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Games by James

@gamesbyjames.bsky.social
92 followers 71 following 218 posts

We're a small family-owned retail company specializing in curating a selection of table top games for all people. Everyone is welcome here. We're based in Minnesota, and we have 6 locations.

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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Just got several new puzzles in from local puzzle company RCS Minnesota Puzzles!
Four new 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle designs by local puzzle company RCS are displayed on the shelf at Games by James Mall of America: Lefse Love, A Year of Loons, Holiday Break, and Midwest Life.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
We're super excited for the The Autism Society of Minnesota puzzle competition, coming up next weekend in Mall of America's Huntington Bank Rotunda. Find more information (and even sign up?!) at ausm.org/events/puzzl...
Advertisement for the AUSM Jigsaw Puzzle Competition, held October 3rd, 2025 in the Mall of America - Rotunda.

It depicts two pictures of puzzlers from previous years, the AUSM Jigsaw puzzle competition logo, as well as the following text:

Left side:
"Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
October 3rd, 2026
Mall of America - Rotunda"

Right side:
"More Info
and to Register
www.ausm.org

4-person division: 8:30am
2-person division: 11am
'Free-For-All' Division: 1:30pm"
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Locations Mall of America (952)854-4747 Southdale Center (952)925-9656 Rosedale Center - Air Traffic Combo Store (651)636-0701 Ridgedale Center - Air Traffic Combo Store (763)540-1832 Crossroads Center - Air Traffic Combo Store (320)253-1571 Oakwood Mall - Air Traffic Combo Store (715)835-3669
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Our store in Oakwood Mall (Eau Claire, WI) has moved to a huge new storefront and is now a Games by James & Air Traffic combo store! Stop in and check out all the fun new products we're offering!
Picture of the new storefront for the Games by James & Air Traffic combo store in Oakwood Mall (Eau Claire, WI).Photo of the new Games by James & Air Traffic combo store in Oakwood Mall (Eau Claire, WI). Photo is taken from the inside of the store near the front entrance, and looks towards a wall painted Air Traffic blue and featuring the logo prominantly in the center of the wall.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Test your deductive reasoning with Got Five! by Blue Orange. In Got Five!, players race to deduce the 5 numbers placed in front of them. Use all available information, plus one additional clue on each of your turns, to whittle down the possibilities. Then guess! Now available at Games By James.
An outside view of a game of Got Five! in progress, with a display of the game in the background.A view of a game of Got Five! in progress, from the perspective of a player.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Meowtropolis, by local publisher Atlas Games, has launched on Kickstarter! Check out this super hero follow up to their hit roleplaying game Magical Kitties Save the Day. Elegant and simple, they are perfect TTRPGs for all ages. Meowtropolis will also be available soon at your local Games By James.
kickstarter.com
Meowtropolis
Who IS that masked kitty? YOU ARE, in the superhero setting for the Magical Kitties Save the Day RPG!
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Dice Masters at Games by James Southdale is cancelled tonight, as a result of the incident in the Southdale area earlier today.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Looking for a goofy, cooperative party for the whole family? Allplay has you covered with their latest small box release, French Toast, now available at Games By James. Players interpret clues placed on a hot and cold style track and try to guess the word the alien is attempting to communicate.
A display of some of Allplay's small box games including French Toast, Torchlit, and Mountain Goats next to our game of the week sign.Sample gameplay of the game French Toast, by Allplay.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Check out the latest release by CGE, the adorable, puzzly, family weight Wispwood. Now available at Games by James. Players choose a wisp tile and shape from the center board and then place that wisp into their personal tableau, with each scored based on the randomized scoring card at end of round.
A display of the game Wispwood along with a bit of the demo peeking through the bottom of the image.A picture of sample gameplay of the game Wispwood, on display at our Southdale location.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Ready for a breezy rural life away from the city? Cozy Stickerville is a new game by Unexpected Games where you do just that with the magic of stickers. In Cozy Stickerville, players play event cards, place stickers to develop their town, and make choices to create emergent narrative.
Display of Cozy Stickerville.  You can see the player boards below.Picture of a game of Cozy Stickerville, featuring player boards with some stickers and played action cards.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Our Mall of America Games By James location has location has been successfully remodeled and has now reopened for business! 🎉 Come check out the newly updated, larger space on the 3rd floor of the East side of the Mall, around the inside of the rotunda.
A picture of the storefront of the newly remodeled Mall of America Games By James location.A picture of the store floor at our Mall of America Games By James location.The new section of the store added in the remodel at our Mall of America Games By James location.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Check out this cute and easy to learn card game by local publisher Twisted Branch Games. In this game, players will play oddities into their collection for points, sabotage their opponents with misfits, and gain special effects with quirk cards. First player to 6 points is declared the winner.
A picture of the cover of the box of the game Oddities.A picture of sample gameplay from the game Oddities.  This game features 3 players having played through 2 rounds of gameplay.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Get ready to have a relaxing stroll on the beach with Sanibel, the latest game from acclaimed Wingspan designer Elizabeth Hargrave. As you walk along the shore, collect seashells and place them in your bag to earn points in this easy to learn pattern building, tile-placement game.
Picture of Sanibel, the latest game by Elizabeth Hargrave, and her most popular title Wingspan.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
This month we challenged our customers to guess how many puzzle pieces they thought were in a jar and awarded those with the closest guess, per store, 100 Victory Points. Let's hear it for our winners! 🎉 Congratulations to: Peter C Sue H Minh H Mel J Kristin S Leanne S Andy V Eric R
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival Puzzle Competition is in full swing! The first puzzle contest, the 500 piece teams challenge, has completed. But don't forget the 1000 piece teams challenge at 11:15AM and 500 piece teams open contest at 3PM. Join us tomorrow for even more fun!
Puzzlers compete in teams to complete the first 500 piece teams puzzle challenge at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Trick-Taking Game is now available at Games By James. Whether you've played the Fellowship of the Ring Trick-Taking Game or not, take on the roles of classic characters and play through the story of the Two Towers in this cooperative trick taking game!
Left: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Trick-Taking Game

