Deckbuilding

  • Review: Cthulhu – Dark Providence

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    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: Mistborn – The Deckbuilding Game

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    Assume the role of a Mistborn, ingesting and burning metals to access a lethal arsenal of superpowers. You will burn Steel to propel coins like bullets at your opponents; Pewter to gain superhuman strength; and Tin to sharpen your senses, among many other powers. Will you focus on Steel and Iron to become a direct damage powerhouse? Will you specialize in Bronze and Copper to hide from opponents and seek new powers in the card market? Or will you prefer a generalist approach, constantly surprising your opponent with a wide variety of new abilities?

    This is how Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game, designed by John D. Clair (Mystic Vale, Cubitos), is presented to us. First published in 2024 by Brotherwise Games in an English version. The illustrations are handled by a large cast of artists led by Johnny O’Neal and Katie Payne.

  • Review: Dune – Imperium

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    Arrakis. Dune. The Desert Planet. Raise your banner above the vast wasteland that stretches before you. Now that the Great Houses of the Landsraad are gathering their forces and their spies, whom will you influence and whom will you betray? A tyrannical Emperor. The inscrutable Bene Gesserit. The shrewd Spacing Guild. The fierce Fremen of the Deep Desert. The power of the Imperium can be yours, but war is not the only way to seize it.

    This is how Dune: Imperium is presented, designed by Paul Dennen, responsible for the Clank! series, Wild Tiled West, or Eternal: Chronicles of the Throne. First published in 2020 by Dire Wolf Digital in an English version. The illustrations are handled by Clay Brooks, Brett Nienburg, Raúl Ramos, and Nate Storm.

  • Review: Lost Ruins of Arnak

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    Day 3 – After two days spent in vain scrutinizing the ocean, a small speck on the horizon, barely visible among the foam of the waves, filled us with hope. As we drew closer, a flock of bright scarlet birds approached the ship, chirping and whistling as if welcoming us. After consulting the navigational charts, the officer assured us that this island did not appear on any of them. His words supported the theory we all secretly shared; those rugged plateaus, that emerald jungle… it could be Arnak!

    This is how Lost Ruins of Arnak is presented to us, designed by the married couple Michal “Elwen” Štach and Michaela “Mín” Štachová, this being their debut work. It was first published in 2020 by Czech Games Edition (CGE) in an English version. The illustrations are by Jiří Kůs, Ondřej Hrdina, Jakub Politzer, František Sedláček, and Milan Vavroň.

  • Review: War Chest

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    Can you master the game of kings, queens, and warriors, leading your armies to victory in this beautiful game of tactics and strategy? War Chest challenges you to develop different strategies by drafting units, recovering from losses, and outmaneuvering your opponent with the goal of defeating them.

    This is the premise behind War Chest, a design by Trevor Benjamin (Dice Heist, Café Fatal, High Risk) and David Thompson (Armageddon, Pavlov’s House, Europe Divided). The game was published in 2018 by AEG (Alderac Entertainment Group) in an English edition. Graphic design and illustration are handled by Brigette Indelicato (Dungeon Hustle, Favelas).

  • Review: Great Western Trail

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    America in the 19th century. You are a rancher herding cattle from Texas to Kansas City, where they are shipped by rail transport to the most important cities, providing significant profits—especially the more valuable and varied the cattle lot is. To achieve this, it won’t be enough just to manage your herd; you will also have to establish certain businesses that will allow you to develop your enterprise, as well as extend the communication lines for more efficient and effective transport. Will you become the most important livestock entrepreneur in the West?

    This is how Great Western Trail is presented to us, the latest design from the designer of the moment, Alexander Pfister, responsible for other titles such as Port Royal, Mombasa, Isle of Skye, or Broom Service (together with Andreas Pelikan). The game was published in 2016 by eggertspiele. The illustrations are handled by Andreas Resch, who already proved his talent in games like The Great Fire of London 1666, Istanbul, or Rialto.