Our Top Holiday Picks For 2007!

It's that time of year again, and to celebrate, we're bringing out our big list of favorites for this past year.

Family Games:

• the Carcassonne series by Rio Grande Games
• Apples to Apples by Out of the Box Publishing
• Pick Two Deluxe by Outset Media
• Skullduggery by Outset Media
• Killer Bunnies by Playroom Entertainment
• Trans America by Rio Grande Games
• Run For Your Life Candyman! by Smirk & Dagger Games
• the Munchkin Series from Steve Jackson Games
• The Settlers of Catan (Revised) series by Mayfair Games
• MindTrap by Outset Media
  

Stocking Stuffers:

• Wizard by US Games Systems Inc
• Blink by Out of the Box Publishing
• any of the Tavern Puzzles
• the Professor Noggin series by Outset Media
  
• Devil Bunny Hates The Earth by Cheapass Games
• Fluxx 3.1 by Looney Labs
• Parity by US Games Systems Inc
• The Great Dalmuti by Wizards of the Coast
• Rush Hour by ThinkFun
• Tangram by ThinkFun
  

National Games Week 2007 & More News than you can shake a stick at!

National Games Week 2007 is now upon us all! Take this awesome opportunity to play games for an entire week with a really good excuse! For more information, check out this URL here.

New Releases:

• TODAY from Rio Grande Games - La Citta, Race For The Galaxy, Power Grid Card Expansion, Key Harvest, Chateau Roquefort, Manhattan, Amyitis, & Cuba
• from Mayfair Games - Settlers of Catan: Seafarers Revised, Settlers of Catan: Seafarers Expansion Revised, Settlers of Catan: Cities & Knights Revised , & Settlers of Catan: Cities & Knights Expansion Revised

Updates:

• Munchkin Ctuhlhu 3 - The Unspeakable Vault has an expected release date of January 2008... More to come when we know for sure
• Evil Ted is still in production and, to my knowledge, hasn't been given a firm release date.
• coming in February... Munchkin Bobblehead!!! At $14.95, this nodding, encouraging, horned-helm bobblehead will not only look great on your desk at work, but ALSO gives you a leg up on the competition in play!

Fundraisers!
We here at Cardboard Warrior are getting into the fundraising scene... We like to think of it as a quirky twist on the usual fruit and dessert sales from your kiddos. Not only are we fun, but we sneak in the educational aspect that parents and teachers will love!!!
Right now we have a fundraiser in progress. We're currently working with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #37 out of Ames, IA. So far, we've had a really good response and are looking forward to future fundraisers, but we need your help for that.
For more information on fundraising opportunities from schools to civic organizations (we are an equal opportunity fundraiser!), email us at support@cardboardwarrior.com.

Our Top Picks of 2007
As promised, because it's that time of year again, we are releasing our top picks for 2007. Check out our next blog for all the details and helpful hints for this game-filled holiday season!

the Games 100 list! 2008 edition

check out this year's Buyer's Guide to Games from Games Magazine...

Game of the Year
The Pillars of the Earth
Die Saulen der Erde

Best Abstract Strategy Game
Easter Island
Gemstones - Runner-Up
Manoover - Nominee
Terra Nova - Nominee
Par-K - Nominee
Fnap - Nominee
Wayfinder - Nominee

Best Advanced Strategy Game
Khronos
Age of Empires III: The Age of Discovery - Runner-Up
Hermagor - Nominee
Gloria Mundi - Nominee
Canal Mania second edition - Nominee
Vikings English language edition of Wikinger - Nominee
Tempus - Nominee
Antike English language edition - Nominee
Antike German edition - Nominee
Imperial - Nominee
Die Macher international edition - Nominee
Hameln - Nominee
Shogun rethemed edition of Wallenstein - Nominee

Best Family Game
If Wishes Were Fishes
Qwirkle - Runner-Up
Zooloretto - Nominee
Alhambra: The Dice Game multilingual edition of Alhambra: Das Würfelspiel - Nominee
Blue Moon City - Nominee
Thief of Bagdad English language of Der Dieb von Bagdad - Nominee
Mr. Jack - Nominee
Factory Fun - Nominee
Seismic - Nominee
Portobello Market English language edition - Nominee
Wicked Witches Way - Nominee
Volle Wolle - Nominee
California English language edition - Nominee
California multi-lingual edition - Nominee
To Court the King English language edition of Um Krone und Kragen - Nominee
Um Krone und Krogen - Nominee
Mother Sheep - Nominee
Nacht der Magier - Nominee
Gemlok - Nominee
Can't Stop - Nominee
Incan Gold English language edition of Diamant - Nominee
Claim It! - Nominee
BreakScore - Nominee
Cobras in the Cockpit - Nominee
Valley of the Pharaohs - Nominee
Numbers League: Adventures in Addiplication - Nominee
Doodle Dice - Nominee
Roll-It Tic Tac Toe - Nominee

