Scythe
Description
In the alternate 1920s, build your economic engine and deploy your giant Mechs in Eastern Europe! Scythe is a masterpiece by Jamey Stegmaier that combines the depth of a resource management Eurogame with the excitement of territorial confrontation (Ameritrash). In Scythe, each player represents one of 5 asymmetrical factions, each with a unique player board and faction board, ensuring very different play styles. The core mechanic is Action Selection, where you choose one of the 4 sections of your personal board, performing a higher action (move, upgrade) and then a lower action (produce, build), always trying to maximize efficiency and synergy. The tension comes from the presence of the imposing Mechs; Although war is possible, the game rewards economic efficiency and intelligent objective placement. It's not a war game, but a Eurogame game about efficiency and area control. The game is designed to keep all players engaged, as the length of the game is defined by the players themselves (someone gets 6 Stars/Achievements). If you love resource management, building a complex economic engine, and a unique sci-fi/fantasy setting, Scythe is an essential purchase. It's a visually stunning experience and a strategic challenge that will keep you coming back to Eastern Europe again and again.
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How to play
A player's turn consists of simply moving their token to one of the 4 sections of their personal board and performing the top action (mandatory) and bottom action (optional) of that section. Superior actions include Move units, or Win Combat. Lower actions include Produce Resources, Buy Upgrades, or Build Structures. The goal is to be the first player to get 6 Stars (Achievements), which are earned in 10 different ways (e.g. deploy all Mechs, get all upgrades, win battles). Once someone gets 6 Stars, the game ends immediately and victory points (based on money, area control, resources, and popularity) are counted.
Why you might like it
If you are attracted to deep eurogames with high asymmetry, a very marked setting and excellent quality of components, Scythe offers intense and highly replayable games.
What to keep in mind
Can be perceived as "Multi-Solitaire" despite area control, with few direct combats, The learning curve is considerable due to faction rules and the personal board, The entry price is high due to the high quality of the materials"