Area Control

  • Review: Diluvium

    A long, long time ago, when our ancient civilization was in its golden age and myths and legends still walked among men, a cataclysm struck the world. The sea swallowed the land, leaving barely a few isolated archipelagos above its surface. Of the old and powerful empires, only those skilled in building ships capable of exploring the seas in search of the last emerged lands survived. You are the leaders of those civilizations in exile. You must establish new settlements, find food, and gather weapons to face the terrible creatures that still inhabit the islands.

    This is how Diluvium is presented to us, a design by Antoni Guillen (Monki, Mojo). First published in 2024 by Nuts! Publishing in an English and French version. Maud Chalmel (Take Time, Shamans) is in charge of the illustrations.

  • Review: Cthulhu – Dark Providence

    The Ancients exert their influence over realms known to them, populated by nations that speak human tongues and are tormented by shared nightmares. In one of these realities, amid the American Great Depression, they exploit human greed to sow discord and division. Corruption runs rampant in influential cities, where alliances shift and betrayal lurks at every turn.

    This is how we are introduced to Cthulhu: Dark Providence, designed by Martin Wallace (Brass, Age of Steam) and Travis R. Chance (Path of Light and Shadow, Infamy). First published in 2025 by CMON in an English version, it is a reimagining of Martin Wallace’s A Study in Emerald. The artwork is handled by Anders Finér (Arkham Horror, A Game of Thrones: The Board Game).

  • Review: March of the Ants

    With the arrival of spring, the great thaw begins. Deep within the sprouting meadow grass, the queen stirs in her nest, and the colony comes to life. Soldiers venture out, battling centipedes and clashing with rival colonies for territory. Workers dig an ever-expanding network of tunnels in their tireless search for food. The first larvae hatch, and it becomes clear that this generation will be different: young colonies evolve rapidly into a multitude of new forms. The ants march to claim the meadow as their own!

    This is how we are presented with March of the Ants, a design by Tim Eisner (Wonderland Wars, Canopy) and Ryan Swisher. First published in 2015 by Weird City Games in an English version following a successful crowdfunding campaign. In 2025, the publisher released the Evolved Edition, also after a crowdfunding campaign. The illustrations for this latest version are handled by Ana Gabriela Gatchalian-David, E. “Alder” Doveton, and Mr. Cuddington.

  • Review: Theocratia

    Sometimes, eternity can feel endless. So, to cope with the boredom, you and your friends make a little bet: you give yourselves a couple of thousand years to interfere in the lives of the inhabitants of a distant planet. Once time runs out, the alien who has earned the most affection and admiration wins the bet.

    This is how Theocratia is presented to us, a design by Daniele Tascini (Transgalactica) and Daniel Marinangeli (his first game). First published in 2026 by Mojito Studios in an English version following a crowdfunding campaign. The illustrations are handled by Andrew Bosley (Everdell, Tapestry).

  • Review: San Marco

    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: 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.