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2019, year in games

This year with an exploration in new games. Azul -a very different tile mechanism - yet entertaining, fast and competitive (without being in your face). It was a runaway hit at home.

Hive - a fast paced insect chess - if I had to give it a metaphor - really caught on. The game mechanics seemed simple to begin with but then we realised that it has a lot of dimensions and strategies. Its a game I dont win much, but each time it intrigues me. A pocket sized dynamo.

7 wonders - reviewers had warned that it was complex to begin with, but dont be put off by it - it is worth the persistence. And yes. The game is very simple -it just feels complicated. And to pack so many ways of winning technically using card randomization and yet leave space for strategy - we love this one.

Usually, whenever a shorter version of a game is built, there is significant loss in game mechanics. Somehow, 7 wonders Duel has figured this out. How to make a good game better - making if faster, more dynamic, introduce new mechanics without completely letting go the old one (well because gamers connect two games and you dont want the mechanics to be too different). The current hit.

Still not played- Settlers of Catan - The Cities and Knights and Seafarers and San Juan - it is proving to be too complicated so far, but hopefully soon...
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