​Ark Nova encourages players to build a conservation-friendly habitat for all the cool animals that join their zoo. Players also make partnerships with other continents and invest in scholarly pursuits to pull ahead of fellow competitors. 

I've rolled out the dual camera and close-up green screen shots of the all the components, boards, and cards in Ark Nova. 

In this video I explore my 4 favorite features of this game, what other games they remind me of, and what my final take of the game is. Watch it here: youtu.be/ns_i5-WQ5ik

Dice rolling! Area control! Technology upgrades! Achievement cards! 

First Empires is a fast, fun civlization game that doesn't take all day or your entire table. 

Check out the cool components, features, and mechanics of the game and write in the comments below what you are looking forward to most. Which aspect interests you the most?

Giveaway will close one week from this video's posting and is open to contiguous US states only. 

Watch it here: youtu.be/HHDKHrG6F3g

Check out the fresh-off-the-press copy of Paint the Roses. I backed this on Kickstarter and want to share my deluxe edition with you. 

I'll unbox the game and expansions with the Escape the Castle Modules as well as cover the basics of the game play. 

I hope you're as excited about Paint the Roses, a cooperative deduction game, as I am! Let me know in the comments below:) Watch it here: youtu.be/NZa2tuo23F0

Check out this exploration space game with mini-tech tracks. Micro Cosmos has a lot of great mechanics and theme packed in a compact box. 

In this video, I detail the three things I like about this game and why you should be checking it out asap!

​Watch it here: ​https://youtu.be/KddLqWX2NUY

I love a good card game that doesn't take too long to play. And these 5 "go to" card games are perfect to fill any time you have either at the beginning of game night, in between games, or at the end of the night to cool down. 

I also include my runners up to give you even a couple more games that just missed my list. Stay around for my number one, though, at the end! Watch it here: youtu.be/oJZTrkY5mlU

LOQ is a word game with a twist. Each round, there are bonus word points and strange, unpredictable restrictions that stretch your creativity and critical thinking. 

This game works great for groups as there are two game plays: teams vs teams and fully cooperative. I love sharing it in my English classes with my students to work those soft skills and word selection/vocabulary. 

Check it out here: youtu.be/VrExLgCxspU

If you like print and plays, this game is for you! 

Butterfly Garden Duel is for 1-2 players and only requires you bring your own pencil to play. It's a dynamic game of capturing butterflies and creating networks. 

Dr. Finn's Games follows up Mining Colony Duel with an even cooler print and play game that's sure to capture your nature- and animal-loving heart. 

The Kickstarter campaign goes live Monday, May 2! Check it out here: youtu.be/D1DZDgo1hqY

Use polyominoes to map out your unknown planet, searching for much needed resorces, civ upgrades, and cool tech. Planet Unknown is a fun game with simultaneous turns consisting of selecting a polyomino, placing on your planet, and upgrading your corporation. 

Players spin the Lazy S.U.S.A.N. space station, which contains all the tiles, to find the right shape and resource that fits their colony's needs. Then all other players get to do the same. 

Don't ignore those meteorites that plague your planet or you won't get a high score on your planet. And if your neighbor out does you on your objective card, you can say goodbye to those victory points, too. 

There are advanced planets and corporations that give this game a unique and asymmetrical game play, as well (and they are super fun!). Watch it here: youtu.be/_Ff-8lP0PMU

Professor Kim here and I think you'll love this fresh take on Apples to Apples. 

Just Tell Me What to Do asks players to persuade the active player that they should take their advice based on the drawn dilemma card. They get 45 seconds to convince them using clever, strategic moves in their tool belt. 

I think it works thinking in the moment, critical thinking, problem solving, card selection, active listening skillls, and verbal communication. 

This is great for the classroom as well as your game night with a group of friends. 

Watch it here: youtu.be/9Q08m04vEtE

I check out what's on a shelf in my game room, inspired by everyone's enthusiasm in my 3K subscriber video. Join me for my take on seven games that live on this shelf. 

Also, stay for my answer to these two questions: Which game would I sell? and Which game do I want to play right now?

What's your answer to the same questions? Put in in the comments below!

Check it out here: youtu.be/GSqwZELZbIg