Board Game News

#CloudAge is the latest title from designer Alexander Pfister that will be published by Capstone Games! Why is this a big deal?

1. Excellent track record - Pfister is renowned for creating some of the best mid to heavy weight eurogames out there such as #Mombasa, #Great Western Trail, and #Maracaibo. It's also published by Capstone Games, a publisher that has been on the radar among all eurogamers due to coming out with a series of hits with top notch production value.

2. Non-controverial theme - Pfister's otherwise highly rated games have been marred by their choice of theme, namely around colonionialism. CloudAge will feature a sci-fi theme that will help the designer tell his usual stories without grounding itself in a subject that will immediately put off some gamers.

Here's the theme of the game:

"Fifteen years ago, the anarchic collective “Cloud” sabotaged countless oil production sites around the world in a coordinated attack. The resulting environmental catastrophe had disastrous effects on the entire planet. Now, years later, you travel above the dried-out landscape in your airships, searching for a better life. You visit cities, send out drones to collect resources, and battle Cloud militia."

3. An innovative mechanism? - Sure, the promise of an "innovative mechanism" is common among publishers, but it still sounds exciting! According to the publisher, "An innovative sleeving mechanism makes a new, more immersive, form of resource gathering possible. Players try to predict which cloud-covered terrain will contain the desired amount of resources, or where additional actions are possible. Resources allow players to develop useful upgrades for their airships, or attract new crew members." This game will also feature engine-building, deck-building, resource management, and a campaign system.

4. Solo potential - #Maracaibo is one of the top solo gaming options out there for its campaign system, and #CloudAge will no doubt be on solo gamers' radar upon release.

So... What does this mean?

If you're someone like me who has yet to play a game by Pfister and has been pondering the age old question of Great Western Trail vs. Maracaibo, looks like this will throw in another option that will complicate your decision-making! To be honest, the theme alone is making me lean heavily towards #CloudAge.

See our original announcement here: https://www.boardgameatlas.com/forum/ZGVqJTq5d7/support-black-lives-matter-with-us-on-june-17

Today's the day! Please help spread the news and let us know here if you end up buying anything! I'm curious to see what sort of games you're all going after too.

Thanks everyone :)

Several days ago, it was announced that Ravensburger (publisher of #Disney Villainous, #Horrified, #Jaws, etc) will be coming out with a board game based on Princess Bride. Here's some info:

• Cooperative "family-weight" game
• 1-4 players
• Features miniatures based on the beloved characters
• Players will need to control the characters and progress the storyline (6 chapters) while overcoming the odds presented by the forces of evil (and the interruptions from the sick grandson as the grandpa tells the bedtime story)
• Available at Target on October 4 at $25

I've watched the movie so many times and still love it haha. It sounds like a great family game and I'd definitely get it had our entire family been fans of the movie (we moved to the U.S. from Korea when I was 9 so I'm the only one who's watched it.) One thing though--this isn't designed by Prospero Hall, and they're the ones who are behind the games I mentioned above. They seem to have found the perfect balance of mass market appeal and enough brain tickling to appeal to hobbyists, and I wonder if the designer of this game will be able to replicate that magic.

What's your interest level on this game? Does it seem promising?

This week is packed with exciting announcements for upcoming titles. First, Fantasy Flight Games released details on the expansion for Twilight Imperium 4th Edition, then Repos Production announced the new edition for 7 Wonders coming this September, and now?

Santorini New York

If you're a fan of classic abstracts that puts two players in a head to head tactical battle, Santorini is one you must check out. It combines the feels of Chess, Go, and plays like a 3D tic-tac-toe on an expanded grid. It also allows a max player count of 4, but to be honest, I wouldn't recommend it beyond two players.

Well, Roxley will be releasing a standalone sequel centered in the bustling New York setting. Mythological characters and their powers will be overlayed with a metropolitan skin and will feature asymmetrical powers of an Engineer, Foreman, Taxi Driver, and others, while still having that charming aesthetic created by the illustrator duo—Mr. Cuddington.

This isn't just a theme swap, though. Santorini New York features a Statue of Liberty that will add additional objectives that you will need to check off in order to trigger the win condition. Here's a look at the back of the box that explains just about everything.

So, how does this all look?

I personally think this would be a must-buy for those who already own and love Santorini. And honestly, the theme is quite charming and it's great to see an added depth and difficulty to the game.

Some info has surfaced on the Dire Wolf website, along with some images!

Looks like there is a chance to ask some questions of the developers in this thread on BGG as well (no questions as of the time of this post): https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2505822/dune-imperium-first-look

Are you a fan of Root from Leder Games? If you are, do you have trouble getting one of your favorite games to the table?

