Trick-Taking

  • Review: Tango

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    It takes two to tango, but only one dancer will remain standing in this trick-taking game for two players. Players play cards, both from their hand and from their face-up display, to pull off the best possible dance steps. Plan ahead as best you can, but remember that your opponent knows some of the moves you are about to make! Will you claim the title of lord or lady of the dance?

    This is how Tango presents itself, designed by David Harding (Matcha, Elevenses) and Matt Sims (his debut design). First published in 2024 by Grail Games in an English edition. The illustrations are handled by Heiko Günther (Circus Flohcati, Burgle Bros.).

  • Review: Lone Wolves

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    Become the leader of a wolf pack and compete for regions to become the alpha. To assert your dominance and ensure victory, send wolves into the territories. The strongest wolf wins, reinforcing your pack’s position, but—despite emerging wounded from the battle and becoming a lone wolf—the weaker one learns from the experience and improves its pack’s status for the next encounter. In your struggle, you must know when baring your teeth and when to act alone.

    This is how Lone Wolves is presented to us, a design by Yasuyuki Nakamura (Trick & Trade) and Anthony Perone (Courtesans). First published in 2024 by Wonderful World Board Games in an English edition. It is a reimplementation of Four Clans Conflict. The illustrations are handled by Zingco Kang and Yuan Momoco, both responsible for the look of, for example, Dragonarium.

  • Review: Origin Story

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    Your inner superhero is ready to emerge, chapter by chapter. Reveal your Origin Story, gather artifacts and allies, swear vengeance against your arch-nemesis, and unleash your ultimate ability as you transform. Strategically use your wit, love, speed, and strength to build your narrative.

    This is how Origin Story is presented to us, a design by Jamey Stegmaier (Scythe, Viticulture) and Pete Wissinger (Crits & Tricks). First published in 2025 by Stonemaier Games in an English version. The illustrations are handled by Clémentine Campardou (Floriferous, Wyrmspan).

  • Review: Gachapon Trick

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    Your pockets are full of coins and your instincts are sharper than ever. Outsmart your rivals in a fierce trick-taking game and show off your fortune to collect the coolest figures.

    This is the premise of Gachapon Trick, designed by Daniel Newman (Mori, Watch). First published in 2024 by New Mill Industries in an English version. In 2025, it was published by Playte. Illustrations are handled by Sai Beppu (Mountain Goats, Sluff Off!) and Wanjin Gill (Cerdeña, Orapa Mine).

  • Review: Arcs

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    A long time ago, the Reach thrived, our ancestors failed us, and I fear we are no better. As we fight for the edge of the galaxy, can we break the cycle? Can we build something new?

    This is how we are introduced to Arcs, a design by Cole Wehrle (Pax Pamir, Root, Oath). First published in 2024 by Leder Games in an English version following a successful crowdfunding campaign. The illustrations are handled by Kyle Ferrin (Fort, Ahoy, Vast).

  • Review: Skull King

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    Freshwater greenhorns! Your delicate hands give away that you have never in your life climbed rigging, swabbed decks, or brandished a cutlass. Well, I hope you learn quickly, because on this perilous journey, I need all the hands I can get. A treasure awaits, but only for the bold, for mermaids and pirates are hunting it as well! Will your sails swell with the winds of victory, or will they end up torn upon the jagged reefs of defeat?

    This is the premise behind Skull King, a design by Brent Beck (Cover Your Assets). First published in 2013 by Grandpa Beck’s Games in an English edition, it was later published by Schmidt Spiele with artwork by Eckhard Freytag (The Princes of Florence, Ave Caesar).