Verdict: satisfying

In a Nutshell: 2-Player strategic card game of building and expansion of a settlement in a race to 12 points.

(from the game’s site)

“In the Catan Card Game™ you control a group of settlers taming the lands of medieval Catan. Use the unique card mix to create a map of your own principality, then explore and settle new lands, acquiring resources through card play and the luck of the dice. Make use of gold and resource combinations to develop your domain. Expand your settlements and cities, recruit knights, and defend your territory through politics, tournaments, and intrigue!”

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Verdict: My brain hurts—in a good way.

In a Nutshell: Third-person adventure/action game with a strong emphasis on puzzle-solving. Explore the vast world of Hyrule, go on quests, and watch the storyline unfold.

(from the game’s website)

“When an evil darkness enshrouds the land of Hyrule, a young farm boy named Link must awaken the hero - and the animal - within. When Link travels to the Twilight Realm, he transforms into a wolf and must scour the land with the help of a mysterious girl named Midna.”

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Verdict: nice

In a Nutshell: Slightly difficult side-scroller with ninjas.

(from the game’s site)

“Ninja quest is a free sideview platform flash game in which you have to fight the evil ninja clan that captured your girlfriend.. 12+ samurai weapons will help you to defeat your enemies.“

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Verdict: spelling-tastic

In a Nutshell: Easy to pick up and play word game.

(from the game’s site)

“My Word!® is the first word game that plays like a party game! Quickly search for words while single and double letter cards are dealt on to the table. The first player to call out a word using at least three cards wins those cards.”

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Verdict: Sign me up for the boat to Rapture!

In a Nutshell: This is a story driven FPS set in the city of Rapture deep under the ocean. You use genetically enhanced abilities, good old fashioned firearms, and ingenuity to battle the disturbed citizens of the city.

(from the game’s website)

“BioShock is the “genetically enhanced” first-person shooter that lets you do things never before possible in the genre. Turn everything into a weapon, biologically mod your body with plasmids, hack devices and systems, upgrade your weapons and craft new ammo variants, and experiment with different battle techniques..”

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Verdict: not bad

In a Nutshell: This is a very casual puzzle game with various achievements and a really annoying soundtrack.

(from the game’s site)

“Your mission is to destroy the totems without letting the golden Idol (aka Tot) fall into the ground. Use balance to keep Tot up. A cool physics based puzzle game!”

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Verdict: we’ve been playing HOW long?!

In a Nutshell: This is a strategy board game similar to RISK, but more like RISK’s older, more mature, private college attending brother.

(from the game’s box)

“This game of world conquest traces the history of the world from the dawn of civilization to the threshold of modern time. Through 7 Epochs, you’ll lead a different empire, from the ancient Sumerians to the Persians, Romans, and Huns. You may take command of the Vikings, Ming Dynasty, or Germans. You must score as many victory points during your empire’s reign, for it is fleeting. A new power will soon rise to glory.”

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Verdict: So much to explore!

In a Nutshell: In this third-person action/adventure game exploration is the name of the game. With a huge level of interactivity with the environment, the game can at times be quite engrossing.

(from the game’s website)

“The Third Crusade is tearing the Holy Land apart. You are an elite Assassin sent to stop the hostilities by suppressing the powers on both the Crusader and Saracen sides. But as you carry out your missions, a conspiracy begins to unfold. You find yourself tangled up in a conflict that threatens not only the Holy Land, but the entire world.”

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Welcome to Casual Fridays where we’ll discuss a casual game . . . on Friday.

Verdict: Can’t.Stop.Playing.

In a Nutshell: These are single-player tower defence games with bright colors and a repetitive soundtrack.

(from the game’s website)

“The aim of the game is to eliminate the Vectoid threat before they reach the end of the path. You do this by constructing towers along the path to attack oncoming Vectoids. Success is not based solely on the types of tower you select, but where you place them and what upgrade and bonus options you take.”

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“The PAX 10 is a games showcase open to independent developers worldwide. The winners will be shown in the PAX Exhibit Hall alongside over 70 other exhibitors - including top publishers like Activision, EA and Ubisoft - allowing those publishers, attendees and media to view their home-grown potential. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote on the exhibited games, honoring one of The PAX 10 with the “Audience Choice Award,” to be announced on www.penny-arcade.com following this year’s expo.”

The Penny Arcade Expo independent game showcase winners have been selected and are listed below:

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