Elves and Ordnance: A Blog On Gaming and Miniatures: #3 - Four Crowdfunded Games to Look at NOW!

Elves & Ordnance: The Blog – Entry #3 – October 2, 2025:

Here is the third offering of the Elves and Ordnance blog. SJG Ogre/GEV, Warhammer 40K, and other games will be prevalent topics from a miniatures and tabletop gaming perspective in future written diatribes (as promised... as well as adventures to interview game store owners, attend Gen Con 2026 and who knows what else). At some point I really need to talk about just how kind the members of the gaming world are to their kin. I have been shown A LOT of friendship as I have re-entered this hobby after an absence of nearly 40 years.

But today, there are four games on two crowdfunding platforms that are very much worth taking a look at, and... if you agree and like the topic nature or game dynamics, well worth backing. I wanted to get this out quickly as the clock is ticking on three of the four campaigns (so this blog entry kind of has an expiration date!). I intend to steal a few minutes of your time and talk about each and give you some links to check them out.

It is important to note that I am not sponsored by, nor have I received any payment to endorse these games. I just think they are awesome and want to show others: Hey! Look at this!

I’m going to list them in “time remaining on the crowdfunding” order. This does not mean I like any one of the concepts more than the other, it just means the higher up they are in the list, the less time you have to join in on backing the game. As with any crowdfunding there is some minor risk proportionate to what you pledge, but these all seem to have stable concepts and project owners.

So, let’s jump in!

The first entry has only 6 DAYS LEFT to back it:

Platform: Kickstarter

Game: Battle Frenzy

Project Owner: Goliath Coins (no stranger to the gaming world)

Funding Status at time of this entry: 297% Funded

Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/goliathcoins/battle-frenzy

Test Copy Received at Gen Con 2025

NOTES: I had the opportunity to be selected to receive an early draft copy of six of the seven characters for this game and play it myself. This is such a unique concept. The game consists of a single character card and a single page of rules. Both are 8 1/2 by 11 high quality thick paper. The warrior/character card is inside of a hard page protector for each player. The only dice used are up to 2D6 (four if you don’t want to share with your opponent). There are seven characters available in the Kickstarter project (my test version had six), and you can choose the quantity of characters you wish to purchase at your level of backing. I state this game is unique because the rules character statistics attacks and game dynamics are all on a single sheet of paper in front of the player inside of the page protector. Dry erase markers are used on the page protector to mark the attrition of character stats during the two-character battles. The game has extremely fair and balanced gameplay even with the randomness of dice. The primary differentiation is in the statistics of the characters. Each character has four statistics: attack, defense, injury, and resistance. The neat part of this is that it is almost like a two-person melee role play. Play of the game is quick and two people can do several rounds in a fairly short period of time. I found it also to be good for solo play controlling both characters that are fighting. Definitely more exciting than Solitaire During those times when a person finds themselves alone. Bluntly... This game is fast, easy to learn, rapidly exciting, and would even be a great intro game for pulling more people into gaming in general. I really like the uniqueness. And here's another great reality about it: you could have the entire game and keep it in an extra-large folder stored flat, which is a true bonus for any game room. You Would simply be storing something equivalent to 8 sheets of paper in hard page protectors, 2 dry erase markers, and 2D6 that could be shared from a dice bag. Again, fast, dynamic, and fun! This game is for 2 to 6 players with seven character choices as mentioned above. Those character choices are almost battles across time as well. You want to have a fight between a Werewolf and a dragon? Go for it. A killer robot and a ninja lord? No problem. I have only had the chance to play a two-player game and solo, but a six person game? That could be a battle across eternity! Now for another bonus point. Backing at the lowest award level with two warriors is only $16 plus $8 shipping. All seven warriors are $50 and $12 shipping. Do yourself a favor and look at this one. Picture of my early release copy shown. UPDATE 11/21/2025: Successful and already received. An awesome game and such a unique, simple form of game play.

