Reviews

  • Review: Revive

    ByiMisut Hours
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    Revive civilization 5,000 years after everything was destroyed. Lead your tribe and explore the frozen earth. Harness its resources. Recruit surface survivors to your cause. Build factories with powerful machines. And populate ancient sites to relearn your tribe’s forgotten technologies.

    This is the premise of Revive, a game designed by Helge Meissner (Rebel Nox), Anna Wermlund (Rebel Nox), Eilif Svensson, and Kristian Amundsen Østby (the latter two behind Santa Maria, The Magnificent, and Automania). It was first published in 2022 by Aporta Games in an English edition. The artwork is handled by Gjermund Bohne (Santa Maria, Bad Company), Martin Mottet (The Magnificent, Merchants of Dunhuang), and Dan Roff (his debut in the board game industry).

  • Review: Splendor Duel

    ByiMisut Hours
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    Confront your rival guild in a race for victory! Take gem and pearl tokens from the common board, then buy cards, gain bonuses, royal favors, and prestige!

    This is the premise of Splendor Duel, designed by Marc André (responsible for the original Splendor and Barony) and Bruno Cathala (Yamataï, Five Tribes). First published in 2022 by Space Cowboys in an English version. The artwork is done by Davide Tosello (Victorian Masterminds, Orbis, Fairy Tale Inn).

  • Review: Cat in the Box

    ByiMisut Hours
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    Specimens should be enclosed individually in a box-shaped container that prevents their contents from being observed from the outside. Except during the experiment, refrain from placing multiple specimens in the same space, and the subject’s fur color should not be observed. The furry subject should be a cat. When the fur color of a subject is observed by any method (such as visual inspection), the fur color, which should be unique, will trigger quantum convergence. Good luck during the experiment!

    This is the premise behind Cat in the Box, designed by Muneyuki Yokouchi (Yokai Septet, Sweets Stacks). First published in 2020 by Ayatsurare Ningyoukan, it received a new edition in 2022 by Hobby Japan. The artwork is illustrated by Osamu Inoue (Click & Clack, Dungeon Busters).

  • Review: Heat – Pedal to the Metal

    ByiMisut Hours
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    The circuit fills with the roar of engines as cars shoot off the starting grid at full speed: The Grand Prix has begun! The wind hits your helmet with force just as you are about to approach the first corner. You accelerate to the max and almost spin out, but you grip the steering wheel and look for the apex to take the turn while still in first gear. You’ve done it! And since there is no prize for crossing the finish line with the car in good condition, you floor the accelerator! If you want to stay in the lead, you’ll have to push your car to the limit. Will the engine withstand the long straightaways or will it fail at the last moment because you pushed it too hard?

    This is how Heat: Pedal to the Metal is presented, a design by Asger Harding Granerud and Daniel Skjold Pedersen (Iron Curtain, 13 Days: The Cuban Missile Crisis, or Deep Blue). It was first published in 2022 by Days of Wonder in an English version. The illustrations are by Vincent Dutrait, who already demonstrated his talent in games such as Lewis & Clark, Mundus Novus, or Museum.

  • Review: Carnegie

    ByiMisut Hours
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    Andrew Carnegie (Scotland in 1835) and his parents emigrated to the United States in 1848. Although he started his career as a telegrapher, his role as one of the main players in the rise of the United States steel industry made him one of the richest men in the world and an icon of the American Dream. He was also a benefactor and philanthropist; after his death in 1919, more than 350 million dollars of his wealth were bequeathed to several foundations, and another 30 million were allocated to various charities. His donations created nearly 2,500 free public libraries bearing his name: the Carnegie Libraries. During the game, you will recruit and manage employees, expand your business, invest in real estate, produce and sell goods, and create transport chains across the United States; you can even work with important personalities of the era. Perhaps you will even become an illustrious benefactor who contributes to the greatness of your country through deeds and generosity!

    This is how Carnegie is presented to us, a design by Xavier Georges (Carson City, Ginkgopolis). First published in 2022 by Quinned Games after a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. The artwork is handled by Ian O’Toole (On Mars, Irish Gauge, Black Angel).

  • Review: Planet Unknown

    ByiMisut Hours
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    Greetings, planetary colonists. As you know, we have depleted Earth’s resources and must act now to preserve the future of humanity. You have been chosen to develop a Planet Unknown that will ensure mankind’s survival. You will win the game if you are the player who earns the most Medals. To achieve this, efficiently develop your Planet, advance along your resource tracks, collect Pods, remove Meteorites, and outscore your neighboring Planets.

    This is the premise of Planet Unknown, designed by Ryan Lambert and Adam Rehberg (co-designers of Swordcrafters and Truck Off: The Food Truck Frenzy). It was first published in 2022 by Adam’s Apple Games, LLC following a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. Illustrations were provided by Yoma (Legacies, Sweet Mess).