a different track (though you don’t get the benefit for doing so except sometimes you can).

Advancing on Technology will let you get Technology cards, or maybe a Tapestry card, or put yellow markets in your capital, or maybe other buildings as well!

Somebody’s getting impatient…

Advancing on Exploration will let you either draw territory tiles or place them on the board. It can also give you farms for your capital along with many other bonuses (especially when you hit Level 4 and take off into space!).

Each advancement costs a resource, and further levels of a track cost extra resources (along with at least one of the associated resource of that type of track). Hopefully some of these advancements will give you resources, or you may run out really easily.

The Nomads did things normally. No steam engine before discovering how the stars work!

When you do, it’s time to take an Income turn. This is where you will get resources and victory points based on the spaces on your building board that are empty (due to you building those structures) as well as getting points for your Capital city.

You will also be playing one Tapestry card from your hand, which will either give you an immediate bonus or an effect that will last until your next Income turn.

For example, I had one that I didn’t play that prohibited me from advancing on the Military track but gave me 3 points every time somebody else did.

The only reason those buildings are there instead of on the Capital is because I was the Nomads. They normally don’t go there.

As the game goes on, the board fills out and you can chain more and more actions when you advance on a track.

The game ends when everybody has taken their fifth Income turn. As you can guess from the way I described it, that means that you could be done while others are still going.

And that’s a feature not a bug!

Whoever has the most points at the end of the game is the winner.

I would have to play Tapestry again to cement my feelings on the game, but after the first play I wasn’t that impressed. The Tapestry cards are really random for one thing. Yes, you can get more Tapestry cards so that you have a choice when it’s time to play one, but you are still at the mercy of a terrible draw.

Also, while this is a first impression, it does seem very weirdly balanced.

One of my opponents was the Futurists, the civilization that let them start at Level 4 of all the technology tracks, and he ran away with the game, finishing over 100 points higher than me in second place.

More plays may help with that, but while the game was interesting to experience, I’m not sure I would call it fun.

Still, would like to play it again just to make sure.

Sierra West (2019 – Board & Dice) – 1 play

Designer: Jonny Pac Cantin

Artists: Jakub Fajtanowski, Michał Długaj

Players: 1-4

Sierra West is an interesting action-selection game that has four different modules that you can play which will vary up the experience a bit.

It looks like somebody took a few bites out of it. You better send it back!

The basic gameplay is the same, though, with each player having a player board with room for four cabins on it, as well as a campsite.

The Homestead track. Only one person can get to the top!

There is also a Homestead scoring table where you will be going up on thee tracks to try and get the most points.

These points are multiplied at game’s end by your position on the Wagon Trail.

Blue’s in the lead! Not sure where Yellow went. On a vittles break?

The action selection is really interesting as you have a hand of 3 cards and you have to decide how to play them onto your player board in order to do the actions. You have two different pioneers that you’ll be moving along the cards that you played.

It took me hours to figure out how to place those cards.

One goes along the bottom path and one goes along the top.

The top pioneer will move and get a boot (movement either up the mountain or along the trail), then get some food, then the mule (a special bonus that can do things for you), one boot, and finally some stone.

The bottom one will get two stone, be able to pay a resource and dig (that’s how you get a new cabin or claim a mountain card), then two more wood, and finally another shovel. You can move them in any order.

If a pioneer reached the end of the path (you can always stop), then they may be able to do one of the three “Summit Actions” revealed on top of the three cards. This is how you typically move up the Homestead track but depending on the mode you’re playing, you could do other things as well (We were playing the Outlaws & Outposts module, so some of the Summit Actions were shooting bandits or reloading your gun).

That mountain will slowly come down…

Claiming a mountain card will add a card to your deck (possibly for points!) as well as slowly tear down the mountain as more cards are revealed to be picked up.

“Special” cards (what these are depends on the module) are added below the Wagon Trail when they are uncovered on the mountain, and are the timer of the game (along with possibly allowing you to do stuff or giving you benefits depending on where your wagon is).

