Author Archives: Matt J Carlson

About Matt J Carlson

Dad, Gamer, Science Teacher, Youth Pastor... oh and I have green hair. To see me "in action" check out Dr. Carlson's Science Theater up on Youtube...

Gen Con 2025 – Portal, Flatout, Gamelyn

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Matt J Carlson

Portal Games unfortunately only had one copy of their new printing of Age of Galaxy. It was on display and I was excited to hear about the new solo modes in the game. Neuroshima Hex: Battle is a new, faster … Continue reading →

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Gen Con 2025 – PlayPunk, Synapses, Matagot

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Matt J Carlson

Card games are (relatively) inexpensive to produce and lane-battlers are a popular mechanic so it’s no surprise that I came across several new versions. PlayPunk’s Zenith combines a tug-of-war style lane-battle with card-costs and a technology tree. Synapses Games has … Continue reading →

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Gen Con 2025 – Northstar, MOCO

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Matt J Carlson

The NorthStar Games booth was dominated by their new rework of Evolution, Nature. It’s a streamlined version of the original game that can be mixed and matched with (five so far) expansions to add in more complexity and/or chaos. The … Continue reading →

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Gen Con 2025 – Lucky Duck

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Matt J Carlson

The Polish-based Lucky Duck Games was out in full force with several good looking titles in constant play. The most colorful was probably Potions of Azerland where players make potions to sell, or to drink themselves for other benefits. Players … Continue reading →

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Gen Con 2025 – Incredible Dream. Arcane Wonders

Posted on August 28, 2025 by Matt J Carlson

Some positive comments about Kinfire Delve by Incredible Dream Studios encouraged me to stop by their booth and scout out the card-based dungeon-delve type game. While there, I got a gander at their new worker-placement Kinfire Council whose twist involves … Continue reading →

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Gen Con 2025 – Hobby Japan, Phase Shift, Paizo

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Matt J Carlson

Some of my favorite moments are stumbling across zany things in some of the smaller booths. They are often something that’s been out a few years but I’ve just not seen (or at least remember) them before. Hobby Japan is … Continue reading →

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