Hand Management

  • Review: Wondrous Creatures – Winterfall

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    Several years ago, a mysterious island named Starbeak was discovered. After explorers began visiting it regularly, the island enjoyed years of calm, sunny weather. Aside from its perpetually snow-capped highlands, most regions of Starbeak enjoyed clear skies and warm sunshine, leading many to believe that it possessed its own unique, mild climate. However, five years after the first expedition landed on Starbeak, a sudden blizzard struck the island. At first dismissed as a passing anomaly, as the cold lingered for months, people began to uncover the truth: Starbeak follows a peculiar weather cycle, alternating between mild years and harsh winter years. With the arrival of this prolonged winter, strange and wondrous phenomena began to emerge all across the island. A new species of creatures known as Spirits appeared, visible only during the winter. The ever-shifting climate drastically transformed the island’s terrain and ecosystem, turning exploration into an increasingly unpredictable and challenging endeavor.

    This is the premise behind Winterfall, the first expansion for Wondrous Creatures, designed by Jaewoo Bang (Atlanteum), Gunho Kim (Wild: Serengeti), and Yeom Cheolwoong (Shallow Sea). First published in 2026 by Bad Comet in an English edition. Artwork is provided by Sophia Kang (Life of the Amazonia, Wild: Serengeti).

  • Review: Trickerion – Legends of Illusion

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    Decades ago, it used to be a bustling city, the Capital of Illusion, but now only a shadow of its former glory remains. The golden age ended the day Dahlgaard the Magnificent, the city’s selfless benefactor and the greatest illusionist in history, mysteriously disappeared at the end of his final performance decades ago. Nothing was ever heard of him again. Until now. One night, four talented illusionists, masters of different branches of magic, received a mysterious invitation. The great Dahlgaard himself, returning from the unknown, summoned them to reveal the secret he had kept all his life: the truth about the Trickerion Stone, his glowing amber relic. Despite what many believed, it was far more than a mere lucky charm. He revealed that the stone grants its bearer supernatural intellect, speed, and perception—the qualities of the perfect illusionist. Dahlgaard’s secret was only part of his grand plan: after his death, he wishes for Magoria to flourish once again as the City of Illusion under the guidance of a worthy successor, who will inherit the Stone and his entire legacy. This successor will be chosen among the four illusionists in a five-week contest of fame and fortune. With so much at stake, the four magicians will stop at nothing to win. Who will have what it takes to become the next Legend of Illusion?

    This is how Trickerion: Legends of Illusion is introduced to us, a design by Richard Ámann and Viktor Péter, the creators behind games such as Anachrony or Cerebria: The Inside World. First published in 2015 by Mindclash Games in an English edition. The artwork is by Villő Farkas and László Fejes, who are also responsible for the visual style of Anachrony.

  • Review: Tango

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    It takes two to tango, but only one dancer will remain standing in this trick-taking game for two players. Players play cards, both from their hand and from their face-up display, to pull off the best possible dance steps. Plan ahead as best you can, but remember that your opponent knows some of the moves you are about to make! Will you claim the title of lord or lady of the dance?

    This is how Tango presents itself, designed by David Harding (Matcha, Elevenses) and Matt Sims (his debut design). First published in 2024 by Grail Games in an English edition. The illustrations are handled by Heiko Günther (Circus Flohcati, Burgle Bros.).

  • Review: Frosted Blooms

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    The crisp Dutch air still carries the chill of winter, occasionally blanketing the awakening polder fields with a delicate morning frost. Yet beneath this fleeting shimmer, the first determined tulips push their way toward the sky, showing vibrant colors that promise a radiant spring. As ambitious gardeners, you will compete to cultivate the most admired tulip display. Carefully select plots of land and strategically place iconic windmills and barns, all while assigning diligent workers to create a harmonious and valuable landscape. Will your garden, caressed by the cool dawn, bloom into the most celebrated masterpiece of the season?

    This is how we are introduced to Frosted Blooms, designed by Bruno Cathala and Ludovic Maublanc (Cyclades, Mr. Jack). First published in 2026 by Synapses Games in an English and French edition. The artwork is handled by Simon-Pierre Bernard, marking his debut in the board game industry.

  • Review: Stupor Mundi

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    Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Germany and Italy, was a historical figure of extraordinary culture, energy, and ability. His contemporaries nicknamed him Stupor Mundi (“the wonder of the world”), and with good reason, as many historians consider him the first modern ruler of Europe. His realm, centered in Sicily and southern Italy, stood as a model of efficient bureaucracy, remarkably similar to the centralized governments of the modern era.

    This is the premise behind Stupor Mundi, designed by Nestore Mangone (Autobahn, Darwin’s Journey, Baghdad: The City of Peace). First published in 2025 by Quined Games following a successful crowdfunding campaign. The artwork is provided by Maciej Janik (Stroganov, Oak, Neuroshima Hex).

  • Review: Cocktail

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    A juicy inheritance is at stake. We will have to be suspicious and distrustful of whatever we are offered if we want to prevent our own ambition—or that of others—from poisoning us.

    This is how Cocktail is introduced to us, a design by Matías Castillo (Glis Glis, Land Ho!). First published in 2021 by Editorial SJS in a Spanish edition. The artwork is handled by Magdalena Fernández, marking her debut in the board game world.