• Review: Clans of Caledonia
    Review

    Review: Clans of Caledonia

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    19th-century Scotland. The country undergoes a transition from a predominantly agricultural economy to an industrialized one, heavily dependent on trade and export. As a result, food production increased to support the growing population, cheap cotton imports replaced flax, and livestock farming expanded. When European wine and brandy production was devastated by an insect blight in the late 19th century, Scotch whisky emerged as a substitute for cognac. The whisky industry came alive, establishing itself as the premium alcoholic beverage of choice across Europe. Players represent historic clans competing to produce, trade, and export their agricultural goods, as well as their famous whisky!

    This is the premise behind Clans of Caledonia, the debut design by Juma Al-JouJou. The game was published in 2017 under the Karma Games imprint, created specifically for the occasion following a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. The artwork is handled by the dependable Klemens Franz (Agricola, Le Havre, Orleans).

  • Review: Gaia Project
    Review

    Review: Gaia Project

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    In Gaia Project, the successor to the acclaimed Terra Mystica, each player controls one of fourteen distinct factions fighting to peacefully colonize the galaxy. Each faction has different environmental needs to survive on the seven different types of planets, and each faction is bound to its home planet. These needs have led the factions to master terraforming, as in order to grow and develop, they must terraform neighboring planets into their native environment, competing with other players. During the game, you will colonize new planets, upgrade mines to create better structures, and unite planets to form federations, all while needing to research and discover new technologies to improve your abilities.

    This is how Gaia Project is presented to us, designed by Jens Drögemüller and Helge Ostertag, the minds behind Terra Mystica, a game they have given a couple of twists to for the title at hand today. It was published in 2017 by Feuerland Spiele in a German edition and by Z-Man Games in its English version. The illustrations are once again handled by Dennis Lohausen (The Voyages of Marco Polo, Qin, Helios).

  • Review: Azul
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    Review: Azul

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    When Manuel I the Fortunate, King of Portugal, visited the Alhambra Palace, he was captivated by the imposing beauty of its decoration, made of ceramic tiles of Moorish origin known as “azulejos.” Still fascinated by the splendor of the Alhambra’s interior, upon his return to Portugal he immediately ordered the walls of his palace in Évora to be decorated in the same manner. Choose your strategy carefully to become the king’s favorite artist!

    This is how Azul is presented to us, a design by Michael Kiesling (Vikings, Torres, or Tikal, the latter two co-designed with Wolfgang Kramer). It was published in 2017 by Plan B Games in English and German editions. The artwork is handled by Chris Quilliams, whose good work we have already seen in games like Arboretum, Merchants & Marauders, or Archipelago.

  • Review: Terraforming Mars
    Review

    Review: Terraforming Mars

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    “Since its conception in 2174, the World Government has continually strived to achieve global unity and peace. Our mission is to be a shared tool of humanity to create a better future. Earth is overpopulated and resources are dwindling. Now we must choose between retreating or expanding into space to find new homes for humanity. For this reason, we need to make Mars a habitable planet. The terraforming of Mars is an endeavor of such magnitude that it will require the commitment of all humanity to be achieved. Therefore, the World Government will create a Terraforming Committee and establish a universal tax for this purpose. Any corporation or company that contributes to the terraforming process will be generously rewarded by the Committee. We believe that all these measures will ultimately result in a habitable planet for our descendants. Thank you for your attention!” Levi Uken, World Government spokesman, January 16, 2315 A.D.

    This is how Terraforming Mars is presented to us, the second published game by Jacob Fryxelius after Space Station. The game was released in 2016 by FryxGames and Stronghold Games in an English edition. Due to the title’s massive success (it earned a nomination for the 2017 Kennerspiel des Jahres), it has been localized in numerous countries: Germany by Schwerkraft-Verlag, Russia by Lavka Games, Poland by REBEL.pl, Italy by Ghenos Games, France and the Netherlands by Intrafin Games, or Portugal by Meeple BR Jogos. The visual aspect is handled by one of the author’s brothers, Isaac Fryxelius, who only has one other game in his portfolio, Brawling Barons.

  • Review: Santorini
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    Review: Santorini

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    Santorini is a very accessible strategy game (simple enough for elementary school kids to play). Yet, it possesses great depth that will satisfy even the most demanding players. Santorini is a game for everyone!

    This is the premise of Santorini, designed by Dr. Gordon Hamilton (King’s Kilt, 12 Days of Christmas). The original game was published in 2004. Roxley Games launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to publish a new, improved, and expanded edition, which was released in 2017. The artwork is by Lina Cossette and David Forest (Steampunk Rally, Super Motherload, Unfair).

  • Review: Great Western Trail
    Review

    Review: Great Western Trail

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    19th-century America. You are a rancher herding cattle from Texas to Kansas City, where they are sent by train to the most prominent cities, yielding substantial profits—especially the more valuable and diverse your herd is. Achieving this will require more than just managing your herd; you will also have to erect buildings to grow your business, as well as extend the railway lines for more efficient and effective transport. Will you become the most renowned cattle tycoon of the Old West?

    This is the premise behind Great Western Trail, the latest release from the man of the hour, Alexander Pfister, designer of acclaimed titles such as Port Royal, Mombasa, Isle of Skye, and Broom Service (co-designed with Andreas Pelikan). The game was originally published in 2016 by eggertspiele. The artwork comes courtesy of Andreas Resch, who previously showcased his craft in games like The Great Fire of London 1666, Istanbul, and Rialto.