TFG superfan Nick Martinelli joined our writing team in 2018.
Explore reviews and podcasts he has contributed to:
When I heard about Cabanga!, I knew I had to try it. The thrill of deciding whether to play a card that might cause me to gain unwanted cards adds an exciting layer of suspense, making every turn feel like a risky, strategic gamble.
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Toil & Troublez brings a touch of magic to the table! This whimsical game keeps players engaged as they anticipate each draw and carefully place cards in hopes of getting the Talisman they need.
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Aurum is a trick-taking game where players take on the role of alchemists melding base metals into gold. Earn points from gold and correctly bidding on number of tricks you’ll win. The unique trick-taking hook in Aurum is that players must not follow suit!
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Farming might not be the most exciting theme for young kids, but it went over well with my teenager. The art style drew her in, and the simple turn actions kept her engaged.
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We waited an extra week for this podcast so we could bring you all the GenCon goodies with Nick.
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The Walking Dead: The Dice Game is quick to learn and suitable for all levels of gamers. Is it family-friendly? That depends on your comfort with zombie content, light gore, and weapons.
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Pátzcuaro drew me in with its unique theme, colorful art, and set collection mechanics. Its star mechanic, a rondel for action selection, blew me away.
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Wandering Towers brings a special kind of magic to the table. It’s a game that will click after a single turn, and keep you super engaged until the last wizard drops into Ravenskeep.
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The Perfect Wave blends two of my favorite game mechanics – drafting and set collection – into a groovy mix that’s truly unique.
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Dogfight! has rapid, action-packed turns. Your toughest decision is determining how far to move and when to fire. You’ll need to be cunning to try and predict what your opponent will do. Can you out-maneuver them and line up your shot?
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Dice Manor is light, family friendly, and quick to grasp. The multitude of choices make it a fantastic puzzle, and your choices will impact other players.
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Scram! is a hit for our crew because it’s light, strategic, and without any mental overload. Turns go quick and kids will stay engaged. While we only were able to get four players to the table, it would be a hoot at six.
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Build a harmonious city in this competitive, fast paced, tile placement game! We think it’s best at 4 players.
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Find out more about The Tree Trimming Game, Sequitur, Jokkmokk, Marvel Remix, Unboxed, Crabs in a Bucket, Star Realms Academy, Caution Signs, Pack the Essentials, Maize Craze, and Mycelia !
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Can you build the best “overworld” for your video-game monsters? “Overboss is a map-building game from the makers of Boss Monster.
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Cooperate to “film” five scenes and complete a (hopefully) successful movie in Roll Camera! It’s best for teens and adults.
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As with the other games in the series, Sports Dice Hockey aims to capture the action of the real sport. Puck flying action is simulated by fast dice rolls and simultaneous turns.
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When I originally reviewed Prehistories, I noted it was very family friendly and would appeal to folks who enjoy tile placement games. This is still true, but I enjoyed it even more with the addition of the Evolution modules!
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I’ve always been a fan of the medieval time period for its astonishing castles and Arthurian lore. Blazon focuses on one aspect of medieval history; heraldry.
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