Connection

2016 · 2 Players · ~20-45 min · Competitive

Tak achieves something rare in abstract strategy: it feels both ancient and modern simultaneously. The goal of creating a road connecting two opposite edges of the board is simple to understand but produces strategic depth that rivals games with centuries of development behind them. The stacking mechanism adds a tactical layer that prevents static board states and rewards aggressive play. It lacks the thematic appeal that draws casual players to most board games, and the learning curve for intermediate strategy can be steep. But for players who love pure strategy and elegant rule systems, Tak is one of the best two-player abstract games designed in the last decade.

2015 · 2 Seasons · Netflix · Sci-Fi, Drama

Sense8 is the Wachowskis' sprawling, emotionally generous celebration of human connection, following eight strangers across the globe who share a psychic link, delivering some of the most exhilarating and tender moments Netflix has produced.

2005 · 2 Players · 30-60 min · Competitive

PUNCT is the GIPF Project's connection game, and it provides a unique twist by allowing pieces to stack on top of each other to break or create connections. The three-dimensional element gives it a spatial quality that flat connection games lack, and the race to bridge both sides of the board produces tense positional battles. It's the least celebrated entry in the series for a reason, with a learning curve that makes early games feel directionless. But for abstract strategy completists and connection game enthusiasts, PUNCT offers enough original ideas to justify the investment.