Well, look no further because Dire Wolf Digital has finally revealed that the highly anticipated digital adaptation of Root is coming this month!

Why I'm excited.

1. Dire Wolf Digital - This studio has proven to produce some of the best digital adaptations of board games and they did a fantastic job with Raiders of the North Sea to not just deliver on gameplay 1:1, but also enhance the experience in a way that plays into the strengths of a digital medium. Take a look at the release trailer I provided below and you'll see what I mean.

2. Root is HARD to get to the table - Root is one of my favorite games but boy it's difficult to get in a play. Due to its highly asymmetric nature, this game really rewards a consistent group that's willing to work out the faction dynamics and enjoy a fun tug of war. And especially with the current state of affairs, I have a feeling that many gamers will be giving this a go.

Release Trailer from Dire Wolf Digital

Board gamers' wallets from all around the world are sounding their alarms!!!

• First original Dune board game in over 40 years
• Combines deck-building and worker placement
• FROM THE MAKERS OF CLANK!

Anyone else excited about this as much as I am? I think I'd be all for this if it's great for 2 players...

If you haven't been filled in, look up "golden bell studios" on our search bar where you'll find a lot of the news we've covered about them in the past.

Long story short, GBS is a publisher that has a history of disastrous Kickstarter campaigns with numerous lawsuits under their belt, where the owner was even on "The People's Court" with a first time creator they had worked with. One of the most recent cases was #Unbroken, and you can find more info on that here. I also interviewed the designer of the game here.

Well, after getting booted from Kickstarter several months ago, looks like GBS is now starting their own crowdfunding website with some questionable terms. Here's one of the clauses a creator would be agreeing to so that GBS can avoid any defamation:

3.9. You agree not to make any statements, written or verbal, or cause or encourage others to make any statements, written or verbal, that defame, disparage or in any way criticize the personal or business reputation, practices, or conduct of Golden Bell Studios, LLC, Golden Bell Entertainment, LLC., and/or Growing Tree, LLC. its assigns, employees, directors, officers, licensors, licensees, services, products, or any other affiliated or third party related in some way to the Golden Bell Studios, LLC, Golden Bell Entertainment, LLC., and/or Growing Tree, LLC. You acknowledge and agree that this prohibition extends to statements, written or verbal, made to anyone, including but not limited to, the news media, investors, potential investors, assigns, any board of directors or advisory board or directors, industry analysts, competitors, strategic partners, vendors, employees (past and present), and you understand and agree that this paragraph is a material provision of this agreement and that any breach of this paragraph or otherwise herein this agreement shall be a material breach of this agreement and will justify legal and/or equitable relief by Golden Bell Studios, LLC, Golden Bell Entertainment, LLC., and/or Growing Tree, LLC. due to the understanding that one of the parties would be irreparably harmed by violation of this provision. This clause shall survive the expiration and/or termination of this agreement. Furthermore, you shall aid Golden Bell Studios, LLC, Golden Bell Entertainment, LLC., and/or Growing Tree, LLC. and supply Golden Bell Studios, LLC, Golden Bell Entertainment, LLC., and/or Growing Tree, LLC. with any potential damaging, disparaging, or negative information about Golden Bell Studios, LLC, Golden Bell Entertainment, LLC., and/or Growing Tree, LLC. that you have access to, know exists, or discover, by request of Golden Bell Studios, LLC, Golden Bell Entertainment, LLC., and/or Growing Tree, LLC., and agree to pay any and all attorney fees incurred by Golden Bell Studios, LLC, Golden Bell Entertainment, LLC., and/or Growing Tree, LLC. relating to this agreement.

https://www.thegrowingtreehouse.com/tos

https://stonemaiergames.com/games/pendulum

"Pendulum is a competitive, turnless, asymmetric worker placement, time-optimization game for 1-5 players."

There is more detail at the above site, and I'm sure @jameystegmaier will discuss it further in his livestream.

Ok, I can't remember, have I shared this before?

I saw this on twitter a while back but I might have never gotten to share it: https://twitter.com/Capstone_Games/status/1236990979787415552

There's a link on there to Capstone's newsletter that shows an image of the player board too. I will include a picture of this in the comments below.

Here's a quick summary of the details though:

• You are designing an animal park where you will build animal attractions, introduce new animals to your zoo, and raise their offspring. Gameplay is straightforward as you have only two options on your turn: build a new enclosure in your zoo, or populate your zoo with more animals. But be sure to time your actions well since you want your zoo to benefit from as many animal breedings as possible. The first player to cover all the construction spaces on their zoo board with enclosures and attractions wins the game!
  
