(or here’s a list of what launched yesterday that might deserve a closer look… and Project Titles now feature links to their campaigns!)

Project: Design Shogi

Designer: Mitsuo Yamamoto (3 and C, ACTOP: Ancient Construct Tower of Philosopher, King’s Valley)

Artists: Mitsuo Yamamoto (3 and C, ACTOP: Ancient Construct Tower of Philosopher, King’s Valley)

Publisher: Logy Games (3 and C, ACTOP: Ancient Construct Tower of Philosopher, King’s Valley)

Genre/Mechanisms: 2 players, abstract strategy, grid movement, hand management, pattern movement, square grid

Player Count: 2

Solo Mode: no

Complexity: heavy

Risk: medium-high

Summary: “Shogi is one of the most popular Japanese classic board games. It is an abstract strategy game like Chess. Pieces are designed with Japanese Kanji letters. Those Kanji show their nature and how they can be moved. But this is why Japanese Shogi is difficult for foreigners and new players. It is hard to understand the Japanese Kanji letters and remember all the different directions of their moves. So I re-designed the pieces with icons. Now anybody can read the symbols and play Shogi much easier.”

Base Pledge (w/shipping): $24

All-In (w/shipping): $284, includes vanity rewards

Campaign Ends: 3/8

Game Ships: Apr. 2021

Funding Status: Funded; currently at 523% with 20 days to go.

Project: Stroganov

Designer: Andreas Steding (Firenze, Gùgōng, Hansa Teutonica)

Artists: Maciej Janik (Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game – Season One, Ettin, Prêt-à-Porter)

Publisher: Game Brewer (Chimera Station, Gentes, Gùgōng)

Genre/Mechanisms: action points, area movement, exploration, map addition, point to point movement, set collection, solo/solitaire game, turn order: claim action, worker placement

Player Count: 1-4

Solo Mode: yes

Complexity: medium-heavy

Risk: medium-low

Summary: “In the 16th century, Russia began to expand eastwards to develop the vast expanses of Siberia. This phase in history is closely associated with the name ‘Stroganov’. Players try to collect the best furs to gain wealth and fame as they move across the vastness that is Siberia. They will journey through Siberia in spring, summer, and autumn before returning home each winter. After four years (rounds), the player who has best utilized their actions and collected the most victory points wins.”

Base Pledge (w/shipping): $90

All-In (w/shipping): $90, same as above

Campaign Ends: 3/12

Game Ships: Oct. 2021

Funding Status: Funded; currently at 218% with 23 days to go.