Deckbuilding

  • Review: War Chest

    ByiMisut Hours
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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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    19th-century America. You are a rancher herding cattle from Texas to Kansas City, where they are sent by train to the most prominent cities, yielding substantial profits—especially the more valuable and diverse your herd is. Achieving this will require more than just managing your herd; you will also have to erect buildings to grow your business, as well as extend the railway lines for more efficient and effective transport. Will you become the most renowned cattle tycoon of the Old West?

    This is the premise behind Great Western Trail, the latest release from the man of the hour, Alexander Pfister, designer of acclaimed titles such as Port Royal, Mombasa, Isle of Skye, and Broom Service (co-designed with Andreas Pelikan). The game was originally published in 2016 by eggertspiele. The artwork comes courtesy of Andreas Resch, who previously showcased his craft in games like The Great Fire of London 1666, Istanbul, and Rialto.

  • Review: Dale of Merchants

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    It is an age of great discoveries. New and wonderful items are displayed by the greatest merchants. If there is one place these traders revere, it is the city of Dale. Within the city lies a magnificent guild founded by the most renowned merchants. To gain entrance, one must win the annual competition. Numerous traders from all corners of the globe have gathered in Dale to take part in the event, driven by a clear goal: to be crowned champion and become the newest member of the legendary guild.

    This is how Dale of Merchants is presented, the debut design by Sami Laakso. The game’s release was funded through a Kickstarter campaign in 2015, with copies reaching backers in early 2016 under the Snowdale Games imprint. Recently, a second standalone and fully compatible box has also been published. The artwork was handled by Sami Laakso himself.

  • Review: Concordia

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    Two thousand years ago, the Roman Empire ruled the lands around the Mediterranean Sea. With peace on the borders, harmony within the provinces, a uniform law, and a single currency, the economy thrived and gave rise to powerful Roman dynasties that expanded into numerous cities. Lead one of these dynasties; colonize the most remote realms of the Empire; expand your trade network and please the ancient gods to gain their favor. If you plan your strategy properly, you will be able to grow your dynasty and make it the most powerful in the Roman Empire.

    This is the premise of Concordia, a game designed by Mac Gerdts, author of other well-known titles such as Imperial, Navegador, or Antike. The game was first published in 2013 by PD-Verlag (in English/German), becoming one of the nominees for that year’s Kennerspiel des Jahres alongside Istanbul (winner) and Rokoko. The illustrations are handled by Marina Fahrenbach, the publisher’s usual artist (Navegador, Antike II, Antike Duellum).

  • Review: Lewis & Clark

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    On April 30, 1803, the United States of America purchased the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon for 15 million dollars. Thomas Jefferson decided to send two adventurers—Meriwether Lewis and William Clark—to explore this immense terra incognita. The Lewis and Clark expedition (which lasted from 1804 to 1806) was the first American expedition to cross what is now the western portion of the United States.

    This is the premise behind Lewis & Clark, the debut design by Cédrick Chaboussit. First published in 2013 by Ludonaute, it was an absolute hit at the last Essen fair—so much so that finding a copy right now is practically impossible. The artwork is by Vincent Dutrait, who has also illustrated well-known titles such as Augustus, Mundus Novus, and Tikal II.