TFG superfan Nick Martinelli joined our writing team in 2018.
Explore reviews and podcasts he has contributed to:
Nick
Jalape-No!
When it comes to spicy food, less is definitely more. My taste buds don’t handle heat well. That’s why Jalape-No! hit the spot for me.
» Read moreReign of Dragoness
Reign of Dragoness is a light, approachable game that plays well across generations. If you’re familiar with traditional card games, you’ll pick this up quickly.
» Read moreOh My Pigeons!
Oh My Pigeons! turns these sidewalk strutters into the ultimate flocking challenge as players compete to gather a full roost of birds. But be warned—these birds aren’t above a little chaos!
» Read moreMy Shelfie: The Dice Game
Even with that urgency, My Shelfie: The Dice Game has a cozy vibe and feels relaxing to play. Its aesthetic contributes to this feel with its cute cats…
» Read moreSausage Sizzle
A group of Aussie critters follows the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling sausages. One by one, they sneak in to grab a bite.
» Read morePass Pass
I’ve played and reviewed plenty of trick-taking games over the years. Some flop, while others become regulars at game nights with friends. Trick-taking games always offer a unique twist, whether through a quirky theme or an inventive scoring system that sets them apart.
» Read morePatrician: Towers of Influence
Step into the Middle Ages as a master builder in Italy. Construct magnificent towers for wealthy aristocratic families, known as the Patricians.
» Read moreCabanga!
When I heard about Cabanga!, I knew I had to try it. The thrill of deciding whether to play a card that might cause me to gain unwanted cards adds an exciting layer of suspense, making every turn feel like a risky, strategic gamble.
» Read moreToil & Troublez – A Magical Game for the Whole Family
Toil & Troublez brings a touch of magic to the table! This whimsical game keeps players engaged as they anticipate each draw and carefully place cards in hopes of getting the Talisman they need.
» Read moreAurum – Metal Melding Alchemists
Aurum is a trick-taking game where players take on the role of alchemists melding base metals into gold. Earn points from gold and correctly bidding on number of tricks you’ll win. The unique trick-taking hook in Aurum is that players must not follow suit!
» Read moreLa Familia Hort
Farming might not be the most exciting theme for young kids, but it went over well with my teenager. The art style drew her in, and the simple turn actions kept her engaged.
» Read moreEpisode 377 – Gen Con 2024 with Nick
We waited an extra week for this podcast so we could bring you all the GenCon goodies with Nick.
» Read moreThe Walking Dead: The Dice Game
The Walking Dead: The Dice Game is quick to learn and suitable for all levels of gamers. Is it family-friendly? That depends on your comfort with zombie content, light gore, and weapons.
» Read morePátzcuaro – Build Altars in Memoriam
Pátzcuaro drew me in with its unique theme, colorful art, and set collection mechanics. Its star mechanic, a rondel for action selection, blew me away.
» Read moreWandering Towers – A Magical Race
Wandering Towers brings a special kind of magic to the table. It’s a game that will click after a single turn, and keep you super engaged until the last wizard drops into Ravenskeep.
» Read moreThe Perfect Wave
The Perfect Wave blends two of my favorite game mechanics – drafting and set collection – into a groovy mix that’s truly unique.
» Read moreDogfight! Rule The Skies in 20 Minutes
Dogfight! has rapid, action-packed turns. Your toughest decision is determining how far to move and when to fire. You’ll need to be cunning to try and predict what your opponent will do. Can you out-maneuver them and line up your shot?
» Read moreDice Manor: Build for Prestige!
Dice Manor is light, family friendly, and quick to grasp. The multitude of choices make it a fantastic puzzle, and your choices will impact other players.
» Read moreScram! Critters vs. Campers
Scram! is a hit for our crew because it’s light, strategic, and without any mental overload. Turns go quick and kids will stay engaged. While we only were able to get four players to the table, it would be a hoot at six.
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