A Few of Our Favorite Games From Board and Dice

With almost 600 games in our collection, it takes a lot for a game to not only make it to our collection, but to also STAY in our collection. Board and Dice was kind enough to send us a few of their recent releases, and spoiler alert: we loved them! We’ve been eyeing Board and Dice for quite some time, and I am so excited to share a few of our favorite picks from their catalog! 

Nucleum:

Nucleum is the first game I had heard of from Board and Dice and the reason I was initially interested in their games. In a world full of games, a good theme goes a long way, and Nucleum is definitely unique. 

Inu, players will take on the role of 19th century industrialists, competing to develop their network, build and power buildings, obtain contracts, and meet various goals and milestones along the way. The game takes place in Saxony, one of Germany’s leading industrial regions prior to WW2. Even the city chosen as the setting has a historically significant impact on the game, really helping to bring the theme together. 

My favorite aspect about Nucleum would have to be the level of thought that has to go into each action. “Am I going to place a tile?” “Where do I place the tile?” “Is there a way to get more out of this turn?” These are the questions I love having to ask myself during a game. If I can coast through a game without having to strategize, chances are, I won’t be picking it up again. On the complete flip side, Nucleum keeps my brain going the entire time I am sitting at the table, making it a game that I am sure will be in my collection for quite a while! The theme is executed in such an authentic way, and it really helps me to stay immersed in the game while playing. The table presence for Nucleum, similarly to the other Board and Dice games, is simply massive. I recently upgraded to a larger game table and I am so happy I did, because this would not have fit on my old card table. 

If you are looking for a game that lets you live out your dreams of being an industrialist in the 19th century, look no further than Nucleum!

Barcelona:

The quickest way for a board game to make it into my collection is to have an element of tile laying at the center of the mechanics. Barcelona does just that and pulls it off flawlessly with the theme!

In Barcelona, players take on the role of builders in Barcelona, working to expand the city and make it the perfect place for residents to live out their days. You’ll be working to construct buildings while accommodating your citizens along the way. You’ll do this by building streets, engineering tram lines, and building public services, for all of your citizens to enjoy.

My favorite aspect of Barcelona is, you guessed it, the tile laying mechanic! The game is stunning, and the tiles all look so pretty on the board. The game does a really good job of making you feel like you are constructing a new version of Barcelona, because in a way, you really are. There are unique challenges to face along the way, and the puzzle seriously makes me so happy when Barcelona is on the table!

If you’re a world traveler looking for the next game to visit your table, Barcelona might just be what you’re looking for!

Windmill Valley:

Now this list is full of amazing games, but I think I found a new favorite in Windmill Valley! I originally picked this game out because I love a good tulip, or rose, but after researching and watching playthroughs online, I realized Windmill Valley is a truly amazing game!

In Windmill Valley players will be acting as tulip farmers, and entrepreneurs. You’ll work to build and upgrade your windmills, buying and planting new bulbs, and hiring new contracts to ensure your victory in the end. 

My favorite aspect of Windmill Valley is definitely the whole mechanism of the windmill. In summary, the windmill is what determines the actions you can take on your turn. This windmill has a large side with 6 spaces and a small side with 5. Along the course of the game, players will have the option to upgrade these spaces, and the placement of these upgrades is a crucial puzzle within itself. The wheel turns work to make sure you can’t predict the outcome of a turn too far in advance, which I usually try to do, and works to keep players on their toes. This is a very unique action assignment mechanic that I don’t recall in any of my past games, and I absolutely love it!

If you’re a fan of flowers, puzzles, or just having a good time in general, I strongly suggest giving Windmill Valley a try!

Minos: Dawn of The Bronze Age

You guys know that we are always super tough graders when it comes to area control games… let's see if Minos: Dawn of The Bronze Age passed the test!

In Minos: Dawn of The Bronze Age, players take on the role of leaders of Minoan clans. You’ll be working to build cities and structures, create and foster new trade routes, and protect your clan from harm. The game takes place over 4 rounds, so be sure to make the most out of every move!

My favorite aspect of Minos: Dawn of The Bronze Age would have to be the role that the dice play in the game. The way to use the programming board is by drafting and assigning dice to the appropriate spaces. This helps determine what actions will be taken, and how the turns will most likely play out. Besides tile placement, dice drafting is one of my favorite mechanisms a game can incorporate. 

If you’re looking for a game that blends dice drafting and area control, look no further than Minos: Dawn of The Bronze Age.

Overall, we are LOVING our new games from Board and Dice, and hope to add more of their games to our collection in the future. Thank you to Board and Dice for sending us these games for review, while the games were gifted, all opinions remain our own.