Right: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Tick-Taking Game with attached promo pack

Note that the promo pack will be included with sale of The Two Towers Trick-Taking Game while supplies last.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
Looking for something to do while stuck at home during these cold winter months? Games By James offers a number of book nooks and shelf displays by Handscraft and Rolife. The perfect crafty activity to work on at home with a warm drink of your choice!
A small sampling of the Handscraft and Rolife product on offer at Games By James.A picture of the inside of The Detective House Rolife display.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Did you know January is National Puzzle Month? In honor of this, Games by James will be offering a buy two get one deal on all PuzzleTwist and Maynard's Signature Series brand puzzles through 1/23/26. Stop by your local Games By James and take advantage of this puzzling deal!
Sign saying:

January is National Puzzle Month!
Let's celebrate with a deal on PuzzleTwist puzzles: buy 2, get 1 FREE!
PuzzleTwist and Maynard's Signature Series jigsaw puzzles.

This deal is valid 1/5/2026 through 1/23/2026 while supplies last.
Not applicable to previous purchases. Not combinable with other promotions or coupons, except the Victory Points Program.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
Our annual end of year sale is upon us! From now until January 4th (1/4/26), all items in store with a green sticker will qualify for this buy two get one sale. Stop by your local Games By James and stock up on games to play in the new year!
Picture describing the sale in detail:

"Year end sale: Buy 2 Get 1 Free on over 100 items!
Look for the green price stickers
While supplies last, through January 4th 2026"
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
Times up, the holidays are here! Are you prepared to entertain your friends and family? If not, stop in to your local Games By James and check out these small box party games the whole family can enjoy. Perfect for large groups of gamers and non-gamers alike.
Display of party games, great for the holidays.  Clockwise from left: Smug Owls, Blind Jack, Red Flags, and Landmarks.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
From now until Dec 24th, purchase $60 worth of Blue Orange product and receive a free copy of Giant Kingdomino! Blue Orange offers a wide variety of games, including games to appeal to everyone from kids, to families, to the strategy gamer.
A display of various Blue Orange titles, including Giant Kingdomino, which is available free with purchase of $60 or more in Blue Orange products until December 24th at Games By James and Air Traffic locations.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
Need a last minute gift for a loved one? Check out these two newly released PuzzleTwist Holiday Puzzle Derby puzzles. Because they come pre-wrapped, they make for a perfect last minute pick up for the Holidays. And on top of that, $5 of your purchase goes on to support Second Harvest Heartland.
Picture of the 2 PuzzleTwist Puzzle Derby puzzles along with a sign advertising the at home derby contest and how $5 goes to Second Harvest Heartland.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
Games By James is proud to partner with Toys for Tots this Holiday season. Stop by one of our locations any time from now until December 15th to make a donation of toys and/or games intended for children 14 and under.
Toys For Tots

Donations accepted here.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
The holidays are around the corner, so race on over to Games By James and check out one of the best recent strategy games for high player counts. Manage your hand of cards and use your heat wisely to eke out advantage in Heat: Pedal to the Metal, a deck building and racing game for 1-6 players.
A display of the game Heat: Pedal to the Medal, flanked by its expansions Heat: Heavy Rain and Heat: Tunnel Vision.
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Reposted by Games by James
Leder Games @leder.games · 29/11/2025
Today is an awesome day to celebrate your favorite local businesses. (Like your FLGS!) If you're out and about, explore your community's bakeries, coffee shops, book stores, and more. #ShopSmall #SmallBusinessSaturday
An endcap at Games by James featuring locally designed games like ours! Oath, Root, For, and more.
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Reposted by Games by James
ZG Studios @zgstudios.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
Friendly Reminder, we've got a Meet & Greet coming up at @gamesbyjames.bsky.social in Mall of America in 1 Week! www.zgstudios.net/event-detail...
zgstudios.net
MEET & GREET: War and Aether - Games By James, Mall of America | ZG Studios
ZG Studios is having another Meet & Greet at Games By James in the Mall of America of Bloomington! Stop by any time between 12:00PM and 2:00PM to meet the creator, ask questions, and get a signed copy...
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
The results are in: Spirit Island, Magical Kitties Save the Day!, and Secret Identity have won our prestigious game of the year awards for 2025. As voted by you, our customers! Spirit Island - Best Strategy Game Magical Kitties Save the Day! - Best Family Game Secret Identity - Best Party Game
Our window display, showcasing the game of the year winners for this year.  Secret Identity, Magical Kitties Save the Day!, and Spirit Island.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Doing some Holiday shopping early this year? Stop by any of our Games By James or Air Traffic locations from today through Sunday, 11/30/25, and receive a free gift from us with a qualifying purchase, while supplies last.
Sign stating: 

"Free gift with any purchase of $50 or more, while supplies last.

When you make a qualifying purchase, you may choose a free gift.  Your gift may come from either of the Gift Tiers for which your purchase qualifies.