The next one to look at entry has only 7 DAYS LEFT to jump in on the crowdfunding:

Platform: Gamefound

Game: Dukes of Nukes V2

Project Owner: Falling Whale Games

Funding Status at time of this entry: 170% Funded

Link: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/dukes-of-nukes-gaming/dukes-of-nukes-v2

NOTES: They had me at “nukes.” Dystopian games that are either based on nuclear conflict, or after, have always caught my attention. I backed this one right before it reached full funding. This offering looks like it will have you on the edge of your seat during a card game apocalypse. The goal is to be the one holding the single nuclear codes card after the five Defcon cards have been placed on the table. He who holds the codes card wins at that point. But there is thievery, spying, trade deals, and a myriad of other cards in play that can throw the game in many directions. This could be very well suited for use as a drinking game as well. The art on the box and cards is a hilarious take on a dark subject. Backing ranges from $20 to $240 (that final level gets your name as a backer on the box). They also offer a playmat for organizing the world’s destruction in an orderly fashion ($45 add on). All stretch goals have been met (at this time), which means it will come with some stickers, a better box, and linen touch card surfaces. This one is going to be a limited run keeper. Don’t waste any time checking this one out. I can’t wait to get my copy... Looks like a megaton of fun!

Next up is one that I have been following the pre-launch on for a bit. “Into The Wild Alaska” launched yesterday and is taking off quickly. It appeals to the hiker/camper in me (as well as tugging at my Wilderness First Aid instructor card...). 28 DAYS LEFT to back it:

Platform: Kickstarter

Game: Into The Wild Alaska

Project Owner: Irving Galarza

Funding Status at time of this entry: 43% Funded (here’s your chance to help!)

Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/intothewildalaska/into-the-wild-alaska

NOTES: Not to sound repetitive, but they had me at “Alaska.” This is an outdoor survival game with a setting in Alaska. It features six unique “Voyagers” that players choose to from (seven with an expansion). The game balances the Voyagers against set-back events, vital resources (tools and food), survival equipment, tactical assets, and a goal of getting through the wilderness to the island. The Voyager characters (which are figurines in likeness of the art of each Voyager) have very interesting backgrounds and appearances (shown on the project site along with all of the various cards of the game). There will be an expansion and a mini expansion as well. A unique add-on that is available is a replica of an Alaska State Trooper badge that can be used to designate the “game marshal” who is responsible for “keeping the game running smoothly.” We must talk about the art involved... the game boards at standard and deluxe levels are both stunning. The box art draws you in to want to play the game. The game pieces and cards are very well designed and in good quantity enough to make the game look expensive and complex, yet it is billed as, “rules so simple, anyone can jump in.” Not kidding, the game is beautifully designed (a lot like the aesthetic beauty of Fire Tower). There are multiple options (I backed at the level for the Deluxe Edition with expansions and the badge). On this one, at least go look and admire the work that Mr. Galarza has put into leading this project. Impressive. Backing starts at $39 and goes up to $110 (plus shipping). I asked about stretch goals and they replied that they were going to focus on production as soon as this hits fully funded and did not want to be delayed by additions that could cause delays (good thinking!).

Lastly, but not least, we have one that is in the pre-launch phase. So you can mark it as a favorite and watch it for details. I joined the “early herd” on this one which gets you some extra, unique game tokens. This must become a hit just looking at first glance. It hasn’t launched yet, so follow it:

Platform: Kickstarter

Game: Uh oh, Dino!

Project Owner: Sabrina C @ Ludoliminal

Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ludoliminal/uh-oh-dino

Funding Status at time of this entry: In pre-launch phase

NOTES: This is just plain cute. I do not know any other way to describe it. Not only does it look good with vibrant colors and art, but the game dynamic is also unusual and not something I have encountered in game play. It intrigues me. Brightly colored stegosaurus (at least I think that is correct... what is the plural for Stegosaurus?) and dino egg game pieces are utilized on board pieces that are moved back and forth to create gaps in the dinosaur’s path. Lava flows are mentioned as well. There appear to be unique D6 as well. A storage bag for the pieces is shown on the site. Billed as a “completely accurate cooperative dinosaur game.” The game goal is to rescue your dinosaur eggs before the ground is gone beneath you. The pre-launch site states there will be a “Meteors & Meat-Eaters” expansion available as well. It looks like they are trying to make this available for holiday shipping yet this year which is a fast timeline so it may launch very soon. No info yet on backing levels or stretch goals. The yellow and purple box motif is eye catching. It looks like this one could easily end up being a family favorite. I plan to back it. Take a good look at it and if you like it, join the “early herd” for $1 and get on the list for the extra game pieces. A moving board with dinosaurs and an expansion with meteors. How can I pass this up? UPDATE 11/29/2025: Greatly crowdfunded and I have already received my base copy. Absolutely beautiful game. The wooden dinos are bigger than I expected and so awesome. Can't wait till spring when the expansion, wooden tokens, and two additional game pieces arrive!