• 1 - 5 Players
• 30 - 60 Minutes
• Ages 10+
• SRP $39.95
  
• Retail Release: August 5, 2020 

Who's interested? Looks like it could be a great option for the family :D

Mihajlo (the artist behind the North Sea and the West Kingdom trilogies) shared this on his page! This should be similar to #The North Sea Runesaga Expansion which aimed to tie in all of the games in the North Sea trilogy. I've heard that one felt like an afterthought but seeing that Shem and Sam continue to build on their past experiences, I wonder how this one will be.

If anything, I'm excited to try out #Architects of the West Kingdom once it arrives soon! Also curious how #Viscounts of the West Kingdom's Kickstarter campaign will be. I don't back Kickstarters in general but I do like Garphill Games' practices and enjoy seeing their growing success in the industry.

One of the most highly rated eurogames of 2020 is coming to Android and iOS in Q4 2020!

#Maracaibo is designer Alexander Pfister's latest masterpiece. In Maracaibo, 1-4 players sail around the Carribean delivering goods, upgrading ships, fighting pirates, and more. You can go with the standard mode or enjoy the storyline in its campaign mode. It's a recipe for some sweet solo gameplay too!

So what do you think? Does this seem like a digital game that you'd be interested in picking up? For me personally, I like the concept of the game but I tend to prefer games with as few components to manage/move around especially when it comes to solo play. I might pick this up to experience the game, but I think my first Pfister game might end up being the upcoming CloudAge.

A new edition of 7 Wonders is slated for September 2020 release. Why is this a big deal?

• 7 Wonders was the first game to win the prestigious Kennerspiel des Jahres (Connoisseur-Enthusiast Game of the Year.) It has since won more than 30 different awards across the world
• 7 Wonders still remains one of the most popular and commercially successful games out there despite its age (published in 2010)
• 7 Wonders is a great strategy game that has introduced many people into the hobby world

Here's the new edition:

According to Repos Production, the main goal of the new edition was to appeal to a wider audience by making a visual overhaul and by streamlining the rulebook. Changes include:

• Larger box and updated insert design
• Visual updates for box cover and minor changes to card illustrations
• Larger Wonders cards
• Changes in card design and iconography
• Streamlined rulebook

Looks like this new edition is essentially "catching up" to the advancements in design and visuals that we've seen through its successors such as 7 Wonders Duel and its latest expansions.

So... What do you think about this new edition? Would you consider replacing your original copy with this? Or for those who've never jumped on board—will this convince you to make a purchase after all these years?

Here's an unboxing video from the publisher:

Here's the last game in the Century: Golem Edition trilogy which is a retheme of #Century: A New World. Sure is amazing how a simple retheme can make a game so much more popular!

Does anyone have experience with the Century games that have more complexity than the original #Century: Golem Edition? I believe this new game involves worker placement.

Here's the link to the announcement on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/planbgames.info/photos/a.1784804978510251/2694684930855580/?type=1&theater

Designer Isaac Childres just announced on #Frosthaven's Kickstarter page that with the high demand for scenario books in lieu of map tiles, they will be making the following decision:

• To respect those who backed Frosthaven having been promised map tiles (and for those who prefer this over a scenario book), map tiles will still be included in the box.
• To accommodate those who want a scenario book instead, they will be developing the books for Gloomhaven and Frosthaven that can be purchased separately.

Here's the link to the update where Isaac also runs through the pros and cons of a scenario book.

Now here's a question: For those who have been hesitant to get Gloomhaven or Frosthaven, will this push you over the edge?

This Week's Top 5 Game Pages Viewed

1. Nemesis (-2.8%)
2. The King's Dilemma (+2.3%)
3. Wingspan (-6.8%)
4. The Crew (-2.7%)
5. Brass: Birmingham (+4.6%)

Top BGA Content

Board Game Atlas Launches Its Own Ranking System!

Trent has been working on this for the past couple of days and its finally good to go! There's some minor tweaks to make here and there, but its a great starting point with lots of potential for different uses. We currently have the "Best of All-Time" and the "Trending" page, so let us know what you think. In the upcoming days, we will also launch a "Discover" page with features that will provide a more accessible way to find different types of games that you normally wouldn't think about, so keep on the lookout!

Kickstarters

Here are some cool projects we're helping to spread the word! Petersen Games (think Cthulhu Wars) is back for another Kickstarter of huge proportions, and it's not without their usual cool miniatures. This time, it's army men vs. dinosaurs! Next, Chai is going full throttle on their campaign for a reprint and an expansion after seeing a 50% boost on their total pledge amount in just under a week. After all, who doesn't like tea and Azul-like tiles? Lastly, we have Wretches & Rewards that's close to the finish line after passing its funding goal well in advance of its final date. If you're looking to supplement you and your friends' adventures with rewarding monster encounters and memorable loot, make sure to check it out.

