Review

  • Review: Symbiosis

    Simbiosis is a strategic and fast-paced card game where you must join forces with your neighbors to build the best pond. The objective? To create the most prosperous pond in the region!

    This is the premise behind Symbiosis, designed by Jérémy Partinico (Oxono, Yoxii) and Christelle Partinico. It was first published in 2025 by Subverti in a French edition. Illustrations are by Baptiste Perez (Amarok, Dédale).

  • Review: Dewan

    A new day dawns, and with it, our resources continue to dwindle. So much so that we have decided to break camp and explore the surrounding lands to ensure our survival. Whether along the bend of a river or deep in the heart of the mountains, we will search for the resources we lack. As we forge ahead on our journey through forests and deserts, we will keep the precious fire burning to warm us and light our way. Facing the mounting pressure of neighboring tribes, we will stand firm and fight to continue writing our story.

    This is how we are introduced to Dewan, designed by Johannes Goupy (Faraway, Pixies) and Yoann Levet (Turing Machine, Myrmes). It was first published in 2025 by Space Cowboys in a bilingual English and French edition. The artwork is by Arthus Pilorget, marking his debut in the board game industry.

  • Review: Under the Leaves

    If we manage to keep our garden healthy and diverse, it will fill with life and become a sanctuary for fascinating creatures. Hummingbirds and bees are the first to arrive, filling the air with color and movement. But if we stop to take a closer look, we will discover a hidden, unknown world: tiny inhabitants abound among the mushrooms, puddles, and foliage. They live right under our feet, going unnoticed… until we decide to look Under the Leaves.

    This is how Under the Leaves presents itself, a design by Trevor Benjamin and Brett J. Gilbert (Great Plains, Mandala). First published in 2025 by Fractal Games in an English and Spanish edition. The illustrations are handled by Paulina Victoria (Mahé, Big or Bang).

  • Review: The Isle of Cats Duel

    You are a citizen of Squall’s End on a rescue mission to The Isle of Cats. You must rescue as many cats as possible before the evil Lord Vesh arrives. Each cat is represented by a unique tile and belongs to a family. You must find a way to fit them all onto your boat while keeping families together.

    This is how The Isle of Cats Duel is presented to us, the 2-player version designed by Frank West (The City of Kings, Vadoran Gardens). The game was published in 2024 by The City of Games. Illustrations are handled by the designer himself alongside Dragolisco.

  • Review: Fromage

    The dawn of the 20th century. You are cheesemakers in a French village, striving to craft, age, and sell artisan cheeses. Your journey will be a symphony of passion and dedication as you work to create the most prestigious fromagerie with the most coveted cheeses in all of France.

    This is the premise of Fromage, a design by Matthew O’Malley and Ben Rosset (both responsible for games such as The Search for Planet X and Between Two Cities). It was first published in 2024 by Road To Infamy Games in English following a successful crowdfunding campaign. The artwork was illustrated by Pavel Zhovba (Formaggio).

  • Review: The Old King’s Crown

    The old king has left us; some say he died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by the love of subjects and advisors. A beautiful farewell to a benevolent and compassionate reign. There are others, however, who insist that he was the most avaricious of men and that the horrible disease that befell him was an appropriate end. Elsewhere, whispers are heard of foul play, of a knife, or poison or something worse, at the hands of one of his rivals or even one of his relatives. There are those who even claim that the old king is still alive, that he has gone into hiding abroad for reasons yet unknown, or that he has been seen wandering the windswept heath, his eyes wide in the darkness. Be that as it may, the old king is gone and the crown of the kingdom has remained unclaimed for too long.

    This is how The Old King’s Crown is presented to us, designed by Pablo Clark (his first game). First published in 2025 by Eerie Idol Games in an English version. The illustrations are done by Pablo Clark himself (also his first artistic work in the world of board games).