Action Points

  • Review: Pagan – Fate of Roanoke

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    To Mayor Biggs. Regarding your letter about the appearance of a witch in the village of Roanoke, I hereby accept the task entrusted to me. If your conviction holds, that is, that the suspects number fewer than a dozen, my recommendation is to subject them all to the trial tests. In a situation like this, a certain amount of collateral damage is to be expected. However, I will honor your wish that the innocent be spared, whenever possible. What a powerful witch, such as the one you portray, is doing in a place like Roanoke is beyond me. However, I assure you that her days are numbered. I trust that all your resources will be at my disposal. Sincerely, Samuel Crowe, Witch Hunter. Anno Domini 1587, August 20th.

    This is the premise of Pagan: Fate of Roanoke, designed by Kasper Kjær Christiansen and Kåre Storgaard. First published in 2022 by Wyrmgold GmbH following a successful crowdfunding campaign in an English version. The artwork is illustrated by Maren Gutt (Drachensachen, Robin of Locksley).

  • Review: Ark Nova

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    In Ark Nova, you will plan and design a modern, scientifically managed zoo. With the ultimate goal of owning the most successful zoological establishment, you will build enclosures, house animals, and support conservation projects all over the world. Specialists and unique buildings will help you achieve this goal.

    This is how we are introduced to Ark Nova, a design by Mathias Wigge, this being his first title to see the light of day. It was first published in 2021 by Feuerland Spiele in a German version. The illustrations are handled by Loïc Billiau (Spirit Island, Glen More), Dennis Lohausen (Terra Mystica, Glass Road), and Steffen Bieker.

  • Review: Paladins of the West Kingdom

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    We find ourselves in a turbulent period of West Frankish history, circa 900 AD. Despite recent efforts to develop the city, the outlying townships remain under constant threat from outsiders. Saracens scout the borders, while Vikings raid wealth and livestock. Even the Byzantines from the east have shown a darker side. As noble men and women, players must gather workers from the city to defend against enemies, build fortifications, and spread the faith across the land. Fortunately, you are not alone. In his great wisdom, the King has dispatched his finest knights to aid our endeavors. So ready your steeds and sharpen your blades. The Paladins approach.

    This is the premise behind Paladins of the West Kingdom, designed by Shem Phillips (Noctiluca) and S J Macdonald (Circadians: First Light). The game was published in 2019 by Garphill Games following a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. Mihajlo Dimitrievski handled the illustrations, having previously lent his distinct art style to games such as Coloma, Claim, and Viral.

  • Review: Through the Ages – A New Story of Civilization

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    Here is your chance to make history! You will start with a small tribe with the goal of building a great civilization. Expand your farms and mines to gain resources, progress technologically, advance your forms of government, and erect impressive wonders that will endure through the centuries. Choose wisely the leaders who will leave a legacy that allows your people to achieve greatness. A strong economy, technological advancements, a happy population, and a powerful military will be what your civilization needs to progress properly in every aspect. You may excel in one, but you should try not to neglect the rest. Adjust your strategy to the opportunities that come your way. Your rivals will seek to outmaneuver you through various tricks. But do not neglect the most important thing, as the civilization with the most cultural influence will be proclaimed the winner.

    This is how we are presented with Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization, by the great Vlaada Chvátil. This is a revision of one of his greatest works, Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization (the use of the word “New” is key). This new version was published in 2015 by Czech Games Edition (CGE), to great public and critical acclaim. The illustrations are handled by Jakub Politzer (Adrenaline) and Milan Vavroň (Space Alert, Prophecy, or Shipyard).

  • Review: Alchemists

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    Today I received my new cauldron. My laboratory is finally complete! I’ve spent days collecting and preparing the ingredients. What shall I mix first? I have a good feeling about the raven feather and the mandrake root. And everyone says nothing can go wrong with a toad… But what do they know? This is my laboratory! My research! When I publish my theories, surely many will join me. I am determined to prove to the world that mine is the greatest mind ever to study alchemy. I’m going to light the fire; it’s time to get to work. Knowledge, riches, and fame lie waiting in the murky depths of the cauldron…

    This is how Alchemists is introduced to us, designed by Matúš Kotry (this being his debut design). Published by Czech Games Edition this 2014, it was one of the most eye-catching releases at the Essen Spiel fair, selling out within the first few days. The artwork is handled by David Cochard, whose illustrations we have already enjoyed in titles such as Dungeon Lords, Dungeon Petz, or Tash-Kalar.