Hand Management

  • Review: Dewan

    A new day dawns, and with it, our resources continue to dwindle. So much so that we have decided to break camp and explore the surrounding lands to ensure our survival. Whether along the bend of a river or deep in the heart of the mountains, we will search for the resources we lack. As we forge ahead on our journey through forests and deserts, we will keep the precious fire burning to warm us and light our way. Facing the mounting pressure of neighboring tribes, we will stand firm and fight to continue writing our story.

    This is how we are introduced to Dewan, designed by Johannes Goupy (Faraway, Pixies) and Yoann Levet (Turing Machine, Myrmes). It was first published in 2025 by Space Cowboys in a bilingual English and French edition. The artwork is by Arthus Pilorget, marking his debut in the board game industry.

  • Review: The Old King’s Crown

    The old king has left us; some say he died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by the love of subjects and advisors. A beautiful farewell to a benevolent and compassionate reign. There are others, however, who insist that he was the most avaricious of men and that the horrible disease that befell him was an appropriate end. Elsewhere, whispers are heard of foul play, of a knife, or poison or something worse, at the hands of one of his rivals or even one of his relatives. There are those who even claim that the old king is still alive, that he has gone into hiding abroad for reasons yet unknown, or that he has been seen wandering the windswept heath, his eyes wide in the darkness. Be that as it may, the old king is gone and the crown of the kingdom has remained unclaimed for too long.

    This is how The Old King’s Crown is presented to us, designed by Pablo Clark (his first game). First published in 2025 by Eerie Idol Games in an English version. The illustrations are done by Pablo Clark himself (also his first artistic work in the world of board games).

  • Review: Hot Streak

    Hot Streak is a game of betting, racing, and lots of SCREAMING!!!!!!! Everyone plays as down-on-their-luck bettors wagering on the strangest “off-brand” mascots in the world. And unlike most racing games, the action never stops here for you to make decisions. All of your clever strategy is done beforehand, so everyone can just relax, cheer, boo, and yell at a hot dog man.

    This is how Hot Streak is presented to us, a design by Jon Perry (Air, Land, & Sea, Spots). First published in 2025 by CMYK in an English version. The illustrations are handled by Cécile Gariépy (Monikers).

  • Review: Forest Shuffle – Dartmoor

    The rolling hills of Dartmoor provide diverse habitats for plants and animals. While dragonflies and other insects flutter along streams, ponies and sheep graze across the heather-covered moorlands. You will also discover many other creatures living in the air and among the shrubs. Create a unique moorland landscape for all the local flora and fauna, and earn points by taking their preferences into account: some animals need to be near others of their kind, while others prefer to be on their own or live in a specific habitat.

    This is the premise behind Forest Shuffle: Dartmoor, a standalone design by Kosch (FYFE) based on the Forest Shuffle system. First published in 2025 by Lookout Games in English and German editions, the artwork is once again handled by Toni Llobet and Judit Piella, who illustrated the original game.

  • Review: Catan

    Welcome to the unexplored island of Catan! As you and your fellow explorers gaze upon the pristine landscape of hexagonal terrains, you soon discover that this unique layout offers enough space for everyone to put down roots. You race to establish your communities by collecting resources from the nearby terrain, building infrastructure, and fostering trading relationships. Beware of surprises! Your rivals may block your path or send the robber to plunder your wealth. Good luck, explorers!

    This is how Catan, a design by Klaus Teuber, is presented to us. Originally published as The Settlers of Catan in 1995 by KOSMOS in a German version. The illustrations for the current versions are handled by Eric Hibbeler (Acquire, Yukon Airways) and Quentin Regnes (Pyramidice, Eternal Palace).

  • Review: Emberleaf

    Deep within the oldest forest in the world, the Emberlings lie hidden, their presence a secret known only to the wisest. Many moons have passed since the armies of Lord Vesh burned their groves and destroyed their homes. Today, the forest has healed and an awakening is felt. Five brave Emberlings emerge from the forest floor, their spirits unbroken. They call upon their kin, urging them to rebuild their homes. Together, they will reclaim their land, rekindle their bond with their beloved forest, and restore the Emberleaf to its sacred sanctuary. The time for renewal has arrived.

    This is the premise behind Emberleaf, a design by James Tomblin (Defection) and Frank West (The Isle of Cats). First published in 2025 by The City of Games in an English edition following a successful crowdfunding campaign. The illustrations are credited to the designers themselves.