Had an absolute blast at my first PAX East last weekend! It was such a pleasure to meet so many fellow board gamers all in one place. Also got to meet some really cool creators. It’s so cool to see how creative people can be.

I really enjoyed all the open play tables and being able to join in on some really cool games. I couldn’t think of a more fun experience that I’ve had in some time! I even got to play some old school classic arcade games!

If you’ve never been to PAX East, I HIGHLY recommend it. The energy in the room was electric. I’ve never been to a conference like this, so as a first timer, it was really cool to see how engaged the community is.

Here is a photo of my game haul from the weekend. I had a chance to play all of these, and they were all so much fun!

My quick review of each:

Bananya - A great, simple game that I’m excited to play with my young children. (Side Note: Already played it with them and they loved it!!)

Quintillions - I’m a big fan of puzzles and mind teasers, and this just hit the right spot.

Buy The Vote! - Brilliant concept, politically themed, bidding against your opponents to buy the presidency. Who doesn’t like a little bit of controversy at game night amongst close friends?

Trio - Another great simple yet fun game I’m excited to play with my children. Think memory with a bit of go fish.

Combo - Another great simple matching game that I plan to play with my children.

Pizza Party and Snow Job - Fun dice rolling games and the creators behind these games are two of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Decorum - A game of passive aggressive cohabitation. Need I say more?!? Loved the banter and interaction with this game. Had to buy all the expansion packs.

Huddle - Fantasy Football, but in a board game…not only an incredible concept, I can’t believe no one has done this till now. The banter and energy that this game created was such an incredible experience. I can’t wait to play with all my league mates in my real fantasy football league. Might even use this to determine the draft order for this seasons league draft.

Side Effects, Hex Effects, Mud - All are really cool, well thought out card games with lots of player interaction and really cool themes.

Still buzzing from PAX East 2025!