Game: SpaceCorp 2025-2300 Date: September 12, 2026 Impression: A pure explore and expand space game. Over three eras (Mars, solar system, local star systems) you explore areas and expand to explore areas beyond. It's card driven and actually very simple to play and learn. It's a very tight game and while a long game it feels quick as each era uses the same rules with the game never dragging in the middle. I'd definitely play it again given the chance.

Game: SETI Date: September 12, 2026 Impression: A card driven economy game about the search for extraterrestrial life. You scan and launch probes around the solar system gaining a various resources to add your search. During the game you discover two random aliens which add more powerful cards and points. I enjoyed it though very much a brain burner and easy to miscalculate things. I'd play again and I think more engaging then Teraforming Mars which it feels similar too.

Game: Container Date: July 30, 2026 Impression: A classic economic auction game. You set prices of good for others to purchase, and purchase from others to build a set of goods to auction. The twist is goods are worth different amounts to different people and it's secret. The production value is great, I need to play a few more times with people who've played before as it's very easy to over pay like in modern art.

Game: Railway Boom Date: July 18, 2026 Impression: Auctions! Who doesn't like a good auction? Well Railway Boom is basically 4 auctions masquerading as a game. Over 4 rounds you do 4 auctions to determine turn order for 4 different actions, using 4 different resources. I did enjoy it but it definitely helps to have played to better understand the value of things you are bidding on. Design Thoughts: It's interesting to think mechanically the game is just 20 actions (there is one non auction action you do each turn). I always feel games need to me more actions, I should start counting number of actions in games I play.

Game: 1923 Cotton Club Date: June 28, 2026 Impression: A simple enough worker placement game, where you are buying cards from a tableau to build up your night club. Comes in a tight box with really nice art and a great sense of the setting. Not jumping to play again as much as I wanted to play 1975 White Christmas again (same publisher).