Splendor (Bordspel)

The chip weights alone make managing my merchant guild feel properly luxurious, and watching my engine of mines and artisans chain together is pure satisfaction. Setup takes maybe five minutes, and the monarch visits are a nice little bonus that keeps everyone on edge.

My group has played this every game night since it arrived — the merchant guild and mine investment theme actually makes you feel like you're building an empire. Setup takes barely five minutes and the pace stays snappy even with four players.

The chip weights feel satisfying when you stack them, and the pace moves fast enough that everyone stays engaged between turns. I've already played three rounds tonight and the merchant theme actually pulls you into the strategy without feeling repetitive.