Everdell

I'm a sucker for gorgeous games, so I'm going to start by mentioning the big cardboard tree. It's easy to (dis)assemble and sits front and center on the board. Its presence really does something to make the game feel so much more immersive and magical. Is it necessary? No. Do I love it? Yes. But, reluctantly moving past aesthetics -- which are beautiful not only in the components (such as rubber berries!) but in the card art too -- the game itself is primarily worker-placement and resource-management. It's a game of moving to collect just the right amount of materials to craft your buildings at just the right time before the current season ends. You’ll need to think ahead, planning for what you need, because you only have a limited number of turns. With this in mind you’ll want to utilise as many free actions as possible, and you can do this best via buildings designed for specific critters, who can move into their happy home at no extra cost to you.

It all just sings, with a pleasing crunch to its gameplay but not in its rules. This is something I have a real appreciation for, because there’s a big difference between something that has you repeatedly returning to the rulebook to answer little questions before you make a move, and something that has you eyeing your cards, your resources, and your opponent(s) while trying to decide what your next best move is. The question isn't what to do, but how to go about it. It’s a lovely little experience, and there’s nothing too heavy here. A game of Everdell tends to last me an hour, which always feels just right. There are also loads of beautiful expansions if, after several games, you want to spice things up and add some extra oomph and eye-candy... but, me? I’ve always been satisfied with the game as is, and that lovely tree.