Katie Otto, American Housewife
Katie Otto, American Housewife, and Why I’m Not The Perfect Mom This blog post is part of a paid Megan Media and ABC blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own....
As I’m sure you are all aware, my family and I LOVE board games! We have over 250 board games in our collection, and we still have more on the way! Arcane Wonders recently sent us a care package and today I will be unpacking what's inside.
World Wonders is a strategic tile-placing board game where players take a journey through history, reconstructing some of their favorite wonders of the world. In this game, you will take on the role of an ancient civilization, with your unique abilities and advantages, racing against your opponents to construct world-renowned wonders such as The Pyramids of Giza, and various monuments.
During the game, you will be tasked to manage your resources wisely, including material and technology, to complete your wonders before your rivals. You must also navigate challenges and obstacles as they arise, such as other player’s civilizations and unforeseen disasters.
As you progress through the ages, new abilities and technologies will be introduced, allowing you to build upon your current civilization, and erect more impressive wonders. Your ultimate goal: Build a world that leaves a legacy!
The Mundo Expansion introduces new wonders from various regions of the world, offering you the opportunity to build new and exciting landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, and the Taj Mahal! These new wonders not only add diversity to gameplay but also add new strategic options and newly discovered pathways to victory.
Furnace is a strategic economic board game where you will take on the role of an industrial tycoon racing to build the most successful factory among your peers. Furnace is set in the Industrial Revolution, before the wars. You must invest, negotiate, and outsmart your opponents to gain wealth and power.
You will first start with a rather modest factory and a not-so-generous hand of resources. This will soon change, however, as you expand operations, and upgrade your facilities to become the ultimate tycoon. As you accumulate resources and optimize your production chains, you will fulfill contracts, satisfy investors, and reap the rewards of your industrial empire. Keep in mind, that competition is fierce, and you must constantly adapt your strategies to stay ahead of your rivals.
The Interbellum expansion brings Furnace into the 1920’s and 1930’s, the interwar period known as the Interbellum. How will the new age affect your game?
SmartPhone Inc. is a board game that puts you in the shoes of an entrepreneur competing in the world of Smartphone technology. In this game, you will need to juggle the market, product development, marketing, and distribution, to become the dominant force in the industry, securing your name as the ultimate smartphone mogul.
You will start with a small startup and a few resources to get you on your feet. Through careful decision-making and planning, you can use your resources, research new technologies, and out-mogul your rivals. Make sure to plan, as your resources are very important to your business.
If that isn’t enough, the market is always changing, and so will your business plan to keep up. Success requires strategy and adaptability as well as flexibility. Your original technique will most likely not be your last.
SmartPhone Inc. Update 1.1 helps to add a bit more depth to the game, as well as simplify the game for 2-3 player setup.
Aquatica is a captivating board game set in the ominous depths of the ocean. In this game, you will take on the role of an undersea explorer looking to build the greatest underwater empire. You will accomplish this by recruiting sea creatures, building cities, and discovering lost treasure.
Aquatica is unique for its dynamic card-based action system, where you must carefully manage your hand and trigger powerful effects that can ultimately be a turning tide of the game. All the while, you must contend with your rivals, sea monsters, and other underwater hazards. Make sure to plan, to stay ahead in this ocean-themed game.
Four Gardens is a visually stunning tile-laying board game that invites you to immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of the gardens. While there, you must cultivate and work to beautify your surroundings to earn the emperor’s favor. Four Gardens is a beautiful game inspired by traditional Asian art and culture.
An aspect that makes Four Gardens unique is the rotating central board. This serves as the focal point of the game, presenting you with a unique challenge. It is imperative to rotate the tower to display the correct sequence for your gameplay while sabotaging others along the way.
Make sure to stay creative, and to focus on fulfilling the Emperor’s requests to have the most beautiful garden in the end.
Overall, Arcane Wonders sent a very generous selection of games and I am so excited to try out their next ones! Make sure to check out Arcane Wonders for your next board game purchase!