Joraku Review – Go West!
It's a cliché to say that Japanese designers a) love trick-taking games, and b) do trick-taking better than anyone else, but when you play a game like Joraku you understand where it comes from.
Category Reviews
Politik Preview – Brutalist brilliance
I was sucked in by the mixture of Brutalist architecture and Bauhaus design choices in the game’s artwork and presentation, and although the saying is true that you can’t polish a turd, fortunately, Politik’s gilding goes further than skin deep.
First Giants Review – I’m digging this set collector
There's an element of engine-building, the presentation is superb, and everyone I've introduced to the game has had a great time playing.
Green City Review – Network-building East meets West
If you're looking for the next Lopiano Euro crunchfest, Green City isn't it. If, however, you want something lighter, something really different, and to see what happens when European designers meet Japanese publishers, Green City is great.
Ghost Lift Review – Going up?
Another superb Japanese card game with great components, an easy teach, and Sai Beppu's beautiful artwork throughout
Play Something Old: Caylus
Caylus was different. Caylus was difficult. Caylus was mean. And you know what? I bloody love it for it.
Rumble Nation Review – A decade of district dice dominance
Rumble Nation is cheap, the box is small, it's easy to learn, and it's quick. It's also absolutely brilliant. Keep your eyes open for a copy.
Bella Vista Review – Reaching new heights
I was sent a copy of Bella Vista for free by Hachette Boardgames UK. Thoughts & opinions are my own. Bruno Cathala has a stellar back catalogue, and along with Andrea Mainini this time, he has spawned a twinkling new…
Railway Porters Review – Saashi & Saashi’s best yet?
Railway Porters is a change of mechanism with the handfuls of dice being thrown, but it still retains their signature feel throughout.
Symbiosis Review – A small fish in a big pond
Symbiosis is a charming, really well-designed card game that packs a lot of fun into a short playtime.
Nippon Zaibatsu Review – An Industry Masterclass
We're not even halfway through 2026 at the time of writing, but Nippon Zaibatsu is an early frontrunner for my heavy game of the year. Wonderful stuff.
Play Something Old: Village
It's the life and death cycle which really makes Village stand out, though. There's no portrait of Dorian Gray, so the reaper is coming for everyone at some point.