Heavy favorites of 2023
As we are closing out the year, it’s time to take a look at our top new games of 2023.😍
Keep in mind, these are only games we have played this year that were new to us (so not necessarily released in 2023). We also decided to make a ‘light’ and a ‘heavy’ games list, because otherwise the smaller games wouldn't get a spotlight, as we always gravitate towards more complex games. Here are our heavier games!
⛵ Darwin’s Journey
This was my most anticipated game of the year and it delivered! A not too heavy but layered euro, chock-full of combos and fun decisions where timing is essential. 👌
🌌 Voidfall
We had high expectations of this, and it easily fulfilled every promise and more. A grand strategy game, with a super intriguing action selection with cards and non-deterministic combat.
❄️ Endless Winter: Paleoamericans
A magnificent game that looks magnificent. I guess I am easily charmed by nice looks, but this is very fun to play as well.
🪲 Ankh: Gods of Egypt
This year we dipped our toes more into area-control “dudes on a map” games, and Ankh was probably the best one. It’s such an amazing production.
🦝 Root
Another area-control game we tried this year which we absolutely fell in love with. The cute little meeples and Kyle Ferrin art together with the asymmetry and crunchy action selection. Awesome!
🎎 Zhanguo: The First Empire
Perhaps the most complex euro from SPIEL23, easy recommendation for anyone looking for something heavy and layered.
📜 Scholars of the South Tigris
The newest Garphill title arrived not long ago, and it is just as good as everyone expected. So many unique ideas again, I just don’t how they keep coming up with them.
💍 War of the Ring: The Card Game
Finally, we have the somewhat faster version of War of the Ring, which is just as epic, but with less components and setup. A really well thought-out system!
🏛️ An Age Contrived
We have only played a prototype copy of the game, but it was truly unique and amazing, and we are aching to play the final version when it arrives.
👑 The Old King’s Crown
Another Kickstarter prototype, but an amazing game nonetheless. Fun Libertalia-style card play, with lots of nuances, asymmetry and mesmerizing ar
