Hand Management

  • Review: March of the Ants

    With the arrival of spring, the great thaw begins. Deep within the sprouting meadow grass, the queen stirs in her nest, and the colony comes to life. Soldiers venture out, battling centipedes and clashing with rival colonies for territory. Workers dig an ever-expanding network of tunnels in their tireless search for food. The first larvae hatch, and it becomes clear that this generation will be different: young colonies evolve rapidly into a multitude of new forms. The ants march to claim the meadow as their own!

    This is how we are presented with March of the Ants, a design by Tim Eisner (Wonderland Wars, Canopy) and Ryan Swisher. First published in 2015 by Weird City Games in an English version following a successful crowdfunding campaign. In 2025, the publisher released the Evolved Edition, also after a crowdfunding campaign. The illustrations for this latest version are handled by Ana Gabriela Gatchalian-David, E. “Alder” Doveton, and Mr. Cuddington.

  • Review: Burst

    Draw cards to score points. Play your cards to trap your opponents and force their hand. As the pressure mounts, will your cards hold or will they blow up in your face?

    This is how Burst is presented to us, a design by Cameron Ring, Corey Schrimpl, and KC Schrimpl (Piles, Bad Apples). First published in 2025 by Lost Boy Entertainment in an English version. The graphic design is handled by Chris Doughman.

  • Review: Trailblazers

    Trailblazers are those brave souls who blaze trails and venture into the wilderness. Whether on foot, by bike, or in a kayak, these tenacious travelers seek to quench their insatiable thirst for adventure. With a breathtaking natural landscape always ahead and a freshly blazed trail hot on their heels, they must not forget to return to camp. Because there are always new environments to explore, more expeditions to undertake, and more trails to blaze.

    This is how Trailblazers is presented to us, a design by Ryan Courtney (Pipeline, Curious Cargo). First published in 2023 by Bitewing Games in two English editions: a standard version and a travel version. The artwork is done by Seth Lucas, marking his first experience in the board game world.

  • Review: Theocratia

    Sometimes, eternity can feel endless. So, to cope with the boredom, you and your friends make a little bet: you give yourselves a couple of thousand years to interfere in the lives of the inhabitants of a distant planet. Once time runs out, the alien who has earned the most affection and admiration wins the bet.

    This is how Theocratia is presented to us, a design by Daniele Tascini (Transgalactica) and Daniel Marinangeli (his first game). First published in 2026 by Mojito Studios in an English version following a crowdfunding campaign. The illustrations are handled by Andrew Bosley (Everdell, Tapestry).

  • Review: Gachapon Trick

    Your pockets are full of coins and your instincts are sharper than ever. Outsmart your rivals in a fierce trick-taking game and show off your fortune to collect the coolest figures.

    This is the premise of Gachapon Trick, designed by Daniel Newman (Mori, Watch). First published in 2024 by New Mill Industries in an English version. In 2025, it was published by Playte. Illustrations are handled by Sai Beppu (Mountain Goats, Sluff Off!) and Wanjin Gill (Cerdeña, Orapa Mine).

  • Review: Celestia

    During his travels, Gulliver searched in vain for the wonderful world of Celestia. Following in the footsteps of this legendary adventurer, embark on your journey to celestial cities as mysterious as the treasures they hide. During your adventures, you will face dangerous storms, Lockhars pirates, and damok birds. Will you be the best pilot of the aircraft? Will you see your bravery rewarded?

    This is how we are introduced to Celestia, designed by Aaron Weissblum (San Marco, Oasis). First published in 2015 by BLAM! in an English version as a reimplementation of the 1999 Cloud 9. Gaetan Noir (Starlink, Farm Club) is in charge of the illustrations.