Best Family Card Game
Bull in a China Shop
Serengeti - Runner-Up
Great Wall of China English language edition of Chinesische Mauer - Nominee
Infernal Contraption base set - Nominee
Ruse and Bruise English language edition of Kabale und Hiebe - Nominee
Figaro - Nominee

Best Family Strategy Game
Shear Panic
Mission: Red Planet - Runner-Up
Winds of Plunder - Nominee
Notre Dame English language edition - Nominee
Walhalla - Nominee
Before the Wind English language edition of Vor Dem Wind - Nominee
The End of the Triumvirats English language edition - Nominee
Das Ende des Triumvirats original German edition - Nominee
Taluva - Nominee
Die Saulen von Venediq - Nominee
Genesis - Nominee
Gheos - Nominee
Arkadia English language edition of Die Baumeister von Arkadia - Nominee
Die Baumeister von Arkadia original German edition of Arkadia - Nominee
On The Underground -Nominee
Bolide - Nominee
Alchemist English language edition - Nominee
Nomads of Arabia: The Wandering Herds Game - Nominee
Graenaland - Nominee
Venediq - Nominee
Colosseum - Nominee
Guatemala Cafe - Nominee
Fire & Axe domestic edition of Viking Fury - Nominee
Bison: Thunder on the Prairie - Nominee
Catan Histories: Struggle for Rome English language edition of Kampf um Rom - Nominee
Augsburg 1520 English language edition - Nominee

Best Party Game
GiftTRAP
Aunt Millie's Millions - Runner-Up
Kragmortha English language edition - Nominee
Shake Down - Nominee
Across Words - Nominee
Cineplexity - Nominee
Hart an der Grenze - Nominee
Ca$h'n Gun$ English language edition - Nominee
Dilbert: The Board Game - Nominee

Best Puzzle
DaVinci's Secret: The Clue
The Equation
Legend of the King
Cover Your Tracks - Runner-Up
Hot Spot - Nominee
Treasure Quest Escape with the Gold - Nominee
The Wizard's Workshop - Nominee

Best Word Game
Unspeakable Words
WordSpot Bookshelf Edition - Runner-Up
WordSpot Discovery Edition - Runner-Up
Disorder - Nominee
Take Your Best Shot - Nominee

Best Historical Simulation Game
Ran Great Battles of History #12
Combat Commander: Europe - Runner-Up
Talavera - Nominee
Duel in the Dark - Nominee
The Kaiser's Pirates - Nominee
Cowboys: The Way of the Gun - Nominee

Cardboard Warrior's Game of the Month - November 2007

Wizard

players: 3-6
playing time: 45 minutes
ages: 10+
manufacturer: US Games Systems
reviewer: Warrior Jessa
overall grade: A+

Construction: A+
Wizard is, by far, one of the best trumping card games out there on the market today! A great game for all ages, Wizard is a very simply made card game that proves that trick taking is no easy feat.

Playability: A+
This game is very easy to learn, but as is with all trump games, difficult and rarely ever fully mastered. That's the fun of it though. Study your opponent's tells but be careful not to give your own away. Bid wisely and you'll be declared the winner!

Value: A+
If you want to spend some good ole' quality time with the family, pick up Wizard and you're sure to put some smiles on everyone's faces.

Cardboard Warrior's Game of the Month - October 2007

Killer Bunnies: The Blue Starter

players: 2-8
playing time: 60 minutes
ages: 12+
manufacturer: Playroom Entertainment
reviewer: Warrior Jessa
overall grade: A+

Construction: A+
Like most other card games out there, Killer Bunnies has a similar feel, but a very different look to it. The cards are pretty typical in structure, but with a nice coating on them it makes for a longer lasting product. The fact that the only components to the game are the cards and the dice makes it simple and easy enough to keep around for a good, long time, especially in the box provided.

Playability: A-
For first timers, Kilelr Bunnies can, and probably will be, a bit confusing as there are a lot of rules and variations to some of the cards. Once you get the basic hang of it though, it gets a whole lot easier, and a lot more fun! Killer Bunnies is ruthless in nature, as the name would suggest, but still quite lighthearted enough to keep everyone coming back for more.

