Point-to-Point Movement

  • Review: Algae, Inc.

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    Algae, Inc. is a company that produces and processes different types of algae into food, cosmetics, bioplastics, and biodiesel. You manage one of these company divisions, trying to build an efficient assembly line; manage your team of operators, engineers, and scientists; and help expand the business to various locations across Europe. As the enterprise garners more and more success, you aim to reach certain milestones before the other departments do; because as much as you like seeing the entire corporation thrive, you would certainly appreciate taking that extra credit over your peers.

    This is the premise behind Algae, Inc., designed by Julia Thiemann and Christoph Waage, both known for Fossilium. It was first published in 2024 by Game Brewer in an English edition following a successful crowdfunding campaign. Maxime Sarthou handled the artwork, having previously created the visuals for Museum Suspects.

  • Review: Volo

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    A game themed around birds soaring across the skies. Players add or move bird pieces with the goal of forming a flock of their own color. However, they cannot add their birds adjacent to an ally, and when moving them, they must steer them toward other allies without splitting the original flock. This is a poetic game inspired by mathematical models of animal behavior.

    This is how we are presented with Volo, a design by Dieter Stein (Mixtour, Urbino). It was first published in 2012 by nestorgames in an English and Spanish edition. Later, it was republished by kanare_abstract in an English and Japanese edition. Graphic design for this latest version was handled by Kanare Kato (LAG, Enso).

  • Review: Ostia

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    In 103 AD, Emperor Trajan built Portus Ostia, which became Rome’s most important port. Arranged in an elegant hexagonal layout, this port received vast quantities of goods from across the entire empire and became the logistical hub that sustained the prosperity of the imperial city of Rome. You assume the role of the owner of a massive fleet of ships, where crowds of merchants and nobles flock to the port of Ostia to charter your vessels. Use the money and resources earned from chartering to expand your enterprise and meet the demand for wheat and other goods, thereby earning the favor of the people. Using your ships to explore other territories is also vital: your adventure tales and the discovery of exotic artifacts will undoubtedly spark the curiosity of both emperors and nobles. The one who achieves the greatest fame will be blessed with victory by the Senate and citizens of glorious Rome!

    This is the premise behind Ostia, a design by Totsuca Chuo (Sweet Lands, Aqua Garden). First published in 2022 by uchibacoya in an English and Japanese edition. The illustrations are by Tatsuki Asano and Rocinante Urabe, both responsible for the artwork in games like Aqua Garden and Sapporo 1876.

  • Review: Emberleaf

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    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.

  • Review: Great Western Trail – El Paso

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    El Paso, late 19th century. Five railway companies have incorporated the “Sun City” into their networks, transforming it into the nerve center of the cattle trade. Ranchers from the surrounding areas, both from Texas and Mexico, bring their herds to the city to ship them anywhere across the United States. Take on the role of one of these ranchers and bring your cattle to El Paso to earn money and victory points. Hire cowboys, craftsmen, and engineers to achieve your goals.

    This is the premise behind Great Western Trail: El Paso, designed by Johannes Krenner (Challengers!, Age of Dirt) and Alexander Pfister (Maracaibo, Mombasa). It was first published in 2025 by Lookout Games in an English and German edition. Chris Quilliams (Reef, Azul) was in charge of the illustrations.

  • Review: Lost Ruins of Arnak

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    Day 3 – After two days spent in vain scrutinizing the ocean, a small speck on the horizon, barely visible among the foam of the waves, filled us with hope. As we drew closer, a flock of bright scarlet birds approached the ship, chirping and whistling as if welcoming us. After consulting the navigational charts, the officer assured us that this island did not appear on any of them. His words supported the theory we all secretly shared; those rugged plateaus, that emerald jungle… it could be Arnak!

    This is how Lost Ruins of Arnak is presented to us, designed by the married couple Michal “Elwen” Štach and Michaela “Mín” Štachová, this being their debut work. It was first published in 2020 by Czech Games Edition (CGE) in an English version. The illustrations are by Jiří Kůs, Ondřej Hrdina, Jakub Politzer, František Sedláček, and Milan Vavroň.