Area Control

  • Review: Theocratia

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    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

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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: Echoes of Time

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    In an uncharted fantasy realm, four factions govern the fundamental domains of the world: the abyssal depths of the dark waters; the rolling hills, windswept and sheltered by ancient forests; the endless, boundless night skies; and the subterranean tunnels, shrouded in shadows and untold secrets. A primal energy flows quietly through these lands, gathering in hidden fonts of boundless power. Whoever manages to master them will be capable of bending the most relentless force of all, time, and the cadence it dictates upon nature, existence… and life itself. Gather the wisest, bravest, and most prepared fellowship, equip yourself with the right artifacts, and get ready to fight for control over the sources of power. Only those who can manipulate the flow of time will stay one step ahead of their rivals.

    This is the premise behind Echoes of Time, designed by Simone Luciani (Grand Austria Hotel, Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar) and Roberto Pellei (Pigeon Explosion). First published in 2025 by Cranio Creations in an English edition, the artwork is handled by Giovanni Calore in his debut work within the board game industry.

  • Review: Dewan

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    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: Fromage

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    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

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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).