Draft

  • Review: Nippon – Zaibatsu

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    In the mid-19th century, Japan finally realized how far behind the Western world it had fallen in economic, industrial, and technological terms. The Meiji Restoration marked the beginning of a rapid industrial revolution powered by zaibatsu—vast conglomerates of closely intertwined companies. In this economic strategy game, you will manage your own zaibatsu: constructing and modernizing factories, establishing the production and supply of goods, attracting investments, fulfilling contracts, developing mining and technology, laying railways, and recruiting foreign experts. All of this to catch up with Western nations and prove to the Emperor that your zaibatsu is the most valuable. Lead the industrial revolution and guide Japan toward prosperity!

    This is the premise behind Nippon: Zaibatsu, designed by Nuno Bizarro Sentieiro and Paulo Soledade (Asian Tigers, Madeira). First published in 2026 by CrowD Games following a successful crowdfunding campaign, it is a reimplementation of Nippon, originally published in 2015 by What’s Your Game?. The artwork is illustrated by Maya Kurkhuli (Enigma: Beyond Code, City of the Great Machine).

  • Review: Ayar – Children of the Sun

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    Viracocha created Inti, the Sun God, and Mama Quilla, the Moon Goddess. They emerged from Lake Titicaca as one: husband and wife, sister and brother. But Inti looked upon Mama Quilla’s glow with jealousy and threw ash over her so she would not shine brighter than him. Together they fathered four sons and four daughters—the Ayar pairs—who would emerge from Tiwanaku, south of the great lake, alongside the ten minor clans of the first settlers. The Ayar would be tasked with finding fertile land at the center of the universe to found the Tawantinsuyu empire, while teaching the clans the necessary skills to build a civilization. As the four Ayar pairs traversed the lands northward, one by one they would meet their fate—trapped in a cave or turned to stone—until only one pair remained. The final Ayar pair would survive to receive the honor of bearing the golden staff and founding the Tawantinsuyu empire, standing at its head as the Sapa Inca and the Coya.

    This is how we are presented with Ayar: Children of the Sun, a design by Mandela Fernandez-Grandon and Fabio Lopiano, responsible for Sankoré: The Pride of Mansa Musa. First published in 2025 by Osprey Games in an English edition. Illustrations are handled by Ian O’Toole (Lisboa, Railway Boom).

  • Review: Splendor Duel – The Counterfeiters

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    Modify the rules in your favor with clever Counterfeiter cards and gleaming Trinket tokens. Counterfeiter cards alter the rules thanks to bold new tactics. Brand-new Royal cards bring new abilities.

    This is how The Counterfeiters is presented to us, the first expansion for Splendor Duel, designed by Marc André (responsible for the original Splendor or Barony) and Bruno Cathala (Yamataï, Five Tribes). First published in 2026 by Space Cowboys in an English version. The artwork is by Davide Tosello (Victorian Masterminds, Orbis, Fairy Tale Inn).

  • Review: Lone Wolves

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    Become the leader of a wolf pack and compete for regions to become the alpha. To assert your dominance and ensure victory, send wolves into the territories. The strongest wolf wins, reinforcing your pack’s position, but—despite emerging wounded from the battle and becoming a lone wolf—the weaker one learns from the experience and improves its pack’s status for the next encounter. In your struggle, you must know when baring your teeth and when to act alone.

    This is how Lone Wolves is presented to us, a design by Yasuyuki Nakamura (Trick & Trade) and Anthony Perone (Courtesans). First published in 2024 by Wonderful World Board Games in an English edition. It is a reimplementation of Four Clans Conflict. The illustrations are handled by Zingco Kang and Yuan Momoco, both responsible for the look of, for example, Dragonarium.

  • Review: Tapestry

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    Create the civilization with the richest history, from the dawn of humanity into the future. The path you choose will radically alter real-world history: your civilization will be unique and one of a kind!

    This is the premise of Tapestry, designed by Jamey Stegmaier (Scythe, Viticulture). First published in 2019 by Stonemaier Games in an English edition. The illustrations are handled by Andrew Bosley (Everdell) and Rom Brown.

  • Review: Forest Shuffle – Dartmoor – Exmoor

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    The rugged landscape of Exmoor, with its steep cliffs and vast moors, is home to numerous plant and animal species. Rediscover familiar elements and discover new ones against the backdrop of this unique environment.

    This is how Exmoor is presented to us, the first expansion for Forest Shuffle: Dartmoor designed by Kosch (FYFE). First published in 2026 by Lookout Games in English and German versions. The illustrations are by Toni Llobet and Judit Piella.