Card Games

  • Review: Yokai Pagoda

    A mysterious building rises on the hill, bathed in twilight. Amazed by the Pagoda’s strange aura, you decide to investigate it. Suddenly, a laugh, a shadow that is not your own, and an ominous-looking eye come to life. You have disturbed the peace of ten powerful Japanese spirits (called Yokai) resting there! Will you find a way to soothe their wrath?

    This is the premise behind Yokai Pagoda, a design by Jacobo Rufete (AntaYagí, Iluliaq). First published in 2023 by PIF Games in a multilingual edition (Spanish, English, German, and French). The illustrations are handled by Nakara Studio (their debut in the board game world).

  • Review: After Us

    2083. Humanity has been extinct for several decades. As the world returns to its origins, primates continue to evolve. They form tribes and learn to use the objects humans left behind. As the leader of one of these tribes, it is your responsibility to guide the primates on the path to collective wisdom.

    This is the premise of After Us, a design by Florian Sirieix (Imaginarium, The A.R.T. Project). First published in 2023 by Catch Up Games in an English edition. Vincent Dutrait (Lewis & Clark, Jaipur, The Quest for El Dorado) is in charge of the artwork.

  • Review: Terraforming Mars – The Dice Game

    We have finally managed to build colonies on Mars, but now we face an even greater challenge: bringing the planet to life and turning it into a new home for humanity! Will your corporation be the one to lead the way?

    This is how Terraforming Mars: The Dice Game is presented to us, designed by Jacob Fryxelius (besides Terraforming Mars, responsible for After the Virus or Star Scrappers: Orbital). First published in 2023 by FryxGames in an English edition. The illustrations are handled by Isaac Fryxelius (Angel Fury, Brawling Barons).

  • Review: Faraway

    Beyond the Sea of Mists lies Alula, a mysterious continent. Journey across its ever-changing world and uncover the wonders it conceals. Meet its inhabitants, unravel its secrets, and gain more renown than your opponents. Explore the continent, take on quests, and gather the resources needed to fulfill them. Plan your journey carefully because, at the end of the game, you will score your points in reverse order—starting with the very last card you played!

    This is how Faraway is presented—a design by Johannes Goupy (Queenz, Orichalcum) and Corentin Lebrat (Draftosaurus, Arkeis). First published in 2023 by Catch Up Games in a French edition, with artwork by Maxime Morin (Garden Nation, Codex Naturalis).

  • Review: Forest Shuffle

    The forest is full of life: animals run around the glades looking for plants and insects to feed on. Some prefer the dense tree canopies, while others favor the lush undergrowth. However, one thing these forest creatures do have in common is that they only feel safe in the shelter of the trees.

    This is the premise of Forest Shuffle, a design by Kosch (FYFE). First published in 2023 by Lookout Games in English and German versions. The illustrations are handled by Toni Llobet, marking his first foray into the world of modern board games.

  • Review: Pagan – Fate of Roanoke

    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).