Promotion valid for limited time only, while supplies last. Not valid on previous purchases. Balances paid using gift card(s) and/or Victory Points do not contribute to the spending threshold when qualifying for a free gift. This promotion cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts. If an item that qualified the purchaser to receive a free gift is returned without also returning the gift, the value of the gift will be deducted from the return amount."
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Don't forget, our casual Ticket to Ride tournament tomorrow, 11/18, at 6:00pm at our Southdale store location in Edina. For this free event, everyone will take home a fun package of alternate color promotional trains for their personal game. Winner receives all four! Hope to see you there!
A display of Ticket to Ride board games along with the promotional pieces players can receive at this event.  Promotional train sets come in black, blue, orange, and pink.  We also have some alternate score track pieces that may be used as prize support.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Fan of Ticket to Ride? Join us at our Southdale location's event space at 6:00pm on Tuesday 11/18/25 for a casual Ticket to Ride tournament and some Ticket to Ride goodies! Players will get a promotional train set to keep, with the winner receiving all four. Players of all skill levels welcome!
A display of Ticket to Ride games and promotional prizes.A closer look at the four different promotional train sets, as well as some replacement score tracker tokens that may be used as prize support.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Don't forget, War and Aether Meet and Greet coming up THIS SATURDAY at the Games by James Mall of America at noon!
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
Last minute change of plans! Instead of our regular 6:00 D&D campaign, this Wednesday 10/29 we will be hosting a special s p o o k y Call of Cthulhu one-shot session! Call our Ridgedale Center location at 763-540-1832 or check gamesbyjames.com/events.php for additional details.
gamesbyjames.com
Games By James | Events
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
We just got in Queen Swarm from MindWare! It's a family-friendly 2-player abstract strategy game about controlling the beehive. Stop by and play a demo game, then pick up your copy!
Queen Swarm by Mindware Games is on demo at the Games by James at Southdale Center.
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Reposted by Games by James
ZG Studios @zgstudios.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
We've got TWO new Meet & Greet Events coming up at @gamesbyjames.bsky.social in the Mall of America! Set your schedules and stop on by! November 1st: www.zgstudios.net/event-detail... December 6th: www.zgstudios.net/event-detail...
zgstudios.net
MEET & GREET: War and Aether - Games By James, Mall of America | ZG Studios
ZG Studios is having a Meet & Greet event at Games By James in the Mall of America of Bloomington! Stop by any time between 12:00PM and 2:00PM to meet the creator, ask questions, and get a signed copy...
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Trick or Treat! This October, stop into your favorite Games by James and pull a spinner for your chance at up to 250 Victory Points! Find more information in our newsletter: gamesbyjames.com/newsletter.p...
Trick or Treat in spooky font
Image of a black fidget spinner
Games by James logo
Air Traffic Kites & Games logo 
"Games" and "Kites & Games" in the logos have been replaced with the same spooky font.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Just confirmed! Dave Beck and Abe Burson, co-designers of @paverson.bsky.social's newest title, Luthier, will be at Games by James at the Mall of America THIS SATURDAY 10/11 to sign copies of their game! Dave will also sign copies of his 2023 game, Distilled. Hope to see you there!
Copies of Luthier and the Luthier Deluxe edition sit in the local games window at the Games by James at Mall of America.Distilled sits in the local games window at the Games by James at Mall of America.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
It's time to vote! Now through Sunday, October 19, any walk-in customer can request a ballot and vote for the Games by James Top Games Awards. Stop by your local Games by James, and make your voice heard!
One each of the nominated top games sit along with a ballot box near the front of the store at the Games by James at Mall of America. The included games are: 
(back) Wroth, Spirit Island, Heat
(middle) Secret Identity, Sky Team, Oh My Pigeons, Magical Kitties Save the Day, Landmarks
(front) Superfight, Blind Jack, That's Not A Hat/That's Not A Hat Pop Culture Edition, A Gentle RainA Stock Image of a Ballot Box with a hand inserting a ballot with the word "vote" on it sits in front of a green background. The front of the ballot box shows the logos for the Games by James Top Strategy Game, Top Party Game and Top Family Game Awards, and the top of the ballot box says "Top Game Awards" near the slit. A picture of the "I Voted for the Games by James Top Game Awards" sticker is superimposed nearby.
To the right of these images are the words "IT'S TIME TO VOTE!" and the Games by James & Air Traffic Toys logos.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
It's sometimes hard to build up enough social battery to leave the house, whether it's to buy books or games. If you would prefer to spend your days in your apartment, organizing your books, venture out to Games by James for your copy of A Place for All My Books by @smirkanddagger.bsky.social !
A Place for All My Books sits in the New Arrivals Section at the Games by James in the Mall of America.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
New from @theop.games: TACTA, a chaotic, connecting card game. Find out more from Woosung Games on TikTok and then stop in Games by James for your copy. www.tiktok.com/@woosung.boa...
TACTA by The OP sits on the shelf between Duck & Cover and Tranquility at the Games by James at Southdale Center.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Have you participated in the Games by James & Air Traffic Tabletop Corn Hole Challenge yet? Show your coupon in this month's Victory Points newsletter and see what you've got! All participants earn at least 10 VP. gamesbyjames.com/newsletter.p...
A stock image of a football on grass with text. 
"KICK THE SEASON OFF RIGHT
Games by James & Air Traffic logo
(Image of Tabletop Corn Hole Game by Schylling)
CHALLENGE"
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
The new "Feel Well" puzzles from Ravensburger are awesome! These 100- or 200-piece large print puzzles, with images that appeal to adults, include a paper placemat with an outline of the pieces for a more stress-free puzzling experience. Plus, other new Ravensburger designs have arrived at GBJ too!
Three 200-piece styles of Feel Well puzzle and five 100-piece styles of Feel Well puzzle are arranged in a semi-circle on the demo table at Puzzles by James at Mall of America.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Sorry to all who were looking forward to it, but today's Learn to Play Occult Ops RPG event at Ridgedale Center is cancelled, due to author Nathaniel Hicklin feeling under the weather.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Our September Buy 2 Get 1 FREE Sale is in full swing. Stop by our stores and look for the green stickers. Least expensive items is free. While Supplies last. Deal goes through September 30, 2025.
GREEN TAG SALE:
Buy 2 Get 1 FREE
on over 100 items!

