ICYMI: What we played this summer

As summer draws to a close, it’s time to look back on the fantastic games that the Oakland Board Gamers explored over the past few months. From intricate strategy games to light-hearted fillers, our summer sessions were packed with variety and fun. Here’s a roundup of the games we played, highlighting some memorable moments and standout experiences.
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Summer Game Highlights

1. Hegemony (played 2x): We delved into this game of political and economic power where each player leads a different social class. The game’s depth and complexity made for some intense sessions.
2. Distilled (played 3x): We got to be distillers crafting fine spirits. The game’s thematic immersion and strategic choices provided a refreshing experience.
3. Apiary: This game buzzed with excitement as players managed their beehives and worked to produce the best honey.
4. Scarface 1920 (played 2x): Prohibition-era Chicago came alive with this game of gangsters and crime. The strategic maneuvering and thematic richness were highlights.
5. Root (played 2+): Our adventures continued in the woodland with this beloved game of asymmetric warfare and strategy. The diverse factions and ever-changing dynamics kept the game exciting.
6. Project L: We tackled this fast-paced, tile-placement puzzle game, racing to complete projects and score points.
7. Skyrise (played 3+): Building skyscrapers in a rapidly expanding city was a rewarding challenge, with strategic planning and resource management at the core.
8. Chai (played 2x): We brewed up a storm in this game about tea and tea shops. The charming theme and engaging gameplay made it a favorite.
9. Honeybuzz (played 3x): Another bee-themed game, where we competed to build the best beehive and gather the most honey.
10. Trickerion: Magic tricks and theatrical performances were the order of the day in this intricate game of illusion and strategy.
11. Cerebria: We explored the depths of emotion and conflict in this beautifully crafted game of mental and emotional balance.
12. Godspeed: Space exploration and colonization were our tasks as we managed resources and navigated interstellar challenges.
13. Arcs (played 3+): This game of science fiction and exploration kept us engaged with its unique mechanics and strategic depth.
14. Let's Go to Japan (played 3+): A journey through Japan's rich culture and landmarks provided a delightful experience.
15. Harmonies (played 5x): Create your own landscape and habitats to welcome animals.
16. Cascadia: We enjoyed this tile-placement game featuring wildlife and ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. Its simple yet strategic gameplay made it a hit.
17. Silver: A quick and engaging card game with a touch of the wild west theme.
18. Azul: The beautiful tile-laying game returned to our table, offering its classic blend of strategy and aesthetics.
19. Dokitto Ice (played 10x): This refreshing game added a cool twist to our gaming sessions with its unique mechanics.
20. Dune: War for Arrakis: The epic struggle for control of Arrakis provided deep strategic play and intense competition.
21. Chimera Station: We managed alien workers and built a space station in this engaging game of alien labor and management.
22. Raccoon Tycoon: A game of economic strategy and market manipulation, featuring adorable raccoons.
23. War Machine: This tactical game had us strategizing and battling in a dystopian future.
24. Square on Sale: We dived into this Japanese auction game, testing our skills in bidding and resource management.
25. Anachrony: Time travel and resource management were at the heart of this complex and rewarding game.
26. Lisboa: This intricate game of rebuilding Lisbon after the earthquake offered deep strategic play and historical flavor.
27. Watergate: We explored the political intrigue of the Watergate scandal in this tense and engaging historical game.
28. Inventions: We competed as inventors in this game of innovation and discovery.
29. Starcraft: The battle for dominance in the Starcraft universe was intense and strategic.
30. Quest for El Dorado: We raced through the jungle in search of the legendary city of gold, navigating challenges and obstacles.
31. Abyss: Underwater politics and resource management defined this game of oceanic intrigue.
32. Gizmos: A game of building and efficiency, where we crafted intricate gizmos and gadgets.
33. Tir Na Nog: We explored the mythical land of Tir Na Nog, making strategic decisions to build and expand.
34. Food Chain Magnate: We managed a fast-food empire, competing to create the most successful restaurant chain.
35. Cities: This game had us building and expanding urban landscapes, balancing growth and resources.
36. Ghost Stories: We faced off against vengeful spirits in this cooperative game of ghost-hunting and strategy.
37. Guild of Merchant Explorers: We set out to explore new lands and build our mercantile empire in this engaging game.
38. War Room: An epic strategic battle game with plotting rods for Italy, US, Great Britain, and Germany.
39. Windmill Valley: Dani Garcia’s latest rondel and action selection game.
40. Cascadia: We strategically placed tiles and animals to maximize our scores.
41. Hansa Teutonica: A classic euro game of network building and area control.
42. Cubitos: A race for victory with dice in this fast-paced game.
43. Dune Uprising: Daniel, Trace, Michael and Dani battled for control of Arrakis.
44. Rats of Wistar: Mark, Alex, and Adam escaped from the lab in this Simone Luciani game.
45. Rumble Nation (played 4+): Arka,Dhivya, John,and Nate rolled dice and placed troops in this Japanese area control game.
46. Chomp: An easy-to-play game where players build dinosaurs and score points.
47. Yokai Septet: A trick-taking game focused on capturing 7s.
48. A Gest of Robinhood: A cooperative game that mixes storytelling and adventure.
49. Haggis: A trick-taking card game that provided strategic fun.
50. Bruges (played 2x): A classic from Stefan Feld that tested our city-building skills.
51. Euphoria: A dystopian-themed worker placement game that challenged our strategic thinking.
52. Fast Sloths: A light and engaging game with a fun theme of racing sloths.
53. Arboreteum: A game centered around building a beautiful and thriving forest.
54. Cuzco: This Stefan Feld reskin of Bora Bora explores the ancient civilization of the Inca Empire. This game seamlessly blends area control with resource management, offering a rich tapestry of strategic choices.
55. Fractured Sky (played 2x): Players tackle a unique mix of area control and resource management.
56. Glory to Rome (played 2+): Andy's grail game transported us to the Roman Empire, where we managed resources and constructed buildings to gain influence. 
57. Railways of the Lost Atlas: Jon hosted this 18xx, where players embark on an exploration and expansion journey across a mysterious land.
58. Foundations of Rome (played 4+): We stepped into the role of Roman architects, constructing buildings and monuments in a growing city. 
59. Three Ring Circus: A Devir game where players compete to create the most dazzling and profitable show.
60. Bitoku: Another Devir game where players assume the roles of ancient spirits striving to guide the humans of the forest towards enlightenment. The game’s intricate mechanics involve resource management, spiritual progression, and the construction of powerful shrines.