Once the final special card is placed below the trail, you finish the round and do end-game scoring.

Most points wins!

I really abbreviated that (though it doesn’t seem like it, I know), because there are cabins you can get to give you bonuses (and prevent point loss) and animals you can hunt that will give you resources (and prevent point loss).

I’m not familiar with how the other modules work, but the Outlaws & Outposts one was really pretty fun.

It’s another optimization puzzle in a way, as you have to figure out how to get your wagon moving as well as your homestead score up as near the top as possible.

Cute!

The artwork on the cards and the various pieces is really good.

This is just a charming game and I would definitely like to play it again.

Sadly, I played my friend’s copy right before he traded it away, so I’m not sure if anybody I know has it anymore.

But I’m open to it!

Another winner from Board & Dice.

Corinth (2019 – Days of Wonder) – 1 play

Designer: Sébastien Pauchon

Artists: Julio Cesar, Cyrille Daujean

Players: 2-4

Corinth is the latest Roll & Write game about Trading in the Mediterranean (sorry, Tom Vasel). Everybody’s rolling dice, and then drafting them to fill in stuff on their sheet.

The starting sheet shows all that you can do.

A player rolls all nine white dice and places them on the Harbor board according to their number.

A weird dice placement system that still works.

The highest pip value rolled is placed in the top slot (Gold Coins). Then each number is placed starting from the bottom, as shown above. This means that some of the spots may be skipped!

Then each player in turn order takes a group of dice.

Whichever one they choose, they get to mark off a number of items of that type on their sheet equal to the number of dice they took. Pip value does not matter.

When they take a group of dice, players can instead move their steward (to right on the score sheet) a number of spaces equal to the pip value of one of the dice they took. This can get other bonuses as well as extra scoring.

At the end of their turn, players can spend gold coins and goats that they’ve earned to build some buildings which have different effects as well.

After a certain number of times each player has rolled the dice (6 times in a 2-3 player game or 4 times in a 4-player game), the game ends and you score your sheet!

I should have named it “Davidius” or something like that.

I’m not a huge Roll & Write fan and while this game was pleasant enough, it didn’t really change my mind much. I’ll certainly play it and it was an enjoyable experience, but it’s not one of my favourite genres.

Still, as Roll & Writes go, this is a pretty good one. You can’t do everything and those who try will be punished. The Steward action seems pretty powerful, though. The winner of our game scored quite highly with that one.

It’s fun as far as the genre goes, but it won’t make you like it if you don’t already.

Zorro Dice Game (2020 – Pull the Pin Games) – 1 play

Designers: Brian Henk, Clayton Skancke

Artist: Loïc Billiau

Players: 2-6

The Zorro Dice Game is a game that’s on Kickstarter right now (until November 16, so there’s still time!).

It’s a quick little dice game, kind of push your luck and kind of team-based in that you are all trying to fight the various villains that are on the board.

However, only one player can win.

You are essentially trying to see who becomes the next Zorro (because I guess the old one retired? I don’t know).

Oh, I guess he’s getting old and he wants a new successor. Because like the Dread Pirate Roberts, Zorro is more of a role than it is a real person. (Editor – It helps to read the rule book before typing).

I stopped a runaway stage coach and all I got was a pair of gloves. Where are the groupies????

Anyway, each player will take a turn trying to perform heroic feats to prove your Zorro credentials. You do this by rolling dice, up to three times (just like Yahtzee) to try and get the needed requirements.

If you perform the feat, you get the piece of equipment, but be careful. You can only keep two pieces of regular equipment.

When you go to perform the feat, you can have one additional player try to help you. You get three rolls and you can use any of your equipment and also your partner’s as well as any Hero dice that you’ve accumulated. If you’re helped, your partner can do a fourth roll and use any of their Hero dice as well (though it’s unclear whether they can only roll what you didn’t keep or not).

