What are people saying about FRED Games? Read for yourself by taking advantage of our new reviews page! In many cases
you will be directed to another website where the reviews are hosted (Boardgamegeek,
Boardgame News, The Dicetower etc.) We thank the reviewers for their time and effort,
and we thank the website managers for hosting the reviews.
We hope you find the reviews enjoyable and informative. Thank you for stopping by.
FRED Distribution
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Bacchus
When the gods throw a party: The Roman god of wine, Bacchus, has organized three great Bacchanalias to be held in his honor. He has given his satyrs the enviable task of recruiting young nymphs to come to these wild parties.
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Games Magazine Awards
Best Family Card Game Nominee
2011
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Blockers
The goal of Blockers! is to create connected groups of your own tiles on the board, while trying not to capture too many tiles of the same color. A group is any connected set of like-colored tiles on the board.
"Wow. The definition of elegant."
~~ Chris Comeaux on boardgamegeek.com
"Quick enough game that won't get bogged down, deep enough to have plenty of ‘furrowed brow’ moments”
~~ Everett Hathaway on boardgamegeek.com
"Simple rules, but so much is going on!!! Amazingly good abstract filler!"
~~Hiroshi Ishikawa on boardgamegeek.com
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BuyWord
BuyWord is a game of words with a twist. You pay good hard cash to buy your letters, then form a word to sell at a profit, if you can. Your payoff depends on the quantity and the quality of the letters in your word.
Review by John Farrell
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Games Magazine Awards
Game of the Year
2005
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Caveman Curling
In Caveman Curling, each team attempts to “throw” or flick their rocks, one at a time, down the frozen lake.
“Dexterity! Crokinole style flicking! Great artwork! Humorous theme! I'm pleased to say that Caveman Curling turned out to be even better than I expected…and portability is a huge plus. Very fun game, highly recommended.”
~~ Ender Wiggins on BGG.com (Full Review)
The Dice Tower Video Review (Youtube) -- Tom Vasel
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Charon Inc.
In the year 2288, off-world mining is now controlled by a few mega-corporations. It is no longer just people or nations that are subject to exploitation, but entire planets and moons.
Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review
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Cheeky Monkey by Reiner Knizia
Cheeky Monkey provides barrels of fun for all ages as players challenge each other to push their luck to the limit while trying to amass the most valuable collection of wild animals.
"Very cute and quick. Can't Stop-ish with a lot more theme." -- Marissa Shipp, BGG.com
"Awesome press-your-luck filler. Simple mechanics but has some dynamic excitement." --Jim Paprocki, BGG.com
“This is a really, really good game for families with children that plays quickly, and has a great fun factor.…with all ages…, and generates laughter and excitement.”
--Ender Wiggins on BGG
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China
This fascinating game of domination combines multiple
tactical possibilities with simple‐to‐learn rules and a short
playing time! Master game designer Michael Schacht has
based China on his multiple award‐winning game Web of
Power.
“China just kicks butt. Lovely balance between strategy, luck
and tactics. Simple rules. Short play time. Lovely bits. Even
better than Web of Power.”
~~Steve Blanding on BGG
“Abstract, with a touch of luck, a lot of strategy and a short
playtime. An almost perfect game...”
~~Steve Bernhardt on BGG
“One of the most elegant games I've seen. The rules are fast
and simple and the game has layers of depth. The playerimposed
population limits on the emissary spaces guarantee
a different game every time making this a long‐ lived game.”
~~Daniel Staub on BGG
"China is a superb game, having no flaws that I can see...and
with three players, truly excellent."
~~ Tom Vasel, The Dice Tower
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Defenders of the Realm
In the ancient Citadel of Monarch City, the King calls to arms the finest Heroes to defend against a Darkness that engulfs the land.
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Games Magazine Awards
Best Family Strategy Nominee
2011
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Dragon Rampage
Dragon Rampage is a strategic dice game for 3 to 5 players. Each player takes the role of one of the adventurers and the goal is to score the most points at the end of the game by fighting against or running from the dragon you just woke up.
