BOARD GAME REVIEW: SEA OF CLOUDS (2016)

Sea of Clouds is a game that takes a couple of mechanisms used in other games. It then mashes them together and makes something that is just a little bit special out of them. Regardless, it does have some flaws (like any game).
Sea of Clouds is a pirate-themed game from IeLLO. It mashes together an “I split/You Choose” mechanism from games such as piece of cake. However, the twist here is that it is done in sequence and you only see the back of the cards to start with. This then gives it a Small Worlds type mechanism where every time you pass over a card, you add another card to it. And finally, battling is done similar to 7 Wonders (fight each person besides you).

Ultimately, it all comes together really well. Seeing the back of the cards and knowing what type of cards there is gives you just enough information. It makes me wonder if Seven Wonders would benefit from something similar (knowing what types of cards are coming up means you can start building with direction).  Combat is powerful but because it only happens 4-5 times in a game keeps it from becoming too annoying. And the tough choices about skipping a pile, knowing the next card may make the stack amazing. And the artwork and components are great.

There are a couple of downsides, however. One of the main ones is that analysis paralysis is real, especially if there is pile someone doesn’t want but would be great for the next person. Be prepared for a bit of waiting or attempted negotiation in this case. The other problem is that it is entirely possible to run out of cards at 4 players, meaning you are just shuffling pirate heavy stacks back into the supply. A few extra cards would've really mitigated this allot.

However, overall, the game plays really nicely. The problems are far outweighed by the good, and it is a nice light game to start of finish off the night. It has some good meat on the bones as well to not feel like a throw-away game.

4 out of 5 heartily-enjoyable waffles.

BOARD GAME REVIEW: PAPER TALES (2018)

Paper Tales by Stronghold Games came out of nowhere a bit. A simple card-drafting, tableau-building game on the surface, this game wears its 7 Wonders inspirations on its sleeves (in terms of wars, resource generation, etc.). However, in this case, inspiration does not mean it is just a poor mans copy.

Paper Tales does a couple of things very differently. Firstly, you have to place your units in a front and back rank to determine who fights and who doesn't. For the most part, this doesn't really play a big part as you just stick powerful units at the front and weaker units (resource generating) at the back. The main thing it limits you on is your military strength. Eventually you can play a fifth unit by upgrading a building, which is a really good idea.

The big change, however, is the aging mechanic. Most cards only stick around for a couple of turns (generations) before growing old and dying. Add to this a very tight coin income (unless you specialise in coins at the expense of other things), only 4 rounds to build buildings (the main source of VP outside of wars), and only 4 battles, you have a very tight game. 

This is a very tight game and the hard choices start immediately and only get harder with time. Do you use up your limited income to fill up with 4 units in round 1 or save a bit to try to get a stronger unit in round 2. In addition, you always have to keep in mind people can hate draft against you and keep the strong units from you. The only round that has some easier choices is round 1 as most times you want to get as much out as possible. However, this can be easily solved by drafting an extra card on the first round if so inclined. I never found it much of an issue as the first round gave plenty of other choices already.

Playing through the round also goes very quickly. Drafting, everyone takes turns simultaneously and at only 4 rounds, there are plenty of options you can explore to score points and alternative pathways you can take in following games. Add to that the variable buildings and great solo mode from the expansion, this game is a real winner.

5 out of 5 tearable waffles.