Draft

  • Review: Patchwork

    ByiMisut Hours
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    Patchwork is a needlework technique that involves sewing together pieces of fabric with various patterns to create a single, larger design. Historically, it was a way to repurpose leftover scraps of fabric to make clothes and quilts. Today, it has become an art form used by textile designers, especially when working with pieces of varied shapes and sizes. Creating a beautiful quilt requires both time and patience, as the available patches often simply refuse to fit together smoothly. Choose your patches carefully and keep a steady supply of buttons on hand to craft a more striking quilt than your opponent.

    This is the premise behind Patchwork, one of the two games presented by the great Uwe Rosenberg back in 2014 (alongside Caverna) through multiple publishers simultaneously. For instance, Mayfair Games released it in English, while Lookout Games handled the German edition. As a side note, it was a Spiel des Jahres recommended game in 2015 and won the Golden Geek Award for Best Abstract Board Game in 2014, while also being nominated for Best 2-Player Game in that same edition. The artwork is illustrated by Klemens Franz, the artist behind the look of most of Uwe’s games, such as Agricola, Le Havre, and Caverna.

  • Review: Five Tribes – The Djinns of Naqala

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    Crossing the Land of 1001 Nights, your caravan arrives at the fabled Sultanate of Naqala. The old sultan has just died, and control of Naqala is up for grabs! The oracles foretold of strangers who would maneuver the Five Tribes to gain influence over the legendary city-state. Will you fulfill the prophecy? Invoke the ancient Djinns, move the Tribes into position at the right time, and the Sultanate may be yours!

    This is the premise behind Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala, one of the biggest recent sensations in the hobby. Designed by Bruno Cathala, author of other celebrated titles like Cyclades or Mr. Jack (alongside Ludovic Maublanc), it was published in 2014 by Days of Wonder. Artwork is handled by Clément Masson in his debut outing in the board game industry.

  • 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.