The Dice Tower Video Review (Youtube) -- Tom Vasel
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Fantastiqa
FANTASTIQA is a deck-building board game set in a fantastical
landscape of dark forests, mist-shrouded highlands, and frozen
wastes. As you and your foes journey around the board, you will
subdue strange creatures and fulfill quests.
“If there’s one thing I can tell you about Seegert, it’s that he comes up
with some unique game mechanics that don’t play like anything else on
my shelf. This one uses a nine-symbol “Circle of Subduing” that’s like a
rock-paper-scissors mechanic, showing how any given card can be used
toward defeating (and acquiring) another card. The game also adds a
board, so that your location on the board makes a difference in which
cards you can obtain each turn. And it’s another one from Eagle/Gryphon
Games, which has consistently impressed me with the components in
their games.”
--Jonathan Liu (GEEKDAD) on wired.com
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Fleet
(Preorder)
Fleet is a strategic card based game featuring a unique commercial fishing theme. Fleet uses both existing and new mechanics to create an exciting playing experience.
“Great kid friendly game. Very addictive. Interesting game mechanics, proving that the game has been well thought out, and thoroughly play tested.” ~Robin Lees on BGG.com
“I greatly enjoy Fleet and find it to be a challenging game that plays light and has a great deal of replay value.”
~FatherGeek.com
“Simple to learn. Good theme and great art!”
~Chris Kirkman, DiceHateMe.com
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Hansa
Compete to become Master of the Hanseatic city-states
during the 14th Century. Crisscross the Baltic Sea in a
merchant ship, always on the lookout for a chance to acquire
valuable wares.
“Schacht's best design is this brilliant pick-up and deliver
game. Simple rules and quick play time offering subtle
strategies. One of my favorites.”
~~Bill Andel on BGG
“Second best use of bits in any game I have. Simple parts
make a good game with Schacht in the driver's seat.”
~~Scott Nelson on BGG
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I'm the Boss: TCG
I'm the Boss!: The Card Game, a version of Sid Sackson's classic negotiation game I'm the Boss! that's based on his original design of that game, is still all about negotiation, with players trying to end up with more money in hand than anyone else.
“In November 2002, Sackson's massive game collection was auctioned off. ...one of the lots I won... Included... the rules for ‘Piece of the Action’. It was simple to create the components (cards), so I did and played it a handful of times. ‘Piece of the Action’ is an excellent game, well deserving of development and publication.”
~~Erik Arneson on About.com Guide
Video Review from Board to Death
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Karesansui - The Rock Garden
(Announced)
As Monastery Initiates Second Grade, it will be your great honor to tend the Masters’ rock gardens. Each morning the Grade Ones arrive with rocks they’ve gathered and then haul away the rocks that you don’t need anymore.
** The 2012 Ion Award Winner **
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Kohle, Kies & Knete: Das Kartenspiel
I'm the Boss!: The Card Game, a version of Sid Sackson's classic negotiation game I'm the Boss! that's based on his original design of that game, is still all about negotiation, with players trying to end up with more money in hand than anyone else.
“In November 2002, Sackson's massive game collection was auctioned off. ...one of the lots I won... Included... the rules for ‘Piece of the Action’. It was simple to create the components (cards), so I did and played it a handful of times. ‘Piece of the Action’ is an excellent game, well deserving of development and publication.”
~~Erik Arneson on About.com Guide
Video Review from Board to Death
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Monad
Monad is a fascinating game of skill which requires advance planning as players attempt to strategically trade, buy and leap their way from the Commons up to the Monads.
Review from Ender Wiggins on BGG
“This surely is one of Sid's best card games.” ~Stephen Koehr, BGG.com
“There are not many games as bold and original as this one.” ~Ottia, BGG.com
“Simple components, simple rules, complex strategies.” ~Ed Holzman, BGG.com
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Pastiche International Edition
A world of beautiful colors comes alive as players choose commission cards picturing 34 of the finest European art works of the past six centuries.
