"There are at least two kinds of games. One could be called finite, the other infinite. A finite game is played for the purpose of winning, an infinite game for the purpose of continuing the play." —James P. Carse
In this realm I generally like beautiful
maps, a problem space that allows multiple approaches, i.e. replayability, tight
economies, technology
trees, and often but not always, a theme tied to a mythologized past or to a distant future. Unique player powers and victory conditions are nice. I try to approach other domains with a sense of continual play, but my mood and success are variable.
Race for the Galaxy
I’ve probably played this game more than any other tabletop game. First in person in the aughts at length with friends, then the preoccupation with Keldon’s web-based implementation, and then to Board Game Arena. It is usually hits the table with newcomers still as an exemplar engine building system with strong iconography.
I recall playing at lunch at work perhaps a decade ago, the Keldon era, and having leftover lentil and spinach soup with a small loaf of sourdough. When I’ve a meal alone these days, I might do the same on BGA. There is something pleasing and evocative and satisfying about a quick Race. The many paths to victory, the vast combinations, the interconnectedness of cards and strategies. The unifying iconography.
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Voidfall
A really big box First thoughts This may be my new favorite space game. We’ve played the competitive and the collaborative and every decision has consequences. The game satisfies on many levels: the technology trees, resource inventories and variable rates of increase, the area control and ship components. The sense of urgency and hard decisions. Deep Space Missiles.
We played on Dec 3 for six hours and were at midpoint. I kept the map with its hundreds of pieces on the table and covered it with our cutting board, elevated and enclosed with wooden blocks to defend against Kitty. We resumed a week later and finished things out. We understood basic principles and mechanics at game start and much of the pleasure was seeing them played out.
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Oracle of Delphi
Ships. Zeus. 12 feats. A beautiful and changeable hex-based map. Adaptation to the race. Approachable for newcomers who have played games before but still interesting to repeat play.
There was a time where I was playing this at https://www.yucata.de/en daily. I favor the ship modifications which influence dice selection. I am glad to have finally brought it to the physical table with some of my friends.
Teotihuacan - City of Gods
Wood. Stone. Gold. This economy is well-represented throughout many games. However, a physical pyramid that grows from the board, the Avenue of the Dead, multiple temples to ascend for resource, victory and food purposes. Point salad abundance.
