Author Archives: xitoliv

ZEN Tiles Solo

Posted on January 1, 2021 by xitoliv

I’m not good at talking about my emotions and have never gotten the hang of meditating. That’s why I bought this game and why I’m sharing it with you on January One. I’m reminded of one of my first visits … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

A Round-Robin Letter for 2020 Games and Gaming (and some Books and Music)

Posted on December 30, 2020 by xitoliv

One of the joys of this time of year for me is reflecting back, in unnecessary detail, about the events of the last year. I’ve only sent out Christmas cards for maybe 4 of the last 17 years or so, … Continue reading →

Posted in Best Of, Commentary | 3 Comments

Suzie-Q

Posted on December 2, 2020 by xitoliv

Designer: Hisashi HayashiArtist: Ryo NyamoPublisher: OKAZU BrandPlayers: 2-5Ages: 8+Playing Time: 20 minutesTimes Played: 4 with a purchased copy Suzie-Q an auction of game of sorts, though it feels a bit odd to describe it that way. More specifically, it’s an … Continue reading →

Posted in Tokyo Game Market | Tagged | Leave a comment

Toraja (Preview)

Posted on December 1, 2020 by xitoliv

Designers: Hamzah Alfarabi, Vicky BelladinoArtist: Aulia AzziawatyPublisher: Congkak Fun FactoryPlayers: 1-5Ages: 12+Times Played: 4 on my demo copy This will be a different sort of post, as this game isn’t available…yet.  This is one of the titles that was being … Continue reading →

Posted in Essen 2019, Preview | Leave a comment

Let Me Off

Posted on November 26, 2020 by xitoliv

Designer: kino (@kino211)Publisher: [none](EN Rules, JP Rules)Players: 3-4Playing Time: 30-45 minutesTimes Played: Let Me Off is a trick-taking game that was originally submitted to kumagoro’s “Trick Taking Party” design competition in 2017. I’ve played a handful of the games that were … Continue reading →

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That Time I Tried To Take All of the Fun Out of Strike

Posted on November 25, 2020 by xitoliv

Before we get to my new degenerate Strike strategy, here’s a brief history of the other times I’ve tried to take the analytics approach to the childhood activities of little league baseball and gym class. To be clear, I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | 3 Comments