Abstract strategy games strip things down to pure decisions, no luck, no theme, just you trying to outthink your opponent. There’s nothing hidden, no dice to blame, just clean moves on a board that punishes every mistake and rewards every bit of foresight.
Some examples of abstract games are Oxono, The Ludos Collection and Garden.
Tatsumi – More Puzzle Than Dragon
The islands of Tatsumi have fallen out of balance. Elemental rifts have appeared across the land, and the people are relying on their guardian dragons, known as Tatsu, to put things right. You’ll fly across the surrounding sea, gather rings…
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Gingham – The Sweetest Things Rarely Stay Yours
A picnic blanket has been abandoned with cookies, cupcakes, pies, cherries, and other sweets still sitting on it. For us, that would probably raise a few questions. For the ants in Gingham, it’s simply a good day. Each player controls…
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Kuroshio – Route Building on the Open Ocean
The Kuroshio Current carries warm water north through the western Pacific, along Taiwan and Japan. It attracts large schools of fish, followed by bigger predators, whales and fishing boats hoping to find a valuable catch. In Kuroshio, we add sea…
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Himizu – Fire and Water Fight for Every Space
Sometimes a game arrives in a small box and you immediately think, “Alright, this should be quick.” That was pretty much our first reaction when we opened Himizu. The board is tiny, there aren’t many pieces, and the rules aren’t…
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Madcala – Wonderland Mancala
When I first saw Madcala on the table, I expected something chaotic. Colorful gems, twisted Wonderland characters, glowing cats with creepy smiles, oversized tea-party artwork… it gives the impression that the game is going to spiral into nonsense after a…
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Tanbo – Harvesting in Circles
When we first saw Tanbo, we thought it was going to be one of those small farming games you play while relaxing with a cup of tea. Cute rice paddies, colorful wooden pieces, countryside vibes… you know the type. But…
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Strategeti – An Abstract Battle with Animal Instincts
When we first saw Strategeti, we expected something pretty light. Animal miniatures, warm colours, Serengeti theme… you kind of assume it’s going to be a relaxed family strategy game where everyone builds lines and politely pretends they totally saw that…
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Coloro – Chasing Colors Across a Shrinking Grid
Coloro is one of those games that looks a lot softer than it actually is. You see the colorful wooden pieces, the little origami symbols, the clean layout on the table… and you kind of expect something easygoing. Then a…
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Gazebo – Reiner Knizia Builds a Garden, Then Lets You Fight Over It
Reiner Knizia again. You kind of have an idea of what you’re getting… but I was still curious how this one would feel. It looks like a calm little garden game. Flowers, water, nice colors… you know the type. Something…
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Astraios: Starlight – Building Constellations Together
In Astraios: Starlight, the stars are just gone. Completely. And without them, the world is left in darkness. The game puts you in the role of children chosen by Astraios, the god of the stars, and your job is to…
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