Author: iMisut

  • Review: Lost Ruins of Arnak

    ByiMisut Hours
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    Day 3 – After two days spent in vain scrutinizing the ocean, a small speck on the horizon, barely visible among the foam of the waves, filled us with hope. As we drew closer, a flock of bright scarlet birds approached the ship, chirping and whistling as if welcoming us. After consulting the navigational charts, the officer assured us that this island did not appear on any of them. His words supported the theory we all secretly shared; those rugged plateaus, that emerald jungle… it could be Arnak!

    This is how Lost Ruins of Arnak is presented to us, designed by the married couple Michal “Elwen” Štach and Michaela “Mín” Štachová, this being their debut work. It was first published in 2020 by Czech Games Edition (CGE) in an English version. The illustrations are by Jiří Kůs, Ondřej Hrdina, Jakub Politzer, František Sedláček, and Milan Vavroň.

  • Review: War of the Ring (Second Edition)

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    But wherever he looked he saw signs of war. The Misty Mountains were crawling like anthills: orcs were issuing from a thousand holes. Under the boughs of Mirkwood there was deadly strife of Elves and Men and fierce beasts. The land of the Beornings was aflame; a cloud hung over Moria; smoke rose on the borders of Lórien. Riders were galloping on the grass of Rohan; wolves poured from Isengard. From the harbours of Harad ships of war put out to sea; and out of the East Men were moving endlessly: swordsmen, spearmen, bowmen upon horses, chariots of chieftains and laden wagons. All the power of the Dark Lord was in motion.

    This is how War of the Ring (in its second edition) is presented to us, a design by Roberto Di Meglio, Marco Maggi, and Francesco Nepitello (The Battle of the Five Armies, Age of Conan). The game was first published in 2004 by Ares Games, receiving a second edition in 2012. The illustrations are handled by John Howe (Ethnos).

  • Review: Beyond the Sun

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    The First Thermonuclear War was unkind to Earth. Over the last two centuries, civil unrest and climate change continued to devastate all regions of the world. Crop yields were plummeting, resources were depleting, and poverty and crime were rampant. Humanity was facing extinction. The solution seemed clear: leave Earth and find a new home among the stars. Faced with the prospect of annihilation, the remaining factions on Earth united. On New Year’s Eve 2240, the Scientific Exchange Treaty was signed at the former site of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The world’s resources were poured into space research, and all discoveries were shared on a global network. For the first time in history, humanity acted as one. In just six short years, engineers at the Nishida-Ostergaard Corporation, under the leadership of Dr. Edmund Saito, developed a technology that was shared with the rest of the world. Humanity had finally entered the space age. Shortly after this key discovery, other factions also researched primitive terraforming techniques, radiation-resistant crops, asteroid mining, and other essential components for human survival outside the solar system. Countless expeditions were launched toward exoplanets each month. Now that a solution has been found, the ambition for power and control stirs within each faction once again…

    This is the premise of Beyond the Sun, a debut design by Dennis K. Chan. The game was published in 2020 by Rio Grande Games in an English edition. The illustrations are handled by Franz Vohwinkel (Puerto Rico, Targi, Tichu, 6 nimmt!).

  • Review: Space Base

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    The United Earth Nations needs you! As the Commodore of a Space Base, your job is to draft new ships into your fleet to patrol the 12 sectors under your watch. Use cargo vessels, mining ships, and troop carriers to make profits and expand your influence. Only one Space Base Commodore will be promoted to U.E.N. Admiral of the Fleet!

    This is the premise of Space Base, designed by John D. Clair (Mystic Vale, Custom Heroes). The game was first published in 2018 by Alderac Entertainment Group (AEG) in an English edition. The illustrations are by Chris Walton (Warmachine Prime Mk II, Monsterpocalypse).

  • Review: New York Zoo

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    In New York Zoo, your task is to build a zoo: construct enclosures for wildlife, introduce new species, and help them breed. It is a straightforward, easy-to-learn game because on your turn you only have two options: place a new enclosure tile in your zoo or acquire new animals to populate your enclosures. However, you must make sure to time your actions well, as your goal is to breed as many animals in your zoo as possible!

    This is the premise of New York Zoo, designed by Uwe Rosenberg (Agricola, Patchwork, Le Havre). The game was published in 2020 by Feuerland Spiele in a German edition. Felix Wermke (Tiny Epic Pirates) handled the artwork.

  • Review: It’s a Wonderful World

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    Dear citizens of the 5 Empires! Today is a great day to rejoice, as we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the end of the Great Wars. What a joy to live in a world where every decision made by our wise and charismatic leaders is aimed at the happiness of the entire population! We know it is so! And so we want it to be!

    This is how It’s a Wonderful World is presented to us, a design by Frédéric Guérard (Ilôs, GrandBois, Clash of Rage). The game was published in 2019 by La Boîte de Jeu in a French and English edition (the latter co-published with Lucky Duck Games). The illustrations are handled by Anthony Wolff (King of Tokyo, Zombie 15′, Top Fantasy).