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Reviews and Awards
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


2 de Mayo 2 de Mayo    
2 de Mayo is an historical simulation of the terrible incidents that took place in Madrid on May 2, 1808. On that date, civilians in Madrid, along with a few Spanish army units, rebelled against the French occupation troops of Napoleon.

Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review
Tom Vasel's video review
Jason (Twilight Struggle) Mathew's BoardgameGeek Review
Review from Shannon Appelcline at RPGNet


Bacchus 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.
Games Magazine Awards Games Magazine Awards
Best Family Card Game Nominee 2011

Botswana Botswana    
Play the right cards at the right time, collect the best animals, score the most points and win the game. Botswana has easy and quick rules, it is fast to learn and yet challenging to play -- for all family members young and old.

Major Fun Award and Review
Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review
Tom Vasel's Video Review
Essen Spiel 2010 Video Demonstration


Bridgetown Races Bridgetown Races    
Every year, the International Bridge Racing Association selects a city with lots of bridges to host its annual Bridgetown Race. This year they have chosen Portland, Oregon USA.

Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review
Tom Vasel's Video Review
Essen Spiel 2011 Video Introduction


BuyWord 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

Games Magazine Awards Games Magazine Awards
Game of the Year 2005

Can't Stop Can't Stop by Sid Sackson   
Can’t Stop! is the name of the game. Once you’ve started this intense dice game, you just can’t stop! You’ll go for the dice again and again only to risk losing it all on a single roll.
Games Magazine Awards Games Magazine Awards
Best Family Game Nominee 2008
Major FUN Major FUN
Major Fun Award 2008
Spiel des Jahres Spiel des Jahres
Game of the Year Nominee 1982

Carson City Carson City     (Preorder)
Carson City is a rootin' tootin' game of cowboys 'n guns - lots o' guns.

Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review

Games Magazine Awards Games Magazine Awards
Best Advanced Strategy Nominee 2011

Caveman Curling 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)


Charon Inc. 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


China 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


Cornucopia Cornucopia    
In Cornucopia, your goal is to fill your basket with a bountiful collection of fruits and vegetables while at the same time, correctly predicting just how long it will take you to fill that basket.

Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review
Tom Vasel's Video Review

Games Magazine Awards Games Magazine Awards
Best Family Card Game Nominee 2011

Defenders of the Realm 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.
Games Magazine Awards Games Magazine Awards
Best Family Strategy Nominee 2011

En Garde En Garde     (Preorder)
In this two-player game, tactics, skill, and a little bit of luck will determine the best fencer. Teach yourselves the concepts with the basic game, test yourselves with the standard game, and challenge yourselves with the advanced game.

Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review
Tom Vasel's Video Review


For Sale! For Sale!    
Going once! Going twice! Sold to the highest bidder! Bid and bluff your way to purchase the most valuable properties for the lowest amount of money.

Major Fun Award and Review
Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review
Tom Vasel's Video Review
Matt Drake's BoardgameGeek Review
Chris Reynolds's BoardgameGeek Review
Greg Schloesser's BoardgameGeek Review
Shannon Appelcline's RPG.net Review


Hansa 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


I'm the Boss I'm the Boss     (Preorder)
I'm the Boss is a game of deal making and negotiation where you are an investor just trying to make a deal.
Games Magazine Awards Games Magazine Awards
Best Family Game 2004
Spiel des Jahres Spiel des Jahres
Game of the Year Nominee 1994

Incan Gold Incan Gold    
Incan Gold is a quick, fun game of bluff and daring in which explorers push their luck while exploring an old Incan temple in search of gold and treasure. You decide when to delve deeper into the temple, adding to your riches, or retreat to camp!

Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review
Tom Vasel's BoardgameGeek Review


Looting London Looting London    
In one of Dr. Knizia's latest masterpieces, players take on the role of an iconic detective to solve the biggest caper of the decade! The culprit is clever, but for the sharp-minded and keen observer, there's no such thing as the perfect crime...

Matthew Drake's BoardgameGeek Review
Tom Vasel's BoardgameGeek Video Review


Masters Gallery Masters Gallery    
In Masters Gallery, players are art critics and gallery owners at the same time, trying to pump up the value of certain artists before cashing in their works. The works of five artists Vermeer, Degas, Renoir, Monet and Van Gogh are in play.

Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review
Tom Vasel's BoardgameGeek Video Review


Masters Gallery Deluxe Edition Masters Gallery Deluxe Edition includes travel edition   
In Masters Gallery, players are art critics and gallery owners at the same time, trying to pump up the value of certain artists before cashing in their works. The works of five artists Vermeer, Degas, Renoir, Monet and Van Gogh are in play.

Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review
Tom Vasel's BoardgameGeek Video Review


Mini Pitchcar Extension 1 Mini Pitchcar Extension 1    
Two ramps and two straights (specifically designed to create a figure 8!)

Tim Widmer's BoardgameGeek Review


Pastiche 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.

Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review
Drakkenstrike's Pastiche Components Breakdown Video Review

Mensa Best Mind Game Award Mensa Best Mind Game Award
MENSA Select Winner 2011

Pergamon Pergamon    
It‘s the year 1878 and at early excavations in Turkey, archaeologists discover the remains of ancient Pergamon. Soon the “finds” become precious exhibitions that intrigue the public.

WIRED: Geek Dad Review
Dicetower Reviews by Tom Vasel
Dicehateme.com


PitchCar Extension 1 PitchCar Extension 1    
You’ll create a vast number of tracks with weird new pieces. Challenge your sense of accuracy with the chicane. Hug a bend to pass your opponents or take the outer path with double-trajectory curves.

Quentin's BoardgameGeek Review
Tom Vasel's Video Review


Railways of the World 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


Railways of the World: TCG The Card Game Railways of the World: TCG The Card Game    
Railways of the World: The Card Game is a fast paced card game adaptation of the highly popular Railways of the World board game series.

Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review

Games Magazine Awards Games Magazine Awards
Best Family Strategy Nominee 2011

Reverse Charades Reverse Charades     (Preorder)
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!

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

Major FUN Major FUN
Major Fun Award 2011

Reverse Charades - Junior Edition 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)

“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

Major FUN Major FUN
Major Fun Award 2011

Roll Through The Ages Roll Through The Ages    
Roll Through the Ages is a 2010 SdJ nominee!
Build a thriving civilization--in under an hour!
Collect goods, assign workers to build cities and erect monuments, advance your civilization through cultural and scientific developments.

Ender Wiggin's BoardgameGeek Review
Tom Vasel's Video Review
Matt Drake's BoardgameGeek Review
Matt Carlson's Boardgame News Review
Shannon Appelcline's RPG.net Review

Spiel des Jahres Spiel des Jahres
Game of the Year Nominee 2010
Games Magazine Awards Games Magazine Awards
Best Family Game 2010

SWAT! 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


Stoplights Stoplights    
Stoplights is a clever, strategic 1-3 player card game that will challenge adults, yet can be played with a four-year old. Learning to play Stoplights will take less than a minute, and games typically last 10-15 minutes.

Matt Drake's BoardgameGeek Review
Herb Petro's BoardgameGeek Review

Scholastic Teachers' Pick Scholastic Teachers' Pick
Teachers' Pick 2009

Stoplights [tin box] Stoplights [tin box]    
Stoplights is a clever, strategic 1-3 player card game that will challenge adults, yet can be played with a four-year old. Learning to play Stoplights will take less than a minute, and games typically last 10-15 minutes.

Matt Drake's BoardgameGeek Review
Herb Petro's BoardgameGeek Review

Scholastic Teachers' Pick Scholastic Teachers' Pick
Teachers' Pick 2009

Take it Easy! Take it Easy!    
Take It Easy is a staff favorite, and an excellent and accessible game for all levels of players. This is a new edition of the out-of-print favorite.

Greg Schloesser's BoardgameGeek Review
Shannon Appelclinel's RPG.net Review


The Road to Canterbury 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!


Valdora 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


Valdora Extra Valdora Extra    
This is an expansion to Valdora and can only be played with a copy of Valdora.

“The special cards are interesting and add a layer to the game without dominating it. Overall if you like the base game, this expansion is worth it.” ~~Doobermite on BGG


Worm Up! - Gryphon Edition 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

Major FUN Major FUN
Major Fun Award 2009

Zong Shi 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


Zooloretto Mini 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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