“Pastiche…is stripped down to the core of art creation: get colors, mix colors, paint. The game comes across as both highly abstract and deeply thematic.”
~~Eric Martin news editor of BoardGameGeek.com
“Pastiche helps enhance art appreciation… you get to enjoy and admire some great paintings while you're playing! It’s elegant, it's beautiful, and it works!”
~~Ender Wiggins on BGG.com
“If you’re looking for a pleasant game with great visuals that you can play even with non-gamers, check out Pastiche.”
~~Jonathan H. Liu, www.wired.com/geekdad
“The game components in Pastiche are amazing. Great quality from the famous art works on the canvas cards, to the rest of the game.”
~~ ghostbusterbob on BGG.com
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Mensa Best Mind Game Award
MENSA Select Winner
2011
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Pick a Dog
This Unique Party Card Game will provide hours
of fun in any setting. The game can be played solo or
with up to 8 players when the twin games are combined!
"The challenge remains fun and fascinating from the beginning to the end of the game." - Major Fun
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Pick a Pig
This Unique Party Card Game will provide hours
of fun in any setting. The game can be played solo or
with up to 8 players when the twin games are combined!
"The challenge remains fun and fascinating from the beginning to the end of the game." - Major Fun
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Pirate Dice
(Preorder)
Pirate Dice: Voyage on the Rolling Seas
is a game for 2 to 4 players that pits pirate against pirate in an epic race to capture and escape with the lost treasure
“Laughter, trash talk, destruction, and kaboom noises shouted with excitement from grown men. Yes, these are the results of Pirate Dice. …belly laugh generating appeal that you usually only find in the best party games, that feel was put into a strategy/luck game package. For those reasons, Pirate Dice is incredibly fun and should be played and enjoyed by everybody!” ~~GeekInsight at GiantFireBreathingRobot.com
“I greatly enjoyed Pirate Dice. It really made me think and really got me angry. Words cannot describe the level of white-hot rage… when another player would strike my boat and send me off course, forcing …my ship in directions…not intended and to sail far off my mark. I loved it! I... expect it to become one of the top pirate games played in my house for many years. Your brain will burn after playing it and the heat will feel great.” ~~Fathergeek.com
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Pizza Theory
Pizza Theory is a game designed by Brian and Greg Powers for 2-3 players and mixes intense strategic decisions with everyone’s favorite food…PIZZA!
The Dice Tower Video Review (Youtube) -- Tom Vasel
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Railways Express
(Preorder)
Railways Express is a new dice-rolling race game. Travel around the USA and parts of southern Canada and northern Mexico learning elements of the mechanics used in the popular Railways of the World board gaming system!
“Railways of the World (RotW), as a system, is as easy to get into as any train game.... I’d recommend any RotW game to Ticket to Ride fans looking for something beyond simple set collecting and route planning. I find that RotW is...easy for the most inexperienced player to understand. RotW and its expansions represent a system that is a truly great game with plenty of fun and strategy to offer.”
~~Michael Barnes on Gameshark.com
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Railways of Great Britain
(Preorder)
Railways of Great Britain is an exciting new expansion for the Railways of the World board gaming system, featuring a board of Great Britain!
“Railways of the World (RotW), as a system, is as easy to get into as any train game.... I’d recommend any RotW game to Ticket to Ride fans looking for something beyond simple set collecting and route planning. I find that RotW is...easy for the most inexperienced player to understand. RotW and its expansions represent a system that is truly a great game with plenty of fun and strategy to offer.” ~~Michael Barnes on Gameshark.com
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Railways of North America
(Preorder)
Railways of North America is an exciting new expansion for the Railways of the World board gaming system, featuring a Canadian board!
“Railways of the World (RotW), as a system, is as easy to get into as any train game.... I’d recommend any RotW game to Ticket to Ride fans looking for something beyond simple set collecting and route planning. I find that RotW is...easy for the most inexperienced player to understand. RotW and its expansions represent a system that is a truly great game with plenty of fun and strategy to offer.”
