Set-Collection

  • Review: Everdell

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    Within the charming valley of Everdell, beneath the boughs of towering trees, among meandering streams and mossy hollows, a civilization of forest creatures has thrived and expanded. Ever since the famed adventurer Corrin Evertail discovered the hidden valley long ago, the citizens have prospered under the shelter of the Ever Tree. After years of tranquility, the time has come to expand territories and establish new cities. You will lead a group of critters with the intent of achieving such a task. Buildings must be erected to attract diverse characters, and certain objectives must be completed. You have a busy year ahead of you. Will the sun shine brightest on your city before the winter moon rises?

    This is how Everdell is presented to us, a design by James A. Wilson, this being his first game. It was published in 2018 under the Starling Games label, which sought the necessary funding through a successful crowdfunding campaign. The illustrations are handled by Andrew Bosley, who already proved his talent in games like Mission: Red Planet, Citadels, or Descent.

  • Review: Azul

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    When Manuel I the Fortunate, King of Portugal, visited the Alhambra Palace, he was captivated by the imposing beauty of its decoration, made of ceramic tiles of Moorish origin known as “azulejos.” Still fascinated by the splendor of the Alhambra’s interior, upon his return to Portugal he immediately ordered the walls of his palace in Évora to be decorated in the same manner. Choose your strategy carefully to become the king’s favorite artist!

    This is how Azul is presented to us, a design by Michael Kiesling (Vikings, Torres, or Tikal, the latter two co-designed with Wolfgang Kramer). It was published in 2017 by Plan B Games in English and German editions. The artwork is handled by Chris Quilliams, whose good work we have already seen in games like Arboretum, Merchants & Marauders, or Archipelago.

  • Review: Great Western Trail

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    America in the 19th century. You are a rancher herding cattle from Texas to Kansas City, where they are shipped by rail transport to the most important cities, providing significant profits—especially the more valuable and varied the cattle lot is. To achieve this, it won’t be enough just to manage your herd; you will also have to establish certain businesses that will allow you to develop your enterprise, as well as extend the communication lines for more efficient and effective transport. Will you become the most important livestock entrepreneur in the West?

    This is how Great Western Trail is presented to us, the latest design from the designer of the moment, Alexander Pfister, responsible for other titles such as Port Royal, Mombasa, Isle of Skye, or Broom Service (together with Andreas Pelikan). The game was published in 2016 by eggertspiele. The illustrations are handled by Andreas Resch, who already proved his talent in games like The Great Fire of London 1666, Istanbul, or Rialto.

  • Review: Keyflower

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    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

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    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).

  • Review: The Castles of Burgundy

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    When you discover a new designer, usually because you have tried one of their great games, you tend to go through a phase of euphoria where you get the urge to find out about everything they have published to date. We check BGG, look up rankings, read and reread reviews, until we fall right back into board game consumerism. And this, my friends, is exactly what happened to me with the beloved Stefan Feld. When my collection was still in its infancy, the community hype skyrocketed after the presentation in Nuremberg of the now-famous Bora Bora. Shortly after, I decided that this game had to be mine. And so it was. After being delighted with the mechanics and gameplay feel, the “Feldian” fervor took over me. And that is how my collection welcomed what is, to this day, the highest-ranking game on the BGG overall list: The Castles of Burgundy. The Loire Valley during the 15th Century. As influential princes, players dedicate their efforts to careful building and trading to make their domains stand out.

    This is how The Castles of Burgundy is presented to us. As we have already mentioned, it was designed by Stefan Feld, designer of other great games such as In the Year of the Dragon, Bora Bora, or Trajan. The illustrations are done by Julien Delval and Harald Lieske. The game was published by the Ravensburger – Alea tandem in 2011.