The Scoundrel is the top card, the Villain is the next one in the pile

If you complete two of the same colour Heroic Feat, you get a Heroic Die and the next player will fight the Scoundrel of that colour, which emerges because they’re getting tired of their plans being foiled I guess.

Many thanks to The Boardgame Family on BGG for letting me use this picture!

Defeating a Scoundrel gets you a piece of Premium Equipment! This kick-ass equipment runs rings around the basic equipment. Two wild resources? That’s amazing!

As soon as somebody gets a second Heroic Die of any colour (meaning somebody else performed 2 Heroic Feats of the same colour or you performed a third one of that colour), the Villain appears.

This is the end of the game.

Starting with the next player, each player tries to fight the Villain once. Whoever fails gets knocked over.

Whoever succeeds stays standing up. If more than one player succeeds, they duel to see who becomes the next Zorro. These duels involve players just trying to roll as many swords as possible (so it helps if you have equipment that gives you swords!)

The final winner of the duel(s) is the next Zorro and wins the game!

This is a neat little dice game, a fun filler for before/after the main games have been played. I don’t know if I would want to build anything around it, even a lunch-time game (though that’s a possibility), but it’s neat for what it does and it doesn’t outstay its welcome.

We had a 3-player game, and I think it might be more interesting with more players (it does play 2-6). Would have to try it and see.

There is an expansion (Heroes and Villains) that is part of the Kickstarter, though the copy we played at SHUX didn’t have that so I don’t know what it’s like. The expansion makes it a 1-8 player game instead of 2-6.

For $15 + shipping, this isn’t a bad buy if you want something to fill your idle time with.

A decent game that I don’t regret trying out.

March of the Ants (2015 – Weird City Games) – 1 play

Designers: Tim Eisner, Ryan Swisher

Artists: Tim Eisner, Ryan Swisher, Peter Wocken

Players: 1-5

March of the Ants is tile-laying game about conflicting ant nests and the tunnels they inhabit. It is a bit conflict-heavy (which is why I wasn’t sure about playing this one with Paula Deming and her husband Lawson after our interview at SHUX, but it turned out ok) but it’s also kind of neat.

We can all coexist! As long as we’re in the right tunnel.

The Great Tunnel is laid out on the table and all players will have ants there. There can be no fighting in the Great Tunnel (it’s kind of like Switzerland).

The game takes place over 3-5 seasons (depending on how long you want the game to last) and each season will consist of a number of phases.

Each player has a nest where larvae and food can be put, along with a guide to what actions you can do and a place to hold your adaptations (because you have to evolve or die!).

The actions you can take all cost a food, so they can be limited in the early game (or maybe I just suck at it). Each action also has a reaction possibility for the other players (which is pretty cool, actually).

You can Explore (draw a tile and place it connecting a tunnel where you have an ant). You can March (move up to 5 steps, moving larvae to tunnels you inhabit first and then moving ants). You can Forage (draw two cards).

You can play a card (pay the coast in larvae and/or ants as called for by the card). These cards can be events, Colony Goals (scored at the end of each turn if you meet the conditions) or Evolution.

Evolution cards are added to your Ant Body to give you bonuses or extra benefits.

One evolution for each of the three parts of your body!

The final action is Resting. This effectively passes you out of the action phase.

Collection sites are the circles on each tile.

In the Soldier Phase, tunnels that have ants from two or more factions and more ants on them than collection sites are considered “contested.” Battle ensues and it’s actually a neat mechanic because the defender is whoever occupies the “Control” collection site, even if that’s the only ant they have on the tile.

Invaders are everybody else.

You total up the number of ants you have, any evolution bonuses, then each player can play one of their cards face down. These cards have a number on them that is the “ferocity” and is added to their strength.

The loser loses ants equal to the Army Strength of the winner. The winner loses half of the Army Strength of the loser rounded down. (War is hell, even in the ant world).

This can happen again if there’s another faction of ants, but you will only battle each faction once even if the hex is still contested.

