Words by David C. Obenour
Origins Game Fair | June 19-22, 2025 | Greater Columbus Convention Center
Started at John Hopkins University in 1975 by a local wargaming club, fifty years later Origins Game Fair is one of the largest dedicated tabletop conventions in the United States. While still not as expansive as Gen Con (held only 170 miles west on I-70), attendees have an easier time getting into events, publishers have have an easier getting into the exhibitor hall, and the whole convention has a less frenzied pace with still plenty of ways to fill your four days. So slip that badge into your lanyard, slap on your pronouns ribbon, and head into the hall with us for aisles and aisles of turns and turns of fun at Origins 50!
Diatoms (LudoLiminal)
Games have a tricky way of making learning fun. Spending hours determining the most efficient use of resources? Am I describing another Monday morning slog in front of the computer or a raucous Saturday night around the game table? Games can also illuminate unknown and fascinating aspects of history. Like for instance, did you know that there was a Victorian art form in creating microscopic mosaics? Sabrina Culyba did and she turned that knowledge into the beautiful pattern building Mensa Select winning title, Diatoms!
Wroth (Chip Theory Games)
It’s fascinating how art can affect the experience of playing a game. Area control with tanks and planes appeals to an entirely different audience than those drawn to the light of Wroth’s neon-soaked primal landscape. Which isn’t to say there aren’t other thematic mechanics thoughtfully woven into Wroth. In fact, with cooperative, competitive, solo, and scenario-based play, Wroth offers area control gamers a variety of exciting ways to assert control. But still – what initially brought me to the table was that vivid sci-fi art!
Caution Signs (Wacky Wizard Games)
What’s that up ahead? A flying dog? A heavenly panda? …I don’t know, Bigfoot? In this straight ahead party drawing game, players receive an adjective and noun half of a caution sign and flip the timer to draw out the (hopefully) understandable related icon. That round’s sign halves are mixed back together and from there, your bewildered guesser will have to make heads or tails and arms or legs of it all by matching the meaning of your sign.
ÀIYÉ (Moon Saga Workshop)
With a history still being excavated from the cradle of civilization, we have been playing versions of Mancala for thousands and thousands of years. Adding a beautiful Afrofuturist twist to the game, players utilize deck-building in Àiyé to create powerful Mancala boards of their own – while disrupting those of others. While there are truly only so many game mechanics out there, the best play can sometimes be taking a well-known one from a completely different direction.
The Light in the Mist (PostCurious)
While Pandora’s Legacy is available for preorder and Emerald Echoes is coming soon to Kickstarter, the fate of our interest lay in PostCurious’ mysterious tarot deck, The Light in the Mist. Your friend has disappeared and the only item left behind are these 78 cards. It’s up to you – and any other curious friends you can convince to join – to use these to deal out the mystery. Card manipulation, logic and word problems, hidden messages, and more leave you at the end with a satisfying narrative and a fully functional deck!
The Vibe (uloomi)
Art Appreciation: The Game might not sound like the smash hit party game your friends have been waiting for you to bring over – but it is! In his first of many conceived volumes for The Vibe, designer Jacob Jaskov has filled 64 postcards with works of art from around the globe and on the opposite side are single word themes. Rounds are played by flipping over five face up and five face down, and it’s up to “The Vibe” clue giver to secretly select a theme and get everyone to agree on it by arranging the available art from the most to least fitting.
Spectral (Bitewing Games)
Underneath the crimson moon at the stroke of midnight, unfathomable treasures or unspeakable horrors await those who seek it. With many brave – or foolish – enough to venture in, Spectral finds players exploring the rooms and corridors of an ancient mansion. While clues are found behind every door, often times the explorations and actions of your fellow seekers in this area influence game can offer more insight. Or do they just want you to think that?
Familiars and Foes (Horrible Adorables)
The dastardly foes of Joralee have captured your good witches and wizards! As their faithful familiars, it is now up to you to work together to wield artifacts, perform magic, and make it through wave after wave to free them. Had you been paying close enough attention? Or were you just looking cute for moral support? With adorable – and not at all horrible – artwork, a surprising amount of family-friendly game and sharply designed components fills the box.
OffShoots (self-published)
A beautiful and cleverly designed game, in Offshoots players take turns adding ever-expanding branch segments to the base of a tree. While balance is key, growth can go out surprisingly far – showing the attention and care given to production. Just don’t leave your drink or a neighbor’s plate underneath anything too wobbly. Own a house with old trees for long enough and you’ll a special appreciation for this fun little game.
Válka (Terrible Games)
With helpful notes in the rules like “Play with lots of friends! Make lots of noise! Describe your attacks!” you know your marauding party is in for a good time with Válka! The post-apocalyptic realm of mythic violence and glory throws fighters into the fray with fresh recruits waiting in line behind to satiate their own bloodlust. Of course not all glorious ends are met on the battlefield, so Válka also offers rules for play with lonequests, duels, competing bounty hunters, and utter annihilation.
Sushi Boat (Japanime Games)
Games are meant to be played with and if they don’t look fun… why even take them out of the box? Thankfully, Japanime Games roll up tons of delicious enjoyment with the appetizing and adorable Sushi Boat. Pull up a seat at the functional (though sadly, not edible) sushi conveyer belt for a game of set collecting with light memory elements. Pick up a plate before it goes by, order a side from staff, but watch out for the wasabi challenge!
And that’s it for Part One of our review of the games from Origins 2025. Be sure to visit our coverage from previous Origins and then check back next week as we highlight more games from Columbus!