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.
Two thousand years ago, the Roman Empire ruled the lands around the Mediterranean Sea. With peace on the borders, harmony within the provinces, a uniform law, and a single currency, the economy thrived and gave rise to powerful Roman dynasties that expanded into numerous cities. Lead one of these dynasties; colonize the most remote realms of the Empire; expand your trade network and please the ancient gods to gain their favor. If you plan your strategy properly, you will be able to grow your dynasty and make it the most powerful in the Roman Empire.
This is the premise of Concordia, a game designed by Mac Gerdts, author of other well-known titles such as Imperial, Navegador, or Antike. The game was first published in 2013 by PD-Verlag (in English/German), becoming one of the nominees for that year’s Kennerspiel des Jahres alongside Istanbul (winner) and Rokoko. The illustrations are handled by Marina Fahrenbach, the publisher’s usual artist (Navegador, Antike II, Antike Duellum).
Keyflower takes place over the four seasons of a year. Players will compete to expand and improve their respective villages, facing different challenges, with every game being unique due to the mix of village tiles that varies from match to match. Players must stay alert to make the most of their available resources, transport and upgrade capabilities, skills, and workers.
Keyflower comes to us designed by Sebastian Bleasdale (Black Fleet or On the Underground) and Richard Breese (Reef Encounter or Inhabit the Earth). The game was published in 2012 by HUCH! & friends/R&D Games. The artwork is handled by Juliet Breese (Keythedral or Aladdin’s Dragons), Jo Breese, and Gemma Tegelaers (Mai-Star or Massilia).