Min Playtime: 20m

When I first saw Elemystic from Wise Wizard Games, it was so small I thought it was an expansion, not an entire game. 12+, 2 players, 20-30 minutes

Phrases like ‘tactical strategy game” and “easy to teach” don’t usually go together, but thanks to its clever graphic design, that actually works in Tacta. 10+, 2-6 players, 20-30 minutes

When I first saw Star Trek: Star Realms from UVS Games and Wise Wizard Games, my mental sound effects library immediately pulled up the swoosh-squeak of the original Enterprise’s doors — and, of course,“Engage!” and “Fire!” heard in several actors’ voices. 14+, 2-4 players, 20 minutes

Every fantasy adventure features the stuff of bardic songs: terrible monsters, dangerous locales, dastardly villains, and heroic deeds — and, of course, a tavern where our heroes gather and enjoy each other’s company. 14+, 3-8 players, 20-60 minutes

Life was calm and peaceful on Dodino Island — right up to the point when a meteor fell on the ruling dino and dodo, leaving the island without leadership. 14+, 1-6 players, 20 minutes

Cats get into everything. 10+, 2 players, about 20 minutes

When a company comes out with a new, updated version for one of their classic games, you can pretty much count on two things: the new one will cost more — sometimes a lot more — and it’ll add a bunch of complicated new features so it’s harder to learn and takes longer to play. 8+, 2-4 players, 5 to set up; 20-60 to play

A furtive glance and an almost imperceptible nod. 8+, 2-6 players, 5 to set up, 20-50 to play

Almost anybody in pop culture fandom immediately recognizes a Funko Pop! 10+, 2-4 players, 5 to set up, 20-60 minutes to play

If you love pizza and games — and really, who doesn’t love those things — then you need New York Slice from Bezier Games. 8+, 2-6 players, 5 to set up, 20-30 to play

City parks, theme parks, amusement parks, butterfly parks — but bear parks? 8+, 2-4 players, 5 to set up, 20-30 to play