PGC Con Recap
​Our time at PGC Con (Portland Games Collective indie card gaming convention) was filled with exciting and varied games:

• Catsle Builders: A trick-taking game with adorable art and tight, strategic gameplay.
• Witch’s Shot Delivery Service: A quirky game with some rule challenges, but it had its moments.
• Vivo: A must-follow trick-taker where you aim to be either highest or lowest.
• Isle of Trains: Card driven tableau builder with multi-use cards

Action Point Game Day

• Pax Pamir 2e: Nick, Trace, Joey, and Muhammad, and Andy engaged in the "Great Game" with this historical strategy classic.
• Trismegistus: Melissa, Maida, Mazi, and Dave worked on alchemical recipes in this intricate game.
• Windmill Valley: Dani Garcia’s game with a personal rondel and action selection.
• Honeybuzz: Oliver, Tracy, and Jordan competed in this engaging worker placement game.
• Inflation: Shiv taught us this trick-taking game where numbers can reach into the millions!
• Vamp on the Catwalk: A Hanabi-style trick-taking game about fashionable vampires.
• Botswana: A cute Knizia stock market game.
• Gang of Dice: A push-your-luck dice game by Knizia.

Games at the Park
​We took our gaming outdoors for some sunshine and fresh air:

• Wonderland’s War: Dhivya triumphed as The Queen of Hearts over Gabriel, Arka, and Vera
• Everdell: Andy hosted this popular worker placement game with Jordan, Nate, and Melanie
• Arcs: Jonathan, Javi, and Zee played the fastest session of Arcs ever.
• Root (Winter with Otters and Lizards): Seasonal changes brought new challenges to this classic.
• Trails: A standalone game in the Parks universe.
• Square on Sale: An abstract auction game from Japan.