Gorinto, designed by Richard Yaner and published by Grand Gamers Guild, is an abstract strategy game rooted in the Japanese concept of the five elements. Players aim to achieve balance and wisdom by strategically gathering and stacking element tiles on their personal boards. While the theme of understanding and harmony is intriguing, Gorinto shines as […]
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Firenze, designed by Andreas Steding, is a classic Eurogame that challenges players to construct the most prestigious towers in Florence during the 12th-14th centuries. Originally released in 2010 and now revived, Firenze has stood the test of time with its engaging mechanics, beautiful production, and satisfying balance of strategy and interaction. While it may be
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Hadara, designed by Benjamin Schwer, invites players to guide the growth of their civilizations through three epochs. With a clever mix of drafting, resource management, and track advancement, Hadara strikes a balance between accessibility and strategic depth. Its streamlined gameplay and beautiful production make it a standout in the genre, offering a rewarding experience for
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Acquire, designed by the legendary Sid Sackson, is a game of corporate intrigue, investment, and strategic tile placement. Players act as savvy investors, founding and expanding hotel chains, merging companies, and profiting from their stocks. With its elegant mechanics and rewarding gameplay, Acquire has stood the test of time as a classic in the board
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Finca, designed by Wolfgang Sentker and Ralf zur Linde, makes a welcome return under Pandasaurus Games after a long period out of print. Players take on farmers’ roles, harvesting fruits and delivering them to fulfill orders across the idyllic island of Mallorca. While the game’s simplicity and charm remain intact, it struggles to compete for
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Robo Rally, designed by Richard Garfield, is a strategic programming game that pits players against each other in a frantic race through a hazardous factory floor. Players take control of quirky robots, plotting their movements through simultaneous action programming while avoiding conveyor belts, lasers, and other mechanical mayhem. A hallmark of the genre, Robo Rally
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AI: 100% Human, a card drafting and tableau-building game by Explor8, brings players into the digital realm to craft the perfect artificial intelligence. Featuring dual-phase drafting mechanics and strategic tableau building, this Essen 2024 release is solid in its design, though the theme feels somewhat detached. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the game’s
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Patchwork, designed by Uwe Rosenberg, is a charming two-player game that brings quilting to life in a strategic and competitive format. Players take turns selecting fabric tiles to create the most aesthetically pleasing and complete quilt while managing resources like buttons and time. Simple yet deeply strategic, Patchwork is a standout in the realm of
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Arborea, designed by Dani Garcia and published by Alley Cat Games, sets players as Patron Spirits guiding their villagers to heal a cataclysm-stricken world. On the surface, the game’s unique premise, gorgeous production, and layered mechanics make it a standout contender in the Eurogame genre. However, beneath its polished exterior, Arborea struggles with point salad
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