Abyss
The Abyss power is once again vacant, so the time has come to get your hands on the throne and its privileges. Use all of your cunning to win or buy votes in the Council. Recruit the most influential Lords and abuse their powers to take control of the most strategic territories. Finally, impose yourself as the only one able to rule the Abyssal people!
30m - 60m
2 - 4 Players
Ages 14+
2020BoardGames
I simply adore the artwork, unique Merfolk theme, and clever bidding system mechanic in Abyss. And as a sucker for game components, I also really enjoy the plastic oyster cups and pearls -- these are absolutely great components to fiddle with throughout the game as you contemplate your next move. Designer Bruno Cathala often has bidding elements in his games, and Abyss sports my favorite version in its Explore the Depths action. Without getting to deep in to the rules, it's just neat as everyone gets to decide to wait or press there luck spending pearls to recruit the available ally. The game is relatively lightweight and I find it easy to teach as the board graphically lays out the three options on your turn as 3 distinct rows, exploring the depths, calling the senate, and recruiting a lord. This is not the easiest game for me to get to hit a table, but a game rarely takes over 30-45 minutes. This is most often an opening game if 3-4 people don't feel like jumping directly in to a heavier game.
383cherokee
This game is right up there with yggdrasil in art and appearance. The idea of collecting some thing to get another thing and so on is a interesting balance.
AmandaDesignsGames
Love the three possible actions, and the interactions between them, love the lightning fast pace, love the Lords and their different types, the Key system and the sacrifices it entails, the push your luck of the Monster track, but my favorite part is the card management behind the federation of allies, where the lowest numbered card you use is added to your score pile. Mastering that part is a big part of my enjoyment of this game.