Area Control

  • Review: San Marco

    ByiMisut Hours
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    Venice is at its peak. A few aristocratic families rule the High Council, with the Doge as its President. It is announced that one more family will be accepted into the council. A battle of political powers begins. Ruthless attacks occur as part of the power struggles in the different districts of Venice. Clever transfers of aristocrats and immediate expulsions are the order of the day. You represent one of the contending families in the election. You must use all available means to find favor with the Doge. Win his highest esteem and you will be the winner.

    This is how San Marco is presented to us, a design by Alan R. Moon (Ticket to Ride) & Aaron Weissblum (Celestia, 10 Days in Europe). First published in 2001 by Ravensburger in an English, French, Italian, and German version. The illustrations are done by Alessandra Cimatoribus (Torres, Big Top).

  • Review: The Old King’s Crown

    ByiMisut Hours
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    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).

  • Review: Star Wars – Battle of Hoth

    ByiMisut Hours
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    A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… On the inhospitable frozen planet of Hoth, the habitual silence is suddenly broken by the mechanical roar of giant walkers. From their trenches, the brave rebel soldiers finally spot the imperial forces advancing implacably toward them. The Rebel Alliance readies its precious squadron of snowspeeders in a desperate attempt to stall the ground assault and complete the evacuation of Echo Base.

    This is how Star Wars: The Battle of Hoth is presented to us, a new implementation of Richard Borg’s Commands & Colors system (Memoir ’44, Battles of Westeros), along with Adrien Martinot. Published for the first time in 2025 by Days of Wonder in an English version. The illustrations are handled by Ben Carre (Divinare), Christophe Duhaze, Tony Foti (Lords of Waterdeep), and Clément Masson (Five Tribes).

  • Review: Arcs

    ByiMisut Hours
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    A long time ago, the Reach thrived, our ancestors failed us, and I fear we are no better. As we fight for the edge of the galaxy, can we break the cycle? Can we build something new?

    This is how we are introduced to Arcs, a design by Cole Wehrle (Pax Pamir, Root, Oath). First published in 2024 by Leder Games in an English version following a successful crowdfunding campaign. The illustrations are handled by Kyle Ferrin (Fort, Ahoy, Vast).

  • Review: Toy Battle

    ByiMisut Hours
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    Toy battles unfold on land, at sea, in the air, and even in space! The troops need your tactical talent to lead them to victory. Your mission? Be the first to reach the enemy headquarters or control more territories than your opponent.

    This is the premise of Toy Battle, designed by Paolo Mori (Libertalia, Dogs of War) and Alessandro Zucchini (Liguria, Murder in Arosa). First published in 2025 by Repos Production in an English and French version. The artwork is handled by Paul Mafayon (Bunny Kingdom, Tikal).

  • Review: Wondrous Creatures

    ByiMisut Hours
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    Lost amidst the swirling mists of the sea, a merchant ship stumbled upon a strange creature. Its shape was reminiscent of a bird, but its luminous beak pierced the darkness with an otherworldly glow. Intrigued, the crew followed the animal and soon discovered an uncharted island, teeming with curious creatures. The peculiar island was packed with mysterious beings, from tiny and adorable balls of fluff to reptiles with enormous and terrifying fangs. News of this newly discovered land spread far and wide, captivating the hearts of the most adventurous, including yours. Driven by your deep love for animals and the thrill of discovery, you set sail for this enigmatic island, longing to explore its wonders firsthand.

    This is how we are introduced to Wondrous Creatures, designed by Yeom Cheolwoong (Shallow Sea). It was first published in 2024 by Bad Comet in an English version following a successful crowdfunding campaign. The illustrations are handled by Sophia Kang (Life of the Amazonia, Wild: Serengeti).