Closed Drafting Games

In Terraforming Mars, players embark on an ambitious journey to make the red planet habitable. The game simulates the complex and challenging process of terraforming Mars through a blend of strategic planning and resource management. Each player represents a major corporation vying for control over key resources and milestones that will grant victory points. The ultimate goal is not only to raise the temperature, oxygen levels, and ocean coverage but also to establish infrastructure across the solar system. The gameplay revolves around acquiring project cards, which provide various bonuses and requirements. Players must manage their resources—MegaCredits, Steel, Titanium, Plants, Energy, and Heat—to fund these projects and build cities, oceans, and greenery on the game board. The hexagonal grid layout adds a dynamic element to tile placement, ensuring that each player's strategy is constantly challenged by the evolving landscape. What sets Terraforming Mars apart is its intricate balance between cooperation and competition. While players work together in the terraforming process, they also vie for personal victory points through strategic card play and milestone claims. The game’s variable set-up and turn order mechanics ensure that no two plays are alike, offering high replayability and a deep sense of engagement.

In Blood Rage, players step into the roles of Viking clans vying for glory in a world on the brink of Ragnarök. The goal is to secure your place in Valhalla by pursuing various pathways to fame and fortune. You can invade neighboring lands, crush your rivals in battle, complete quests, or even embrace a glorious death. Each game round, players draft 'Gods' Gifts,' cards that offer unique boons such as increased strength, strategic advantages, or the aid of legendary Norse creatures. These cards not only shape your strategy but also influence the outcome of battles through both direct combat and secret card plays. The gameplay is a masterclass in simultaneous action selection and area movement, where players must navigate the map, manage their hand of cards, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of alliances and conflicts. The turn order progresses in a dynamic fashion, adding an element of surprise and unpredictability. As you delve deeper into this epic saga, the game's rich narrative and high replayability ensure that no two sessions are alike. Whether you're a seasoned strategist or new to board gaming, Blood Rage offers a thrilling experience filled with tension, triumph, and tragedy.

Inis is an engaging and strategic board game that transports players to the mystical realm of ancient Ireland. The goal is simple yet complex: become the King of Inis by achieving one of three victory conditions—Leadership, Land, or Religion. Players take on the roles of Celtic clans, each with unique abilities and miniatures representing warriors, woodsmen, shepherds, and traders. During the Assembly phase, players draft action cards that allow them to move their clans, build structures, explore new territories, and more. The game's modular board ensures a fresh experience every time, as it can be expanded or modified with additional tiles. The heart of Inis lies in its intricate mechanics. Action Drafting, Area Majority / Influence, and Hand Management are central to the gameplay, requiring players to carefully consider their moves and anticipate those of their opponents. The game also features Interrupts, allowing for strategic interjections that can change the course of a round. Leadership cards provide an additional layer of complexity, as they can be used to gain temporary advantages or disrupt other players' plans. What sets Inis apart is its deep strategy and high replayability. Players must balance exploration with territorial control, manage their hands of cards wisely, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of Inis. The game's variable set-up ensures that no two plays are alike, making it a compelling choice for both casual and seasoned gamers. With its rich mythological themes and engaging gameplay, Inis is a must-play for fans of strategic board games.

Carnival of Monsters is a captivating card-drafting game where players embark on quests to collect the most magnificent monsters and build their own carnival. The goal is clear: become the most successful monstrologist by displaying exotic creatures, achieving secret goals, and amassing gold crowns over four seasons. Each player starts with a small stipend, allowing them to hire staff and fund expeditions to magical lands where rare beasts reside. As players gather land cards representing these mystical monsters, they must strategically choose which sets to collect, balancing the pursuit of individual goals with the desire for a well-rounded collection. The game's mechanics are both engaging and complex, blending closed drafting, dice rolling, loans, and set collection in a way that keeps players deeply involved throughout each season. With its rich narrative and high replayability, Carnival of Monsters offers a unique blend of strategy and adventure, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate deep gameplay and thematic depth.