Reviews

  • Review: Níjar

    ByiMisut Hours
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    Bathed by the crystalline waters of Cabo de Gata and beneath Andalusia’s luminous white light stands Níjar, a small town in Almería with a pottery tradition dating back to the Bronze Age, which reached great prominence during the Islamic period (10th–15th centuries). In Níjar, we travel back to the 1920s, well before the tourism boom of the 1950s. The local economy revolved around pottery and the crafting of esparto grass goods and jarapas—colorful woven rugs that remain a local symbol today. The peseta was the currency in circulation, and its tenth part was popularly known as the “perra gorda” (fat dog). This curious nickname came from the wear on the lion engraved on its obverse, which over time blurred into a shape that was barely recognizable. The development team at Perro Loko Games chose this coin for the game due to its quirkiness and historical significance. Experience the charm of rural Andalusia, with its narrow whitewashed streets, the bustling sounds of pottery workshops at full tilt, and expert hands weaving esparto and jarapas that lend vibrant color to Níjar’s heritage.

    This is the premise behind Níjar, designed by David Bernal (Salton Sea, Tholos). Published in 2026 by Perro Loko Games in a bilingual English and Spanish edition, it features artwork by Jorge Tabanera Redondo (Cities, Conservas).

  • Review: Mystria

    ByiMisut Hours
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    Since the dawn of time, gaming has not been a mere pastime; it shapes the mind, sharpening our skills and reflexes. Just as mortals master chess with intellect leading the way, sorceresses find their fulfillment in Mystria. This is no ordinary contest, but a challenge of skill and intuition—a realm where power intertwines with boundless magic. Within Mystria, they weave spells drawing upon hidden forces, where every gesture carries weight in this web of intertwined strategies. Come, dare to embark on this journey into a mystical universe where wisdom, tactics, and incantations forge their magical epic.

    This is how Mystria is presented to us, designed by Florian Sirieix (Imaginarium, After Us) and Benoit Turpin (Welcome To…). It was first published in 2024 by Débâcle Jeux and Ludistri in a French edition. The artwork is illustrated by Jérémie Fleury (Yamataï, Oceanos).

  • Review: Revenant

    ByiMisut Hours
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    From the void between dimensions, an ancient cosmic entity appeared with the sole intent of corrupting and devouring everything. In the wake of the cataclysm known as Voidfall, the admirals of the fallen Novarchon Empire devised a desperate contingency plan. To preserve the treasured knowledge that might one day answer the threat of the Voidborn creatures, an ancient imperial flagship, the Revenant, was refitted to house the Empire’s databanks. Safeguarding humanity’s last hope and accompanied by the vessels of the Empire’s vassal Houses, your duty is to escort the fleet to a safe sector while managing your influence with the Great Houses to secure your own political future.

    This is how we are introduced to Revenant, a design by Allan Kirkeby (Itchy Monkey). First published in 2026 by Mindclash Games in an English-language edition following a successful crowdfunding campaign. The illustrations are handled by Ian O’Toole (Pampero, Lisboa, Speakeasy).

  • Review: Nebula Colors

    ByiMisut Hours
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    Harness the power of the cosmos to forge new stars! Play cards to form sets aiming to score points before your opponent in each round. The winner of the round earns a star fragment. The first player to collect enough star fragments wins the game.

    This is the premise of Nebula Colors, designed by Marceline Laiman (High Tide, Phantasmic). It was first published in 2025 by Roly Poly Games in an English edition. Later, in 2026, it was republished by Playte in a trilingual English, Japanese, and Korean edition featuring graphic design by Jiyeon Lee (Pueblo, Sardegna) and imagery from NASA.

  • Review: Botswana

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    You are a wildlife photographer in Africa attempting to capture the most valuable animal shots. However, you are not the only one taking pictures: you and your competitors will adjust the value of each species’ photos with every shot taken. The rules are simple, but the decisions you will have to make are anything but!

    This is the premise of Botswana, a design by Reiner Knizia (Tigris & Euphrates, Ra, The Quest for El Dorado). It was first published in 1994 by AMIGO under the title Flinke Pinke as a reimplementation of Irish Wolf. In 2025, it was reprinted by 25th Century Games featuring artwork by Weberson Santiago (The Bloody Inn, Sail, Flatiron).