Look for the
Green price stickers

While supplies last
Through September 30th, 2025
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Are you a fan of the Kinfire Delve series from @incredibledream.bsky.social? Kinfire Council is a new, multiplayer worker placement experience set in the same universe, designed by Minnesotan Kevin Wilson! Stop by your local Games by James for your copy today!
Kinfire Council sits on the shelf near other strategy games at Games by James Mall of America.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Have you used this month's double victory points coupon on pet-themed games yet? Find your coupon at gamesbyjames.com/newsletter.php - expiring August 31! *Not all items in window display featured in deal, please check newsletter link for details about included items.
A window display at the Games by James at Mall of America, depicting games with themes around pets. Featured are the Puzzle Twist Puzzle: Doggonne Crazy, Boop, Cats & Boxes, Cat Crimes, Catastrophe, Tongues Out, The Isle of Cats, and Abducktion. Games are displayed facing out on three glass shelves.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 16/08/2025
Have you played Zenith yet? If you haven't, this 2- or 4- player tug-of-war card game is full of fun, interesting strategies.
Zenith sits in the New Arrivals section at Games by James at Southdale Center.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
How cool! Over the weekend local artist Thomas Anderson came into the Games by James and Air Traffic combo store in Ridgedale Center to find copies of his @puzzletwist.bsky.social Puzzle: Fish Tales. He even signed a few copies of his puzzle for us!
Local artist Thomas Anderson signs a copy of his puzzle "Fish Tales" in the play space at the Games by James and Air Traffic combo store at Ridgedale Center.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
Have you played Fishing yet? This trick-taker with a twist is exciting the whole game! Cards you take will end up in your hand in future rounds. Don't take enough tricks, and draw new cards from a central pile of upgrade cards - trumps, high numbers and more!
Friedemann Friese's "Fishing" sits on the New Arrivals shelf at the Games by James at Southdale Center.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Have you gotten the latest from @chiptheorygames.bsky.social - Wroth? This area control game is fast-paced and fun, and full of durable, weighty components that feel nice as you play. And don't forget expansions - the box for the base game is designed with extra room in mind.
Wroth and its two expansions sit on the new arrivals shelf at the Games by James at Southdale Center.
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Games by James @gamesbyjames.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
We also managed to get a picture of Erin Buell and her sister with Golf Match during their demo at Games by James Mall of America earlier today! Thanks Golf Match!
Erin Buell and her sister demo Golf Match at the Games by James at Mall of America.
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