• Dinosaur 1944: A New Kickstarter from Petersen Games ($81,510/$50,000)
• Interview with Dan & Connie Kazmaier ($123,950/$30,000)
• Wretches & Rewards Mini Adventures for 5e ($13,042/$7,428)

Things Found on the Web

COMING SOON! Frostpunk: The Board Game

This will be an exciting news especially for those who've played the video/PC game. While there isn't much info that has been released, you can check out the cool art and the lore here. If anything, it's by the same designer as Nemesis, a top 5 most viewed game page all throughout 2020.

Pan Am - The Sleeper Game of 2020?

Man vs. Meeple recently reviewed a newly release game designed by Prospero Hall (think Villainous, Jaws, Horrified, and tons of other popular IP-based games that are actually good). Apparently, it's yet another success.

Giveaway

Before you scroll by this section, make sure to catch an additional giveaway that we launched today! After Trent reviewed Cartographers a few weeks ago, we liked the game so much that we wanted to give away a brand new copy of the game. To our surprise, the game's publisher, Thunderworks Games, reached out and said they'll be more than happy to supply a copy of the game plus more. Although it won't be a formal partnership, I wanted to thank them by mentioning that they're launching a Kickstarter for Roll Player Adventures next week!

• Board Game Atlas Giveaway: Cartographers
• Win a $60 Board Game of Your Choosing!
• Check out our past giveaway winners

Thanks for the read! Make sure to check out the new ranking system and let us know what you think.

- Phil & Trent

For those who held back on getting Terraforming Mars all these years, is this finally your time?

I.... still don't think this will convince me, I'm sticking to my budget and I'm done for 2020 lol

This Week's Top 5 Game Pages Viewed

1. Wingspan (-10.2%)
2. Nemesis (-4.8%)
3. Gloomhaven (-42.8%)
4. Everdell (+43.9%)
5. The Crew (+10.0%)

This Week's Highlight Feature Updates

1. Improved Board Game Name Search
2. Admin Tools to Add New Avatars

Top BGA Content

Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) 2020 Nominees Announced

And the results are in! The nominees for the most prestigious annual award in the board game industry was announced yesterday on May 18. You're probably familiar with most of the games in the Kennerspiel des Jahres (Connoisseur-Enthusiast) category but maybe not so much for the other categories. Either way, check out the nominees and see how your predictions lined up.

(Spoiler: The runner-ups that didn't make the cut were Paladins of the West Kingdom, Res Arcana, and Underwater Cities. Plus, one particular nominee is building up a major success story for publisher Horrible Guild, first scoring big points from SUSD and now this! Can you guess which game I'm referring to?)

Wait... There are Editors for Rulebooks?

I'm not sure why that thought never occurred to me until about 6 months into the hobby and after having cracked open numerous rulebooks. But, it makes perfect sense. One of the biggest barriers to entry in this hobby is bound to need fine-tuning. So I took some time to interview Joshua Yearsley, editor extraordinaire whose portfolio includes working with Leder Games on Root and Oath.

Kickstarters

Here are some cool projects we're helping to spread the word. First, we have AdapTableTop which has tripled its total fund in just a week. If you need a modular solution to expand your limited tabletop space while also preventing food hazards, make sure to check out the campaign. And if anything involving "tile placement," "area control," or cool dark fantasy art checks off any of your interests, you should take a look at Obsidia before the campaign ends in two days. If anything, you can try it out for free on Tabletop Simulator.

• AdapTableTop: A Modular System for Board Games and RPGs ($224,193/$20,726)
• Obsidia: Build Your Empire and Rule the Realm ($19,684/$20,000)

Things Found on the Web

Raiders of the North Sea v2.0?

"The world's first good look at Raiders of Scythia, the re-imagining and reinvention of the classic Raiders of the North sea from Garphill Games. This is what a new version should be, trimmed down, tuned up and full on. Check it out" - J from 3 Minute Board Games

If you're a fan of Garphill Games' trilogies, worker placement mechanic, or just love finding out about new board games, take a look! And it'll only take you 3 minutes. Initially, I thought it would be a hard sell to those who already own Raiders + Expansions, but the comment section seems to prove otherwise, at least not to the degree that I imagined. 