~~ Michael Barnes on Gameshark.com
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Railways of the World
Rewrite the annals of history...and engrave your name alongside the world’s greatest railroad barons. Build your railroad empire across the Rails of the World and find out if you have
the metal and the mettle to outwit and outmaneuver your opponents!
Tom Vasel's BoardgameGeek Video Review
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Reverse Charades
A hilarious twist on a classic game where the entire team has 60 seconds to act out as many words as one team member can guess. It’s a fast-paced, fiercely fun team competition that’s an absolute riot!
Winner of Best Party Game for 2011 -- DiceHateMe.com
Review from Ender Wiggins on BoardGameGeek.com:
Click here to read
“In Reverse Charades, no one is embarrassed, because everyone is acting silly together. And yes, there is a certain chaos. And yes, it's the very kind of chaos that makes the fun major.
~~Bernie DeKoven, MajorFun.com
“The most popular party game I've introduced to people all year! Absolutely a blast to play...wildly funny...noisy, raucous fun!”
~~Tom Vasel, DiceTower.com
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Major FUN
Major Fun Award
2011
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Reverse Charades - Junior Edition
NOW Introducing the Junior Edition with
360 cards/720 words developed for our younger audience ages 6 to 10! (Sample words: trampoline, itchy, piggy back, jack-in-the-box, washing the dishes)
Winner of Best Party Game for 2011 -- FatherGeek.com
“In Reverse Charades, no one is embarrassed, because everyone is acting silly together. And yes, there is a certain chaos. And yes, it's the very kind of chaos that makes the fun major.
~~Bernie DeKoven, MajorFun.com
“The most popular party game I've introduced to people all year! Absolutely a blast to play...wildly funny...noisy, raucous fun!”
~~Tom Vasel, DiceTower.com
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Major FUN
Major Fun Award
2011
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SWAT!
Those pesky bugs just keep coming at you! Your job is to SWAT them right when they score the most points. But be quick or your fellow players will SWAT them first. Do you go for Sure Stings, or wait for Double-or-NoStings? Or maybe you go inside? Heck no!
Major Fun Award and Review
“Knizia offers a game of memory and nerve to delight all age groups.”
--Herb Levy from Gamers Alliance
“The tension of waiting as long as possible while still getting the jump on your opponents is addictive.”
--Peter Sarrett in The Game Report
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Salmon Run
Every year, thousands of salmon are compelled by nature to leave the ocean and swim up the river of their birth to spawn. This perilous journey can span hundreds of miles and it is fraught with danger. Strong rapids, waterfalls, hungry bears, and eagles a
"Ultimately, in Salmon Run, you've got a fun, accessible, beautifully produced game, with a great theme and mechanics that match." -- Flying Dutchman on BGG
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Sleuth by Sid Sackson
Sleuth is the fascinating detective game in which players call upon their powers of deduction and logic to discover the identity of the missing gem.
“The best of them all; the game I'd save from a burning building.”
–Chuck Uherske, BBG.com
“A phenomenal game! One of the best of all time.”
–Marvin Raab, BGG.com
“The best deduction game there is!” --Mr. Jones, BGG.com
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Solitaire for Two
If you know how to play "Solitaire" with a deck of cards, then you already know how to play Solitaire for Two! We've taken the game you know and added 2 new suits, 3 jokers, a scoring system, and made it possible to play with 2, 3, and 4 players.
"[A]n addictive game that surpasses all of the solitaire variants that I've tried over the years ... [I]t would be a wonderful gift for anyone that has ever enjoyed a game of solitaire." -- Steve Ellis, Rainy Day Games
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The Road to Canterbury
Greed, Pride, Gluttony, Wrath, Luxury, Idleness, and Envy – the infamous "Seven Deadly Sins". For the faithful, they instill horror. For you, on the other hand, they present a wonderful business opportunity!
Battlespace magazine has an extensive feature on The Road to Canterbury in their June/July issue, and you can read the whole thing here!
