Pattern Building

  • 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: Kamon

    Develop your strategy while respecting the restrictions of the Kamons! To win, connect two opposite edges of the board, create a loop, or block your opponent while respecting the color or symbol imposed by them.

    This is how we are presented with Kamon, a design by Bruno Cathala (Five Tribes, Donuts). First published in 2007 by Jactaba in a French version. In 2020, it was re-released by Cosmoludo in a multilingual edition. Tom Delahaye (Yoxii, Mana) is in charge of the graphic design.

  • Review: Bohemians

    Step into the picturesque streets of Paris where, in the name of art, you will embark on romantic escapades, seek inspiration, and try to keep your life from turning into misery. Step into the shoes of a struggling bohemian artist trying to make a name for yourself; your head full of dreams, but your belly empty. You romanticize poverty and reject the norms of conventional society to achieve artistic freedom, aiming to change the world through your work. Will you attain fame or be forgotten by history?

    This is the premise behind Bohemians, designed by Jasper de Lange (Art Society). First published in 2025 by Portal Games in an English edition. The artwork is handled by Hanna Kuik (Neuroshima Hex, Imperial Miners), Roman Kucharski (Imperial Settlers, Overbooked), and Tomasz Jędruszek (Tyrants of the Underdark, Dominion).

  • Review: Under the Leaves

    If we manage to keep our garden healthy and diverse, it will fill with life and become a sanctuary for fascinating creatures. Hummingbirds and bees are the first to arrive, filling the air with color and movement. But if we stop to take a closer look, we will discover a hidden, unknown world: tiny inhabitants abound among the mushrooms, puddles, and foliage. They live right under our feet, going unnoticed… until we decide to look Under the Leaves.

    This is how Under the Leaves presents itself, a design by Trevor Benjamin and Brett J. Gilbert (Great Plains, Mandala). First published in 2025 by Fractal Games in an English and Spanish edition. The illustrations are handled by Paulina Victoria (Mahé, Big or Bang).

  • Review: Wispwood

    A curious cat prowls through the woods, lured by flickering lights of all colors dancing among the trees. What could they be? Ah, the wisps of ancient lore! Each one glows with charm and mischief, possessing a personality all its own. Will you be able to guide them properly and make your forest shine the brightest?

    This is the premise behind Wispwood, designed by Reed Ambrose (his debut title). First published in 2025 by CGE in an English edition, the artwork is handled by Štěpán Drašťák, known for the visual style of titles such as Kutná Hora: The City of Silver or Deal with the Devil.

  • Review: The Isle of Cats Duel

    You are a citizen of Squall’s End on a rescue mission to The Isle of Cats. You must rescue as many cats as possible before the evil Lord Vesh arrives. Each cat is represented by a unique tile and belongs to a family. You must find a way to fit them all onto your boat while keeping families together.

    This is how The Isle of Cats Duel is presented to us, the 2-player version designed by Frank West (The City of Kings, Vadoran Gardens). The game was published in 2024 by The City of Games. Illustrations are handled by the designer himself alongside Dragolisco.