The Harvest phase is where you collect all of that stuff from collection sites on tiles. You then have to feed your ants. (What, was this designed by Uwe?) Then there’s the Queen’s Decree, where you can produce either larvae or food for the next round.

Finally, the Slumber phase is where you total up all the points for the round.

Continue this for the set number of rounds, and then determine the winner with the most victory points!

While I really enjoyed playing this with Paula and Lawson, the game itself didn’t really make me want to play it again that much. I found it too tight and very hard to do things through the first half of the game. With only four rounds (we played the medium-length game), it seems like half the game was getting set up to do other things.

I did enjoy the tile-laying aspect, though. The artwork is great on the tiles! It really makes you feel like you’re deep underground in an ant tunnel.

I wouldn’t mind playing it again to see if my first impression is still the same, but I’m not clamoring to do it.

Paladins of the West Kingdom (2019 – Garphill Games/Renegade Game Studios) – 1 play

Designers: Shem Phillips, S J Macdonald

Artist: Mihajlo Dimitrievski

Players: 1-4

What’s this? Another West Kingdom game, where Architects of the West Kingdom is my Top 4 game played of all time?

Can designers Shem Phillips and S J Macdonald hit another one out of the park?

Initial signs point to yes, though I definitely need more plays of this first (and my copy to arrive, which it hasn’t yet, damn you Starlit Citadel!!!!)

You’ve built a lavish city in Architects, but now it’s time to defend the city against the onslaught of outsiders, as well as improving your city both religiously and economically.

He looks like a nice guy

The really interesting aspect of Paladins of the West Kingdom is your Paladin deck that you will be using throughout the game. The game is played over 7 rounds and you have 12 Paladins in your deck. You’ll be using one per round.

Each Paladin will give you a special bonus as well as a number of workers for that round.

How do you get more workers?

By going to the pub of course!

Purple workers are wild, in more ways than one. They can be used as any colour but they get you Suspicion when you obtain them.

Players will choose one Tavern card to give them the workers on that card to use in the current round as well.

You will be playing these workers on your player board, going around the table doing one action at a time. Some actions require workers of certain colours (or the purple ones as wild) and some only require workers of any colour. Many require both.

Your objective is to clear off as many of the items on your board as you can, as they will help you do things.

You can “Develop” to move the green workshops from the left side of your board onto actions on the right side. These workshops will take the place of certain of the workers for those actions, making them cheaper.

You can commission your black monks to go out onto the main board. Doing this will give you further benefits depending on where you place them. Garrisoning allows you to put the red garrisons on the board.

Absolving lets you move those jars (of holy water? Not sure) over to the right, getting rid of Suspicion and getting you another benefit. Fortifying adds strength to your walls.

the Outsiders are on the bottom

You can also attack or convert Outsiders who are approaching your city. This will give you special one-time bonuses (for attacking) or end-game victory points (for converting) them.

Food can be very important in this game, depending on your strategy.

You can also recruit Townspeople for either a one-time benefit or putting them to work to give you benefits for the rest of the game.

I didn’t concentrate on Strength very much, obviously.

The main focus of Paladins is to move three attributes (Strength, Influence, and Faith) up the tracks to score points. Each action on the right side of the board requires a certain amount of one attribute and will give you a certain amount of another.

This is clearly shown on the board, though new players may have trouble remembering what does what.

Yes, I missed the first round in this pic. So sue me!

Each round, either a King’s Order or a King’s Favour (or in Round 3, both) are turned over. The King’s Orders are the first three, and will give you victory points at the end of the game for completing them.

The King’s Favours will open up new one-time (per round) worker placement spots that are a bit stronger than the ones on your board. Once somebody takes it, nobody else can though the workers are cleared at the end of the round so it will be available next round.

After the 7th round, all the points are totaled up and whoever has the most is the winner!

This post ignores a lot of the intricacies of how to play this game (that will come in the review, I guess), but hopefully this gives an overall picture.

