Pattern Building

  • Review: Lost Seas

    Terrible tales are told of the mysterious, uncharted depths of the lost seas. Rumors abound of gigantic krakens, hellish whirlpools, immense sea serpents, and hostile deserted islands where only the skeletons of ancient shipwrecks remain as testament to failed expeditions. The time has come to gather your navigational instruments and embark on your most ambitious expedition yet. If you succeed, you will attain glory beyond your wildest dreams, and your map will become the stuff of legends.

    This is the premise behind Lost Seas, a design by Johan Benvenuto (Harmonies, Secret Identity) and Alexandre Droit (Hiroba, Gloobz). First published in 2022 by Blue Orange in a multilingual edition, it is a re-theming of Market Garden (released that same year by the same publisher). The artwork was handled by Marine Joumard, marking her debut in the board game industry.

  • Review: Looot

    The moment they caught sight of your longships’ banners flying proudly on the horizon, the inhabitants of this wealthy land courageously fled! Seize the diverse goods they left behind and plunder the virtually defenseless buildings so you can be crowned the next Viking Jarl!

    This is the premise behind Looot, designed by Charles Chevallier (Abyss, Kanagawa) and Laurent Escoffier (Loony Quest, Doodle Quest). First published in 2024 by Gigamic in English and French editions. Illustrations are handled by Xavier Gueniffey Durin, better known as Naïade, the artist behind titles such as Seasons and Tokaido.

  • Review: Flowers

    In Flowers you will have to place number cards as best as you can to score for their colors. Create a play area by strategically arranging cards in front of you. Meet the conditions associated with the values to keep your cards and score points with your color sets. But beware! Any cards that fail to meet their conditions will cost you points.

    This is the premise behind Flowers, designed by Paul-Henri Argiot (Perfect Words, Stratus). First published in 2024 by Actarus Editions in a French edition. The artwork is illustrated by Julie Gruet (Stratus, Cartaventura Odyssey: The Treasure of Libertalia).

  • Review: Cities

    The City Council has commissioned you with the urban development plan to renovate an entire neighborhood in the city. You will have the opportunity to build new housing, office blocks, parks, and leisure areas along the waterfront. If you manage to meet the City Council’s requirements and expectations, you stand a great chance of taking the lead!

    This is the premise behind Cities, designed by Phil Walker-Harding (Sushi Go!, Bärenpark) and Steve Finn (Nanga Parbat, Floriferous). It was first published in 2024 by Devir in several languages (including Spanish). The artwork is illustrated by Jorge Tabanera Redondo (Barrio).

  • Review: Harmonies

    Create a miniature world where animals live in complete harmony with nature! A strategy game where every decision you make will be crucial!

    This is how Harmonies is presented to us, a design by Johan Benvenuto (Lost Seas, Secret Identity, Braintopia). First published in 2024 in a multi-language edition by Libellud. The illustrations are handled by Maëva da Silva (Deus, When I Dream, Dragomino).

  • Review: After Us

    2083. Humanity has been extinct for several decades. As the world returns to its origins, primates continue to evolve. They form tribes and learn to use the objects humans left behind. As the leader of one of these tribes, it is your responsibility to guide the primates on the path to collective wisdom.

    This is the premise of After Us, a design by Florian Sirieix (Imaginarium, The A.R.T. Project). First published in 2023 by Catch Up Games in an English edition. Vincent Dutrait (Lewis & Clark, Jaipur, The Quest for El Dorado) is in charge of the artwork.