Thematic Games

Speakeasy, designed by the legendary Vital Lacerda and illustrated by Ian O'Toole, transports players back to the roaring 1920s during the height of the Prohibition era in New York City. In this high-stakes economic strategy game, players step into the shoes of ambitious mobsters looking to capitalize on the illegal alcohol trade by establishing and managing a network of underground bars known as speakeasies. The primary objective is to accumulate the most wealth and influence by the end of the game, navigating a treacherous landscape of rival gangs, fluctuating supply lines, and the ever-present threat of federal intervention. As the city pulsates with jazz and clandestine activity, you must strategically expand your empire across various Manhattan neighborhoods, ensuring your operations remain profitable while outmaneuvering your opponents in a quest for dominance over the Big Apple's nightlife. The gameplay of Speakeasy is characterized by Lacerda's signature mechanical depth and intricate interconnectedness. Central to the experience is a sophisticated worker placement and card-driven system that requires players to carefully manage their hand of action cards to deploy henchmen and specialists across the city. You will be tasked with acquiring permits, securing bootlegged liquor, and upgrading your modest gin joints into opulent, high-society establishments that attract more prestigious clientele. Notable mechanics include an area majority system where controlling specific districts provides unique bonuses and influence, as well as a dynamic police track that represents the rising 'heat' from the authorities. Players must balance their aggressive expansion with bribes and political maneuvering to avoid raids that could shutter their businesses. The game also features a rich economic engine where resources must be converted efficiently into victory points and cold hard cash, all while keeping a close eye on the shifting demands of the illicit market. What sets Speakeasy apart and makes it a highly anticipated title for board game enthusiasts is its masterful blend of thematic immersion and heavy strategic challenge. The synergy between Lacerda's complex systems and Ian O'Toole's stunning, era-appropriate graphic design creates a tabletop experience that is both visually captivating and intellectually demanding. Fans of the genre love the puzzle-like nature of the game, where every decision has long-term consequences and the path to victory requires meticulous planning several turns in advance. The game offers a high degree of replayability through its various setup configurations and the tactical depth required to respond to opponents' moves. Furthermore, the way the game simulates the tension of the Prohibition era—balancing the glamour of the jazz age with the gritty reality of organized crime—provides a narrative richness that is rarely seen in such heavy Euro-style games. It is a definitive heavy strategy title that rewards deep thought and offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy sinking their teeth into a truly substantial gaming project.

Prepare to forge an industrial empire in Brass: Pittsburgh, the highly anticipated economic strategy board game launching in 2026. This standalone iteration of the critically acclaimed Brass series immerses players in the steel city's historic industrial revolution, challenging them to build and manage a sophisticated network of canals, railroads, and factories. Strategically produce goods, capitalize on market demands, and outmaneuver rivals to dominate the resource management landscape and achieve ultimate economic prosperity. With deep strategic choices and intricate network building mechanics, Brass: Pittsburgh offers a compelling competitive experience for fans of complex eurogames and new players eager to dive into a richly themed industrial simulation.

Explore the rich industrial landscape of Catalonia in this highly acclaimed fan expansion for the iconic Brass board game. Players are thrust into the pivotal era of the Industrial Revolution, tasked with establishing a dominant economic empire across Spain's vibrant northeastern region. The ultimate goal is to amass the most victory points by strategically developing industries, constructing crucial transportation links, and efficiently managing resources to outmaneuver rival industrialists. This expansion offers a fresh geographical challenge and intricate strategic decisions for dedicated fans of the Brass series. Catalonia retains the core, beloved mechanics of Brass, inviting players to make critical choices between building new factories, developing advanced technologies, and expanding their network of canals and railways. Each round demands careful planning as players balance short-term income generation with long-term strategic positioning. The innovative 'flipping' mechanic for industries—where built industries are only valuable once consumed by the market—remains central, creating a dynamic economic puzzle that forces players to adapt to an ever-changing board state. Managing loans, income, and rival actions is paramount to success. What truly captivates players about the Catalonia expansion, much like its esteemed predecessor, is its profound strategic depth and the satisfying challenge of optimizing an industrial engine. It offers experienced Brass enthusiasts a captivating new map and regional specificities that demand a mastery of economic principles and network building. This fan creation revitalizes the game with a new historical flavor, ensuring high replayability and endless opportunities for strategic innovation within one of the greatest economic Eurogames ever designed. It's a must-play for those seeking a sophisticated industrial development experience.