Value: A+
Since you'll never play it quite the same way twice, and being that there are many expansion sets to incorporate into play, this game is very much worth its weight in gold... err, I mean carrots.

**Many apologies for not having this up sooner. To make up for it, we're still offering the standard 25% game of the month discount through the end of November!**

More New Releases & Updates

Update:

• from Outset Media, MindTrap Geometrical Riddles and What? are in stock and ready for shipping!
• from Outset Media, MindTrap Classic Conundrums and Theories have been pushed back to a January release due to a heavy production schedule. We'll keep you posted on further developments and news on those two games.

New:

• from Outset Media, the Professor Noggin series in French! These games are great for the classroom, and now there's the added bonus of them being available to our French foreign language teachers too!
• from Rio Grande Games comes Carcassonne: Travel Edition, shipping today! Take Carcassonne on the go!

The holiday season is soon upon us, and we're busy gearing up for it! Don't wait to get the great games you and your family will love! Due out mid-November will be our holiday top 10 picks of the year, our favorite games that we know you'll love too. Be sure to check back and check it out, you never know what you'll find on the list or in our inventory!

New Releases & More Goodies!

Now Shipping:

• Zombie Fluxx from Looney Labs, a cranked up version of the great Fluxx game with a "Zombie uprising". "Zombie Fluxx... The ever-changing zombie card game"

New Releases:

• A release date has finally been set for the highly anticipated The Good, The Bad and The Munchkin! Get ready for it to hit stores on Wednesday November 7th!
• Also set to release on Nov. 7th, get ready for the revised editions of the classic Settlers of Catan series! Here's what we have to look forward to... "….featuring all new graphics….new card art, new box, new tiles, full color rules books….Catan the Settlers….interlocking board frame….all new tile art - every tile different….each tile will be special….Catan Seafarers and Catan Cities & Knights….exquisite new dice….Settlers of Catan, Seafarers of Catan, Cities and Knights of Catan will each contain a tray designed to hold the 5-6 player extension components for that segment….Settlers of Catan cards, Cities & Knights cards….now tuck boxed…." Because of the revision, prices will jump slightly on the core games from $38.00 to $42.00, but the 5&6 player expansions will remain the same at $20.00.

In Production:

• Another sequel to the Munchkin Cthulhu series is currently in production, Munchkin Cthulhu 3 - The Unspeakable Vault. Set for a mere $9.95, this latest release will feature more More Madness, More Monsters, and More Things That Put The Hurt On Monsters! "The Unspeakable Vault - more 'yum yum' for your Munchkin Cthulhu game." We'll keep you posted on a future release date.

Just Added:

• Check out the new Tavern Puzzle collection! These great wrought iron mind benders not only make great puzzles, but great eye candy when displayed on a shelf or on the wall!

New Releases

New Releases:

• from Steve Jackson Games - Munchkin Cthulhu 2: Call of Cowthulhu is set to release TOMORROW, September 5th!!! Hurry and get your hands on a copy before they all disappear!
• from Outset Media - MindTrap Classic Conundrums, MindTrap Geometric Riddles, and What? are set to release early this month, we'll keep you posted on firm dates!
• from Koplow Games - the Ribbon Series dice sets are available TODAY! Check these great dice out and help support one or more of your favorite causes.
• from Mayfair Games - China Rails is available TODAY!
• from Playroom Entertainment - Killer Bunnies: Onyx Deck will be out for release on September 14th! This is reportedly the final expansion set for the Killer Bunnies game, but I've also been told that this won't be the last we hear from Killer Bunnies... dun dun dun!
  

New Releases & More

Re-Releases:

• from Rio Grande Games - Jambo is finally back in stock!
  