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Valdora
Hidden far away from our time, lies a valley full of
unimaginable riches. Adventurers from all over the world
have set off to try to make their fortune here.
“Well presented, easy rules to explain, lots of choices of
what to do. A winner!”~~Gary Standerline on BGG
“Fun, engrossing, and extremely enjoyable pick up and
deliver game that's made complete with the expansion”
~~Doobermite on BGG
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Venture
In Venture, players follow in the footsteps of Carnegie and Rockefeller, as they try to acquire lucrative conglomerates, manipulate vast holdings, and instigate proxy fights to gain control of key corporations from other players.
“Probably my favorite card game ever.” –Kevin Everingham, BGG.com
“A nice set-making game with good strategies you can use to interfere with other players.” --Tom Jolly, BGG.com
“It’s a gateway game… can be taught easily and conceptually grasped almost immediately.” --Skip Maloney on Examiner.com
“Guarantees fun and tense play every time... one of the summits of Sid Sackson's already impressive output.” --Ottia, BGG.com
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What's My Word Travel Edition
An easy-to-learn and challenging-to-play fast-moving game of word deduction, What’s My Word?™ is a two-person race to detect each other’s secret word by piecing together clue after clue. Great for travel . . . play it anywhere.
“Mastermind for word junkies. An addictive treat, an absolute gem….” ~~ Nataline V-F, California
“Very crisp, very replayable…as challenging as it is satisfying. For fans of word games, it is absolutely essential.” ~~ Antonio R-M, Berlin, Germany
“One of the best two-player word games ever created.” ~~ Ed H., Florida
“Simple rules make it easy to pick up; complex thinking makes it fun to play. Great for anyone who likes wordplay or puzzles…” ~~ Jack B., North Carolina
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Worm Up! - Gryphon Edition
Out-maneuver your fellow “worms” in this fast, frolicking family game. Designed by the remarkable Alex Randolph, Worm Up! is a game of fun involving luck, strategy, and just the perfect amount of total chaos.
"Positively dripping with fun ... Worm Up! is the perfect way to warm up your fellow gamers or just to get some chuckles rolling on a lunch break. I can't recommend the game highly enough… add it to your collection! ~~J.P. Decosse on boardgamegeek.com
"This wonderful little jewel is one of the games I like most... Fast, frolicking family fun!" ~~Leo Colovini, games designer
"It's good for families… It's good for kids. It's a good game to play between more serious games. Gentle fun. A happy little diversion. If I were Alex Randolph, the designer of the game, I would consider it a minor masterwork." ~~Bernie DeKoven, Major Fun
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Major FUN
Major Fun Award
2009
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Yin Yang
An ancient Chinese philosophy, Yin Yang is a belief that complementary forces exist in the universe. In this trick-taking card game for 3-5 players, the player who best succeeds in balancing these forces will be the winner.
Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review
Recipient of a Major Fun Award! -- Read the full review
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Zong Shi
In a large town in old China, several talented artisans, Masters in their own right, aspire to become recognized as Zong Shi — the Grand Master craftsman.
“It never fails to entertain and there are multiple paths to victory. Scores among skilled players are generally very close, so it tends to be a nail-biter to the end.”
~~Michael Watson on BoardGameGeek.com
The Dice Tower Video Review (Youtube) -- Tom Vasel
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Games Magazine Awards
Strategy Game of the Year
2013
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Zooloretto Mini
Zooloretto Mini is the little brother of the 2007
"Spiel des Jahres" (Game of the Year) winner,
Zooloretto. As in Zooloretto, each player is the
director of a small zoo.
“Good quality components, works well with
different numbers of players. Good family game.”
~~Rolina on BGG
“Zooloretto Lite, perfect as a filler game, or for
playing with younger kids. Plus you can use the
animals with regular Zooloretto to make your
Dream Zoo!”
~~Becca Stiche on BGG
“A great little taste of Zooloretto in a great sized
box. I like it.”
~~Giles Pritchard on BGG
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