Once again, you can’t spread yourself too thin or you won’t get a lot of points from doing anything. In my game, I commissioned one monk, but I garrisoned and absolved almost completely. For those actions, you only get victory points if you get near the end of the track, so if you do a little of one, a little of another, and a little of another, you won’t get any points from it whatsoever.

But maybe you’re scoring points other ways? That’s certainly possible!

There are so many avenues to scoring. I played a 4-player game, and we all did it a bit differently. The scores were 65-62-58-55.

This is easily the most complex game I’ve seen from Phillips (and definitely from Macdonald). The rules themselves are fairly easy to pick up, but how to use them to win is a brain-burner.

In fact, that’s my only concern about this game: time.

Our play took a little over 3 hours. I’ve heard other people talk about 3 hours games as well.

I’d have to play it a few more times to see if we get the playtime down, but it just won’t get played as much if it’s a normally 3-hour game.

The mechanics, though, and the artwork and everything else.

Those are awesome.

I have a feeling this will be on this year’s Top 10 Games Played.

War of the Worlds: The New Wave (2019 – Grey Fox Games) – 1 play

Designer: Denis Plastinin

Artist: Igor Savchenko

Players: 2

Finally, the last new game of October. Wow, my fingers are tired (I won’t tell you that I wrote this over a period of a week). This one is a Kickstarter that I finally received a couple of weeks ago.

War of the Worlds: the New Wave does one of my favourite things: combine a deckbuilder with some other mechanism. In this case, it’s total destruction!

The Martians from War of the Worlds are back, and once again they’re invading England (what is this, Dr. Who?).

It’s kind of dark. I guess the Martians knocked out all the power!

England is divided into a bunch of zones, and there are 30 civilians that the Aliens have to kill.

Yes, literally 30 civilians. They’re very important!

(no, really, I’m sure they represent thousands of people…)

The minis only come in the Kickstarter, but I think you can order them from Grey Fox Games as well

At the setup, the Alien Saucer, the Tripod, and the Invasion Ship are placed in the designated area at the top of the board. Three civilian markers go in each area that has three squares.

The cool thing is that the Human player cannot eliminate any Alien unit on the map. They are just relentless.

Instead, while the Aliens win by wiping out all 30 civilian markers, the Humans win by doing 30 points of “damage” to Alien buildings or Tripods (Saucers can’t be attacked). Thus, the human forces will slowly disappear from the map (though military units and buildings can be built) while the Aliens will never leave.

Each player will get their own starting deck of cards and their own offer deck where they can buy cards from. There are no “public” offerings of cards.

The cards will do everything from building a building (eliminating the card from the game, so you only get one!), an action that your units can do, or creating an army unit (and then moving that unit next time you get the card in your hand).

The game can get very tense as turns go back and forth. The Humans are at a huge disadvantage at first, and many civilians will get wiped out before they get on their feet. But spreading out and doing a bit of damage here and a bit of damage there will help them prevail.

Two measly civilians! That was annoying.

This was the final situation when the Humans did their 30th point of damage to the Alien (me). They were down to two civilians but they were protected enough to be able to pull it out.

War of the Worlds is a really tense and exciting game, at least in our first one. We’ll see whether it keeps it up.

I love deckbuilders that have maps or some other method of doing things other than just the cards.

While this won’t rival my Top 5 games of all time (3 of which are deckbuilders that do other things), I can see this really livening up a lunch hour. It’s a 2-player game that can be played in an hour or less.

That’s perfect!

A review will probably be forthcoming in a month or so as I get enough plays in, but so far it’s a winner.

Whew!

That was a massive post (almost 6500 words). I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

What new to you games did you play in October?

Or any opinions on these?

Let me know in the comments.

        New to Me #boardgames - October 2019 @alderac @stonemaiergames @BoardAndDice @pullthepingames @WeirdCityGames @GreyFoxGames @DylanMangini October was SHUX month. SHUX is a 3-day boardgame convention in Vancouver that was simply phenomenal. I had so much fun, and would have had even more fun if I hadn't felt so terrible.