New Releases:

• from Rio Grande Games - Carcassonne: The Discovery A new stand-alone game in the great Carcassonne series

We've just received word from our distributor that Koplow Games will be releasing "Benefit Series" dice later this month. "Most grateful for all the support you’ve given them over the years, Koplow Games is returning that abundance to the community with their special 19mm “Benefit Series” dice. Featuring the popular “ribbon” look, these dice not only help you to show your support for a variety of causes, but you can help Koplow help them too! At least 30% of Koplow Games’ sales of these dice will go to the causes below:"

Blue Ribbon: Prostate Cancer Research
Blue Ribbon Tube (5)
(KOP 13758, $5.00)
Blue Ribbon Cube (6)
(KOP 13993, $6.00)

Orange Ribbon: OXFAM America
Orange Ribbon Tube (5)
(KOP 13759, $5.00)
Orange Ribbon Cube (6)
(KOP 13994, $6.00)

Pink Ribbon: Breast Cancer Research
Pink Ribbon Tube (5)
(KOP 13760, $5.00)
Pink Ribbon Cube (6)
(KOP 13796, $6.00)

Purple Ribbon: Alzheimer’s Association
Purple Ribbon Tube (5)
(KOP 13761, $5.00)
Purple Ribbon Cube (6)
(KOP 13995, $6.00)

Red Ribbon: Aids Research
Red Ribbon Tube (5)
(KOP 13762, $5.00)
Red Ribbon Cube (6)
(KOP 13996, $6.00)

Grey Ribbon: Diabetes Research
Grey Ribbon Tube (5)
(KOP 13763, $5.00)
Grey Ribbon Cube (6)
(KOP 13997, $6.00)

Yellow Ribbon: Red Cross - Care and Comfort (Troop Support)

Yellow Ribbon Tube (5)
(KOP 13764, $5.00)
Yellow Ribbon Cube (6)
(KOP 13998, $6.00)

Game Review - 3D5 by Outset Media

WOW! This is not only one of the easiest games out there to learn, but it is one of the most visually stunning games as well.

3D5 is just that, a 3D 5x5 version of the classic tic-tac-toe game that we all know and love. Instead of playing on a sinle plane with only the basic options to score (straight line or diagonal), you're playing on 5 different planes each of which is a 5x5 board.

Not only can you use the standard options to win, but now you can create a win using all 5 planes as well (standard straight line or even a diagonal). As an added bonus, each center spot is occupied by a clear marble which gives each player the option to use it, it's essentially a free spot.

Beware though, this game is VERY easy to learn, but to score a win is not so easy. You have to have a sharp eye to spot your opponent's strategy as well as create your own.

It's lots of fun with a great twist on the original!

Oh yeah, did I also mention that the game board collapses down for storage. It requires no set up, just remove the center screw and the game builds itself. Black tongs also accompany this game for easier marble placement on the board.

Cardboard Warrior's Game of the Month - August 2007

Devil Bunny Hates The Earth

players: 2-5
ages: 10+
manufacturer: Cheapass Games
reviewer: Warrior Jessa
overall grade: A+

Construction: A+
All that comes in the cleverly simple white envelope is the 2-piece gameboard, rules for the game are written on the envelope. It really can't get more simple than this.

Playability: A+
Easy to learn, only takes a few minutes. Easy to play, the more people who play, the longer it'll take, but the more fun it'll be! Only uses the basic elements to play (1 pawn per player, 1 six-sided die, 1 distinct counter to represent Devil Bunny, and roughly 50 counters to represent the squirrles). If you don't have pawns or counters handy, you can use what you have on hand, like coins, toothpicks, matchsticks, other game pieces, etc.

Value: A+
At a low low low price of $2.50, you just can't go wrong! This game is devilishly simple yet cutthroat in the most fun way possible. You can play it if you've got some spare time between classes, if you've got a bit of free time before the kids go to bed, or really any time. Games can take only a few minutes or they can last a bit longer, just depends on who you're playing it with.

Game Review - Skullduggery by Outset Media

At first glance, the game instructions might look a little intimidating, but I assure that if you merely start playing the game while you're reading the instructions, it's not that hard at all.
My family and I sat down to play this the other night... Oy! I had a great time, but I have to warn you all out there that if you ever want to finish a game you'll need up to several hours. I kid not... The four of us (sadly a maximum of four can play at any given time) played for roughly two hours and only one person had finished their second objective.
The goal of the game is to be the first to finish all four of your objectives (meaning, you have to make it to all four of your landmarks) and then get to the treasure before anyone else. Sounds simple, doesn't it? You'd really think it would be if it weren't for the nasty pirates that can potentially send you back to your boat and leave you with no jewels to pay them off with. Add to the mix that during every person's turn they're allowed to rotate or move one piece of the game board, which could very well leave you stranded (I know, we did this to my sister!).
It really is a great game and I highly recommend it to everyone.

We've just acquired a new bunch of gently used games to add to our Battle Damaged Games & Board Game Medic collections, be sure to check 'em out and see if we've got the missing pieces to your favorite games.

