Exploring the new additions to my Board Game Collection
As we reach the midpoint of 2024, I wanted to take a moment to give you an update on my board game collection. This year has been filled with some exciting additions, and I want to highlight the games that have found a place on my shelves.
Inspired by the popular video game, Dorfromantic is a captivating tile-laying game that I received as a birthday gift from some dear friends. I knew little about it, except that it won Spiel des Jahres in 2023. It's a cooperative campaign style of game that I enjoy grabbing when I need something chill and cozy to play.
This is another game I was gifted to me for my birthday. That’s Not a Hat is a deceptive party game where players exchange cards while trying to remember what’s really on them. With its simple mechanics and quick rounds, it’s an excellent choice for gatherings and social events, sparking laughter and surprise as players bluff and outwit each other.
I was really intriuged by this games artwork. Planta Nubo combines environmental themes with strategic gameplay, it challenges players to manage resources and cultivate lush gardens in a shared space. I found a really great deal on Ebay and couldn't pass it up.
4. Alchemists
This game had been on my wishlist for a long time, and I had been searching for an English copy in Germany. I finally found one on sale on eBay. I remember going home, playing it immediately, and falling in love with the deduction aspect of it.
Set in a beautifully dark, fantasy world, Merchants of the Dark Road combines elements of pick-up and deliver, resource management, and market manipulation. As merchants navigating treacherous routes, players must balance risk and reward to become the most renowned trader. I also found this game through Ebay, and to my surprise I ended up with the Deluxe version!
6. Coffee Rush
This game sold out so quickly at Essen Spiel 2023, and I had to wait until its release to get a copy. Coffee Rush is a fast-paced game where players try to manage a bustling café, serving customers, and concocting the perfect brews. Its lively pace and charming artwork make it an ideal game for casual play, providing a fun and engaging experience without overwhelming complexity.
A roll & write version of the popular Grand Austria Hotel, Hochsaison (or High Season in English) introduces new guests, additional strategies, and similar gameplay elements to the original. This version features fast-paced rounds and a tight competition for Emperor points, making it a thrilling and strategic addition to the original game.
8. Wyrmspan
I remember seeing pictures of this all over Instagram last year and thinking it was fake. I had always been sceptical of Wingspan and never understood the hype around it. As soon as I discovered that Wyrmspan was a real game, I decided to give it a try. I find the dragon theme much more interesting, and I appreciate the slight adaptations in gameplay from Wingspan.
9. Sky Team
Sky Team is another game that sold out quickly at Essen last year, and I've been patiently waiting to add it to my collection. In this cooperative game, players work together to pilot an aircraft through challenging scenarios. I finally found my English copy at my favorite local game store (FLGS) Brettspielgeschäft Berlin.
10. 5 Towers
I first saw this game at Essen Spiel and considered picking it up, but I decided to pass at the time. 5 Towers is a quick, tactical card game of building focused on building towers. Its easy-to-learn rules and dynamic gameplay make it a great choice for those who enjoy fast-paced, competitive games.
I enjoyed Dorfromantic more than I anticipated. When I discovered there was also a competitive version, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I appreciate having the option to choose between cooperative play with the original or a competitve evening with this new version.
12. Paint the Roses
A cooperative puzzle game set in the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, Paint the Roses challenges players to deduce and fulfill the Queen’s whims before time runs out. Its enchanting theme and cooperative gameplay made it irresistible when I found it on the shelf at Gamer's HQ. You know I can't resist a good puzzle!
13. Tesseract
This game first caught my eye on a shelf in the U.S. - unfortunately I didn't have space to bring it back with me, so I went on the hunt for it in Germany. To my luck, I found it at Gamer's HQ and decided to snag the last copy while I had the chance! In Tesseract, players collaborate to stabilizte a constntly shifting cube composed of colored dice. Players will manipulate the dice to prevent the cube from collapsing and aim to achieve their objectives.
A clever roll-and-write game, Next Station Paris has players designing metro networks. This is the 3rd game in the series, with the original being Next Station London, followed by Next Station Toyko. Naturally, to complete the set, I had to pick up a copy. Luckily enough I was able to find my copy in Paris!
This is a game I backed on Kickstater last year and just recently recieved. In Wanderlust, players will be planning trips around the world to visit the most locations.
An expansion to the award-winning Cascadia, Cascadia: Landmarks introduces new landmarks and scoring opportunities, enriching the base game’s strategic options. I found my English copy while on vacation in Munich at FUNtainment München.
I cannot express how eager I have been to get my hands on this collector's edition! My excitement began when I first played the giant version during a visit to Würfel & Zucker. At Essen Spiel, I learned about an upcoming Kickstarter for the game, featuring the Chibi's expansion. I knew right away that I had to back it. The anticipation has been worth it, and I’m thrilled to finally add this version to my collection!
Each of these games brings something special to the table, and I'm happy to have them as part of my colleciton. Stay tuned for an upcoming post where I'll share my detailed wishlist of games I hope to pick up at Essen later this year.
Happy gaming.
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