[Ryan] We are big fans of sports, and it is really hard to find good sports-themed board games that capture the feel of the action without getting too bogged down in simulation or becoming completely unrealistic. I never really had a good answer for “what’s the best sports board game you’ve played?" but now I do! Trick Shot Second Edition is an outstanding translation of ice hockey to the tabletop, combining tactical positioning and movement of players with a push-your-luck dice system that works beautifully. It really captures the feeling of trying to get shots on goal, and I’ve had a lot of fun with this one so far.

[Daniel] For our sibling Christmas gift exchange, I was given a copy of La Granja: Deluxe Master Set. This was a classic that I never really had my eye on until this new edition was produced. Ryan and I got to try it together, and it was a great time! The unique multi-use cards are very interesting, and the entire system felt tight and streamlined. It will be fun to explore the different included modules!

[Ryan] First time trying out an expansion Gearloc for Too Many Bones! Dart is really unique in several ways: she can mount and unmount her “pigadillo” Boar’d, she can only ever use one attack die on an enemy but can attack multiple enemies at once, and once per battle, she can enter “Dangerous Dart” mode and rampage around the map. The flavor of these different characters and their strategic implications are really the lifeblood of what makes Too Many Bones so fun, and I had a great time with Dart.

[Daniel] No better way to welcome in the new year than with a three-player game of Slay the Spire on New Year’s Eve with both of my brothers, John and Ryan! This game is proving to be one of my favorites. From the opening choices, the entire game features a constant, meaningful, and satisfying upgrade system. We pulled off a win, setting the stage for a great 2026 of gaming.

[Ryan] The Guild of Merchant Explorers is a game that seems to have flown under the radar a little bit, but I think it is outstanding. I had the chance to introduce it to my wife recently, and she really enjoyed it as well. If you have enjoyed entries in the “roll/flip-and-write” genre of games, I think you definitely owe yourself a look at this one, as it pushes the genre in some new directions due to the physical pieces (which partially reset each era), and the unique era abilities not only make you feel super powerful, but they also help every play to feel unique.