• (vintage) Candyland
• (vintage) Ouija
• Stadium Checkers
• Winnie The Pooh

New to us and you... We've set up an eBay account for those great, vintage, hard to find games that have found their way to our warehouse (all complete and in good condition). Go check us out at http://myworld.ebay.com/cardboardwarrior-games/

Games soon to go up for auction inclued:

• Sweet Valley High
• Clue (vintage 1972)
• Drueke's Solitaire
• Mastermind (vintage 1973)
• Pit (vintage)

new & exciting...

Brand new to us is a calendar so we can post all sorts of events, happenings, and general goodness related to that which is gaming. Previously, under the calendar icon on our main page, we had a nice little note saying the calendar was still in the works, but alas today it is done and up! We're constantly adding more and more information of course, but now we have something a bit more substantial for you to take a gander at. If there's something major going on that's not on the calendar, let me know and I'd be happy to post it. I will also be posting a link to the calendar from the blog so everyone can check it out.

Re-Releases:

• from Rio Grande Games - If Wishes Were Fishes, Medici, Pick Picknic, Taj Mahal, and Taluva.
• from Steve Jackson Games - a limited number of SPANC have been released, get your hands on it before it's gone!

Cardboard Warrior's Game of the Month - July 2007

Pick Two Deluxe

players: 3-8
ages: 8+
manufacturer: Outset Media
reviewer: Warrior Jessa
overall grade: A+

Construction: A+
Contents - 240 lettered tiles, one score pad, and one pencil. It has all the basics and none of the un-needed frills. The tiles are thin, lightweight and very easy to move around the table for quick rearranging.

Playability: A+
This game is one of the absolute easiest games to learn! Think scrabble, only faster. The trick is to build your own crossword puzzle with the pieces you draw, but the catch is that every time someone yells "Pick Two", everyone draws two more tiles, and you can rearrange your crossword at any time. Sound simple? You're right, it is. As long as you have a mostly hard surface to play on, you can play this game anywhere and with up to 8 players, which is great for parties or big families.

Value: A+
I love this game and it has quickly become not only one of my favorites, but a favorite of my family's as well. At a mere $20, this game is not only affordable, but a must-have for anyone who loves word games. The beauty of this game is in its simplicity, but also in its ability to be played quickly, by many players, and have a great educational aspec for your youngins who want to work on their spelling.

Game Review - CrossCribb by Outset Media

My family and I sat down to play this game last week... Admittedly it was a bit confusing trying to learn how to play it because none of us had ever played it before and we were trying to learn the 5 player game rules, which vary slightly from the standard 4 player rules. We got it figured out though and I have to say, this is quite the cutthroat game!
The object is to build the best possible 5-card cribbage hand for yourself, but at the same time you're trying to sabotage everyone else's hands too. It's a great variation for those who love cribbage, but can easily be played by someone who's not as familiar with it as well.
It comes with two "cheater cards" that give you the basic countings for cribbage, so that certainly helps. The really cool thing is that there are variations for 2, 3, 5, and 6 player versions as well as CrossCribb Solitaire, CrossCribb 20:20, CrossCribb Double Trouble and CrossPoker.
Once you get the rules down it's most definitely worth playing, time and time again.

Hi

Hello, hello, hello! (kudos to those who get the reference!) Welcome one and all to our brand new blog! The goal is to have this serve as our mountain top so that we can get the word out about all things (board and card) games and also to provide a less formal way of connecting to our fellow gamers out there.

We're undergoing some more asthetic changes to the site, so I extend my apologies if you happen to visit and things look a little wonky. I promise it won't look that way for long!

I'll keep this short for now, but I can't promise the same for the future. Check back often for more news, updates, and random fun stuff.

July 5-8 in Columbus, OH - Origins (International Game Expo) - On hand will be some of our favorites including Steve Jackson Games (Mr. Steve Jackson himself!), Chessex, Crystal Caste, Knucklebones Magazine, Mayfair Games, Out Of The Box, Playroom Entertainment, Rio Grande Games, and Titanic Games.

New Releases:

• Munchkin Cthulhu 2 - Call of Cowthulhu The much anticipated release of the sequel to the wildly popular Munchkin Cthulhu is scheduled for an August 2007 release and is priced at a modest $9.95. There's more monsters, more whackers, and a brand new card type... don't miss it! (Steve Jackson Games)


• Carcassonne: travel edition is reportedly on tap for a July release along with Manhattan, Race for the Galaxy, and Khronos. (Rio Grande Games)