Reviews

  • Review: Star Wars – Rebellion

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 3 Comments

    We find ourselves in a period of civil war. The last remnants of the Old Republic have been swept away; the entire galaxy is subjected to the Empire’s reign of terror. Its newly constructed combat station, the Death Star, is powerful enough to destroy anyone who opposes its dictatorship. But a new hope has emerged. A group of brave individuals has decided to fight against imperial tyranny. From their hidden base, these rebels plan to overthrow the Empire and restore freedom to the galaxy. Star Wars: Rebellion allows players to reenact the epic conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance. Players take control of iconic characters from the Star Wars saga to undertake secret missions or lead their troops into battles across the galaxy.

    This is how Star Wars: Rebellion is presented to us, a new title by Corey Konieczka, the designer behind games like StarCraft: The Board Game, Battlestar Galactica, or Eldritch Horror. The game was published in 2015 by Fantasy Flight Games. The artwork does not bear the signature of any specific illustrator; instead, the publisher pulled from archival images already used in numerous titles set in the galactic franchise.

  • Review: Through the Desert

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    When crossing the scorching desert, strategy is essential to decide how and where to lead your tribe’s caravan. Should you build the longest caravan or dominate the desert oases? What if you tried capturing more territory? Keep a close eye on your opponents’ caravans, or you might find yourself cut off from the vital water holes scattered across the desert sands.

    This is how Through the Desert presents itself to us, a game designed by the great Reiner Knizia that forms part of his famous Tile-Placement Trilogy (alongside Tigris & Euphrates and Samurai). Originally published in 1998 by KOSMOS in German, the most recent edition has been published by Allplay. The artwork for this latest edition is by Damien Mammoliti (The Witcher: Old World, Foundations of Rome).

  • Review: La Granja

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    Located in Mallorca, in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, La Granja de Esporles is a beautiful estate whose origins date back to the 10th century. In the 15th century, the estate included housing for workers, day laborers, and landowners, as well as facilities for the agricultural exploitation of an extensive territory of olive trees, vineyards, and wheat fields. Players will manage their farm, deliver goods to the market, and supply the village craft buildings to earn victory points.

    This is the premise behind La Granja, designed by Michael Keller and Andreas Odendahl, marking the debut published title for both designers. The first edition was released in 2014 by Spielworxx, completely selling out its rather short print run even before arriving at Essen. Following this success, it received editions in several languages (English by Stronghold Games, French by Pearl Games, and Polish by G3). The artwork is handled by a classic illustrator, Harald Lieske, who previously demonstrated his talent in titles such as Power Grid, The Castles of Burgundy, Las Vegas, and Witch’s Brew.

  • Review: Concordia

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    Two thousand years ago, the Roman Empire ruled the lands around the Mediterranean Sea. With peace on the borders, harmony within the provinces, a uniform law, and a single currency, the economy thrived and gave rise to powerful Roman dynasties that expanded into numerous cities. Lead one of these dynasties; colonize the most remote realms of the Empire; expand your trade network and please the ancient gods to gain their favor. If you plan your strategy properly, you will be able to grow your dynasty and make it the most powerful in the Roman Empire.

    This is the premise of Concordia, a game designed by Mac Gerdts, author of other well-known titles such as Imperial, Navegador, or Antike. The game was first published in 2013 by PD-Verlag (in English/German), becoming one of the nominees for that year’s Kennerspiel des Jahres alongside Istanbul (winner) and Rokoko. The illustrations are handled by Marina Fahrenbach, the publisher’s usual artist (Navegador, Antike II, Antike Duellum).

  • Review: Keyflower

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    Keyflower takes place over the four seasons of a year. Players will compete to expand and improve their respective villages, facing different challenges, with every game being unique due to the mix of village tiles that varies from match to match. Players must stay alert to make the most of their available resources, transport and upgrade capabilities, skills, and workers.

    Keyflower comes to us designed by Sebastian Bleasdale (Black Fleet or On the Underground) and Richard Breese (Reef Encounter or Inhabit the Earth). The game was published in 2012 by HUCH! & friends/R&D Games. The artwork is handled by Juliet Breese (Keythedral or Aladdin’s Dragons), Jo Breese, and Gemma Tegelaers (Mai-Star or Massilia).

  • Review: 7 Wonders Duel

    ByiMisut Hours
    Comments 0 Comments

    Welcome to 7 Wonders Duel! A 2-player game set in the world of the hit game 7 Wonders. Although it uses some of the mechanics of its older brother, it offers a new challenge designed specifically for 2 players. Each player is the leader of a civilization that will construct buildings and erect Wonders.

    This is how straightforward 7 Wonders Duel is presented to us, a game designed by Antoine Bauza (7 Wonders, Takenoko, Tokaido) in collaboration with Bruno Cathala (Five Tribes, Abyss, Noah, or Mr. Jack). The game was published in 2015 by Repos Games and Asmodee in several editions (English, French, or German). Illustrations are provided by Miguel Coimbra (7 Wonders, Small World, Cyclades, or Giants).