Word Snap

• Designer: uncredited
• Publisher: SD Toyz
• Players: 2-4
• Age: 8+
• Time: 40-60 minutes
• Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3GwF6Xr
• Played with review copy provided by publisher

WordSnap is the word-building puzzle game without a board! Use octagonal snap-together pieces to create words in any direction—vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Build your own crossword-style grid and unlock endless scoring possibilities. Perfect for word game pros or newcomers alike, WordSnap offers a fun, brain-flexing challenge from every angle.   Create a dynamic crossword puzzle-like layout without the confines of a game board; as words are built, unique patterns emerge, offering players unlimited scoring opportunities; download a free timer app to add an extra layer of excitement to your word-building sessions

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Last month, I made my annual foray to Niagara Falls to participate in The Gathering of Friends, my favorite gaming convention.  I had a fantastic time, as I always do, thanks to the people and the chance to play games non-stop for nine full days.  Here’s a summary of the games I played and the wonderful experiences I had.

First Friday

I flew into the Buffalo airport from home and arrived at the hotel during the early evening.  I got to play a few prototypes designed by friends, but also got to play three games during my first day, two of which were new to me.

Boitas – My first game of the Gathering was a set collecting trick-taker.  It wasn’t bad, but not particularly memorable.  Neutral.

Hot Streak – This is a gambling game where you’re betting on the outcome of a highly chaotic race.  It seems to be a favorite of many of the OGers, but I don’t do chaos, so my only enjoyment came from watching James Nathan screaming and prancing around like a man possessed at the results of the race.  I’m pretty sure that he won’t come packaged in every box, so this title is definitely…Not for me.

Earth – My second play of this.  It feels like a very loose game where you have a ton of ways of scoring points, only some of which you will use.  Play #2 was slightly better than the first one, but I’m still pretty meh on it.  Neutral.

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Sail

• Designer: Akiyama Koryo & Kozu Yusei
• Publisher: Allplay
• Players: 2
• Age:  11+
• Time: 20 minutes
• Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4j2RhbQ
• Played with review copy provided by publisher

Strap up your piratical boots, and navigate your ship through turbulent waters in Sail, a co-operative trick-taking game for two players. Reach the end of this dangerous deep end, and avoid taking damage from the Kraken to win the game together…or your crew will be sleeping with the fish!

Before each round begins, players exchange cards, then play a series of tricks. Different game actions will be triggered depending on who wins each trick in combination with the unique character skills. However, the crashing sea water and the roaring Kraken make for a deafening situation, and players are unable to communicate about tactics and card information from the moment cards are dealt to the end of the action phase.

Players win the game as a team if they sail their ship into the final token before the Kraken reaches the Death tile or the Kraken deck is exhausted.

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