Press Releases

Small World meets World of Warcraft! These types of games are so tempting because they play on the nostalgia factor. Thankfully, I played Starcraft. Now, if someone makes a compelling Final Fantasy or Smash Ultimate board game, that may be my first time forking over more than $100, or even backing a Kickstarter.

Giveaway

You can enter now by contributing to the community! Leave comments, make a post, add missing data on the game pages to gain as many entries before the deadline.

• Win a $60 Board Game of Your Choosing!
• Check out our past giveaway winners

Thanks for the read! Trent is continuing to pump out new features one after the other so please give us tons of feedback. I'd especially like to hear how you like the improved play log feature and your gallery. Also, keep on the lookout for a cool new feature for the home page that will help you stay up to date with what your closest friends on Board Game Atlas are up to!

- Phil & Trent

This Week's Top 5 Game Pages Viewed

1. Wingspan (+1.0%)
2. Nemesis (-9.4%)
3. Gloomhaven (-60.5%)
4. The Crew (+1.2%)
5. Maracaibo (-12.5%)

This Week's Highlight Feature Updates

1. Play Log Images & Your Gallery
2. Search Games by Publisher/Designer
3. Filter "All Games" Page by Publisher/Designer
4. Front Page and Top Bar Redesign

Top BGA Content

Controversy Behind 14th Annual Golden Geek Awards

"The problem is not popular voting, it's badly-defined categories" - Designer Elizabeth Hargrave

Looks like "awards" will be the theme of this month. Two weeks ago, I wrote an article highlighting how much exposure the past Spiel des Jahres winners have obtained by winning this prestigious award. Few days later, BGG also released the results of their annual awards and caused quite a stir—Wingspan won 7 different categories including Game of the Year, Best Artwork, Best Card Game, Best Family, Best Solo, Best Strategy, and Most Innovative Game. You can take a look here for more background on this story and for convenience, user Crazybirdman gathered Elizabeth's response to this event in the comments section.

The Takeaway

An award with little moderation and clarity in its categories is bound to go south. And with the nominees going against Wingspan that has at least 5-10x the number of owners, it was tough competition. So that got me thinking—what should we do for BGA? I personally love the idea of breaking away from the norm so I started a thread for unconventional board game awards. Here's a highly specific category suggested by J from 3 Minute Board Games that I know for sure we can't use—Best board game that should have been about beavers but wasn't: Barrage.

Kickstarters

This week is packed with cool projects we are sponsoring to help spread the word. Whether it's your need for elevating your gaming experience with a modular table and avoiding food hazards, storing your valuable dice set, or searching for a new game to add to your shelf, you can check them out here:

• AdapTableTop: A Modular System for Board Games and RPGs ($68,046/$20,616)
• Oracle Dice Boxes by Master Monk Gaming ($16,910/$5,000)
• Obsidia: Build Your Empire and Rule the Realm ($14,054/$20,000)
• OverBattle: The All War by Syther Gaming ($34,104/$59,500)
• Mitropia: The Mythical Game of Surrounding ($16,387/$12,500)
• Ausonia: An Innovative Deck-Builder Now On Kickstarter ($83,871/$12,267)

Things Found on the Web

Cloudspire - The Peak of Overproduction?

"The playmat is made of neoprene. The tiles that you put on that playmat are also made of neoprene, making this the first board game in the world that offers you neoprene-on-neoprene action" - No Pun Included

I don't know if I'll ever get past Cloudspire's massive barrier to entry in its high price point and its complex ruleset (same with Too Many Bones), but this is a fun review anyone should check out. Especially if you need a waterproofed game.

Press Releases and Deals

I just got Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated and found out they're coming out with an expansion to accommodate 6 players! Welcome news for any Clank! fans out there. Plus, the release date for Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion has been confirmed for July 2020. This will offer a more accessible experience for those interested in Gloomhaven but afraid of diving too deep.

Lastly, I don't know about you, but the recent times have gotten me into digital board game adaptations way more than ever. There's a great deal on Humble Bundle at the moment where you can get Scythe, Small World, Patchwork, and many other great games at less than $25 total. You'll be helping out a charity in the process and you can specify how your money will get distributed.

Giveaway

You can enter now by contributing to the community! Leave comments, make a post, add missing data on the game pages to gain as many entries before the deadline.

• Win a $60 Board Game of Your Choosing!
• Check out our past giveaway winners

Thanks for the read! I will report in again on the Spiel des Jahres once the nominees are announced in a few days. I'm also thinking of running a giveaway to see what your predictions are for the 2020 winners, so be on the lookout!

- Phil & Trent

So I posted about out of print board games a while back. Well, looks like at least one of them, #Ginkgopolis, is making a return!