Tile-Drafting

2018 · 2-4 Players · ~45-75 min · Competitive

Carpe Diem delivers one of the tightest euro experiences in Stefan Feld's catalog, compressing meaningful decisions into a brisk playtime where every tile draft carries weight and every scoring round demands adaptation. The variable scoring system and randomized tile supply make each game feel different, though the drab visual presentation and harsh penalty system may put off players who prefer gentler point salads. It rewards those who thrive under pressure and enjoy games where efficiency is the whole puzzle.

2017 · 2-4 Players · 30-45 min · Competitive / Abstract / Tile Drafting

Azul is one of the best gateway games released in the last decade, wrapping real strategic bite inside a package that looks like it belongs on a coffee table. The tile drafting creates tension that most games at this weight class simply can't produce, and the component quality remains a high point years after release. A thin theme and a strategic ceiling keep it from reaching the top tier for experienced hobbyists. But for anyone looking for a fast, beautiful game that rewards smart play and punishes careless decisions, Azul delivers.

2019 · 2-4 Players · 30-45 min · Competitive

Azul: Summer Pavilion takes the tile-drafting core of the original Azul and expands it with wild tiles, star patterns, and combo-driven placement scoring. The result is a deeper, more strategic game that rewards forward planning without losing the elegance of its predecessor. Longer playtime and increased downtime during the placement phase are real trade-offs, but players who wanted more to think about from the Azul formula will find Summer Pavilion delivers exactly that.

2021 · 2-4 Players · ~20-40 min · Competitive

Kingdomino Origins adds volcanoes, fire tokens, and two additional game modes to the Kingdomino formula, giving families and casual groups more to explore within a familiar framework. The Discovery mode volcano mechanic is a smart, lightweight addition that creates genuine tactical decisions without complicating the elegant core. The Totem and Tribe modes are less successful, adding complexity that doesn't always pay off in added fun. Players who already own and love the original may not find enough new material to justify a separate purchase. For newcomers choosing their first Kingdomino title, Origins offers the most content in a single box.

2018 · 2-4 Players · 30-45 min · Competitive

Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra takes the exceptional drafting core of the original Azul and layers additional complexity on top through its column system and glazier pawn. The new mechanisms reward planning and create more interesting long-term decisions than the original. They also make the game harder to teach and less immediately satisfying. For players who've mastered base Azul and want more to chew on, Stained Glass offers a meaningful step up. For everyone else, the original remains the better game.